Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

Overview

• Focus on understanding the structure (Anatomy) and function (Physiology) of body parts.
• Importance of maintaining the norm to avoid pathophysiology.

Reference Material

• Primary textbook: Reason and Pearson Education

Key Concepts

Understanding Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy: the study of the structure and organization of body parts.
• Physiology: the study of the function of these body parts.
• Specialists:
  • Anatomists: focus on structure.
  • Physiologists: focus on functions.
  • Pathologists: study diseases.

Reference Systems in Anatomy

• Terms of Directions: superior, inferior, ventral (anterior), posterior (dorsal), cranial, caudad, medial, lateral, proximal, distal.
• Planes:
  • Sagittal Plane: divides body into left/right.
  • Horizontal (Transverse) Plane: divides body into upper/lower.
  • Frontal (Coronal) Plane: divides body into front/back.
• Body Cavities:
  • Dorsal Cavities: cranial and spinal.
  • Ventral Cavities: thoracic and abdominopelvic.
• Structural Units: cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms.

Levels of Organization

• Atoms → Molecules → Cells (basic unit of life) → Tissues → Organs → Organ Systems → Organism

Types of Tissues

• Epithelial: covers and protects.
• Connective: supports and binds.
• Muscle: facilitates movement.
• Nervous: controls and communicates.

Organ Systems Overview

Integumentary System

• Functions: protection, temperature regulation, sensation.

Skeletal System

• Functions: support, protect organs, provide framework, blood cell formation.

Muscular System

• Types: skeletal, smooth, cardiac.
• Functions: movement, posture, heat production.

Nervous System

• Functions: response to stimuli, activates muscles and glands, regulates body functions.

Endocrine System

• Functions: hormone production, regulation of metabolism, growth, and development.

Cardiovascular System

• Functions: circulate blood, transport nutrients and waste, maintain blood pressure.

Lymphatic/Immune System

• Functions: immunity, fluid balance, transport of white blood cells.

Respiratory System

• Functions: gas exchange, supply oxygen, remove carbon dioxide.

Digestive System

• Functions: breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, excretion of waste.

Urinary System

• Functions: excretion of waste, regulation of water and electrolytes, maintain pH balance.

Reproductive System

• Functions: produce offspring, genetic material transmission.

Homeostasis

Mechanisms of Homeostasis

• Negative Feedback: regulates body processes (e.g., temperature, glucose levels).
• Positive Feedback: amplifies processes (e.g., childbirth, blood clotting).

Importance of Homeostasis

• Maintains stable internal environment essential for health.
• Imbalances can lead to disease or dysfunction.