Essential Concepts in Anatomy and Physiology

Aug 26, 2024

Anatomy and Physiology Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Overview of Anatomy and Physiology (A&P)
  • Importance of A&P in nursing and healthcare
  • Structure and function relationship known as the dogma of A&P: Structure dictates function.

Definitions

  • Anatomy: Study of human body structure and location of body parts.
  • Physiology: Study of how body structures function.

Types of Anatomy

  1. Systemic Anatomy: Studies organ systems.
  2. Regional Anatomy: Studies specific regions of the body.
  3. Surface Anatomy: Studies surface markings.
  4. Gross Anatomy: Structures visible without a microscope (e.g., left ventricle of the heart).
  5. Microscopic Anatomy: Structures requiring a microscope (e.g., tissues and cells).
    • Histology: Study of tissues.
    • Cytology: Study of cells.

Types of Physiology

  1. Neurophysiology: Study of the nervous system.
  2. Cardiovascular Physiology: Study of the heart and blood vessels.

Characteristics of Life

  1. Composed of one or more cells.
  2. Metabolism (anabolism & catabolism).
  3. Excretion of waste.
  4. Growth (cell size & number).
  5. Response to stimuli.
  6. Movement.
  7. Reproduction (mitosis & meiosis).

Levels of Structural Organization

  • Chemical Level: Atoms and molecules.
  • Cellular Level: Cells formed from molecules.
  • Tissue Level: Tissues formed from cells.
  • Organ Level: Organs formed from tissues.
  • Organ System Level: Systems formed from organs.
  • Organism Level: Complete living beings.

Anatomical Position

  • Standing upright, feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Upper limbs at sides, palms facing forward.

Directional Terms

  • Anterior: Front of the body.
  • Posterior: Back of the body.
  • Superior: Toward the head.
  • Inferior: Toward the tail.
  • Proximal: Closer to the point of origin (for limbs).
  • Distal: Farther from the point of origin.
  • Medial: Closer to the midline.
  • Lateral: Farther from the midline.
  • Superficial: Closer to the body surface.
  • Deep: Farther from the body surface.

Regions of the Body

  • Axial Region: Head, neck, trunk.
  • Appendicular Region: Upper and lower limbs.

Planes of Section

  1. Sagittal Plane: Divides body into right and left sections.
    • Midsagittal: Equal left and right parts.
    • Parasagittal: Unequal left and right parts.
  2. Transverse Plane: Divides body into superior and inferior parts.
  3. Frontal Plane: Divides body into anterior and posterior sections.
  4. Oblique Plane: Divided at an angle.

Body Cavities

  • Dorsal Cavity: Back side (cranial and spinal cavities).
  • Ventral Cavity: Front side (thoracic and abdominal pelvic cavities).
    • Diaphragm: Muscle separating thoracic and abdominal regions.

Abdominal Regions

  • Four Quadrant System:
    • Right Upper Quadrant, Left Upper Quadrant, Right Lower Quadrant, Left Lower Quadrant.
  • Non-Region System:
    • Hypochondriac, Epigastric, Lumbar, Umbilical, Iliac, Hypogastric regions.

Serous Membranes

  • Visceral Layer: Innermost layer in contact with organs.
  • Parietal Layer: Outer layer.
  • Cavities: Plural, pericardial, and peritoneal.

Medical Imaging

  • X-rays: Use ionized radiation for internal views.
  • CT Scan: Provides cross-sectional images.
  • MRI: Uses magnetic radiation for imaging.

Homeostasis

  • Maintenance of the internal environment.
  • Feedback Loops:
    • Negative Feedback Loop: Stabilizes changes (e.g., temperature regulation).
    • Positive Feedback Loop: Reinforces changes (e.g., childbirth).

Conclusion

  • Structure and function, along with homeostasis, are central themes in A&P.
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