Understanding Anatomy and Physiology Basics

Aug 25, 2024

Anatomy and Physiology Lecture Notes

Importance of Learning Terminology

  • Exams: Use of correct anatomical and physiological terms required.
  • Communication: Essential for sounding intelligent with colleagues and superiors in healthcare.
  • Course Structure: Anatomy and Physiology are taught together due to their interdependence; Hillsborough Community College offers Anatomy and Physiology I & II.

Anatomy vs. Physiology

  • Anatomy: Structure and form of body parts.
  • Physiology: Function and how it relates to structure.
  • Examples:
    • Wheels are round for rotation.
    • Sickle cell anemia: Malformed red blood cells lead to malfunction.

Types of Anatomy

  • Gross Anatomy: Structures visible to the naked eye.
  • Microscopic Anatomy: Structures requiring a microscope (e.g., histology).
  • Developmental Anatomy: Focuses on embryology and changes from conception to birth.

Systems Overview

  • Chapter Breakdown:
    • Chapter 1: Overview
    • Chapter 2: Chemistry
    • Chapter 3: Cells
    • Chapter 4: Histology (Lab-focused)
    • Subsequent chapters cover systems like integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and more.

Physiology Focus

  • Study Levels: Cellular to molecular.
  • Importance of Chemistry and Physics: Understanding chemical reactions and physical principles.
  • Complementarity Principle: Structure and function are interrelated.

Hierarchy of Organization

  • Chemical Level: Atoms and molecules.
  • Cellular Level: Organelles and cells.
  • Tissues, Organs, Organ Systems: Lead to the organism.
  • Requirement for Life: Maintaining boundaries, movement, response to stimuli, digestion, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, and growth.

Maintaining Homeostasis

  • Homeostasis: Balance in the body’s internal environment.
  • Components: Receptor, control center (brain), and effector.
  • Feedback Mechanisms:
    • Negative Feedback: Most common, maintains equilibrium (e.g., temperature, blood sugar).
    • Positive Feedback: Enhances original stimulus (e.g., childbirth, clotting).

System Overviews

  • Integumentary System: Skin, hair, nails, protection, vitamin D synthesis.
  • Skeletal System: Bones, joints, protection, and support.
  • Muscular System: Movement, posture, heat production.
  • Nervous System: Fast-acting control, internal and external response.
  • Endocrine System: Hormone secretion, regulation of growth, reproduction, nutrient use.
  • Cardiovascular System: Heart and vessels, transport of blood, nutrients, and waste.
  • Lymphatic/Immune System: Fluid recovery, immune response.
  • Respiratory System: Oxygen supply, carbon dioxide removal.
  • Digestive System: Breakdown of food, nutrient absorption, waste elimination.
  • Urinary System: Waste elimination, water, electrolyte, and pH balance.
  • Reproductive Systems: Producing offspring, ensuring species continuity.

Survival Needs

  • Nutrients, Oxygen, Water: Essential for cellular function.
  • Normal Body Temperature: Required for metabolic reactions.
  • Appropriate Atmospheric Pressure: Necessary for breathing and gas exchange.

Homeostatic Imbalance

  • Aging: Reduces control system efficiency.
  • Feedback Mechanism Overwhelm: Can lead to health issues.