Human Anatomy and Physiology Overview for Healthcare Students

Introduction

• Importance of understanding human anatomy and physiology for healthcare students
• Key body systems to know: respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, nervous, muscular, reproductive, integumentary, endocrine, urinary, immune, skeletal
• 18 out of 44 questions on the ATI TEAS exam focus on anatomy and physiology

Anatomical Terminology and Directions

• Common Anatomical Terms (e.g., cephalic, cranial, facial, thoracic)
• Directional Terms: Anterior, Posterior, Superior, Inferior, Medial, Lateral, Proximal, Distal
• Planes of the Body: Sagittal, Frontal, Transverse

Body Systems Overview

Respiratory System

• Structure: Nose, mouth, throat, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs
• Function: Gas exchange - oxygen intake and carbon dioxide release
• Factors Affecting: Diseases (pneumonia, asthma), allergens, smoking

Cardiovascular System

• Components: Heart, blood vessels, blood
• Heart Chambers: Right/left atrium, right/left ventricle
• Blood Vessels: Arteries (oxygen-rich), veins (oxygen-poor), capillaries
• Blood Flow Cycle: Oxygenated blood travels from lungs to body, deoxygenated returns to heart/lungs

Digestive System

• Structure: GI tract - mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum
• Accessory Organs: Teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas
• Digestive Enzymes/Hormones: Gastrin, secretin, insulin

Nervous System

• Divisions: Central Nervous System (CNS), Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
• Neuron Structure: Cell body, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath
• Neurons: Sensory (afferent), Motor (efferent)

Muscular System

• Types of Muscle Tissues: Skeletal, cardiac, smooth
• Functions: Movement, involuntary functions, coordination with nerves

Reproductive System

• Male Structures: Testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles
• Female Structures: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina
• Hormonal Regulation: Interaction with endocrine system (e.g., testosterone, estrogen)

Integumentary System

• Components: Skin, hair, nails, sweat glands
• Layers of Skin: Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis
• Functions: Protection, sensation, temperature regulation

Endocrine System

• Glands: Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal
• Functions: Hormonal regulation of growth, metabolism, mood
• Feedback Mechanisms: Positive (e.g., oxytocin), negative (e.g., insulin)

Urinary System

• Structure: Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra
• Function: Filtration of blood, waste excretion, blood pressure regulation

Immune System

• Defense Systems: Innate (first line), Adaptive (second line)
• Components: White blood cells, antibodies, lymphatic system
• Immunity Types: Passive (e.g., mother’s milk), active (self-produced antibodies)

Skeletal System

• Types of Bones: Long, short, flat, irregular
• Bone Tissues: Compact, spongy, marrow
• Function: Support, movement (with muscular system)

Conclusion

• Review of important topics for ATI TEAS exam preparation
• Additional resources available at Nurse Chung's website