Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Aug 21, 2024

Anatomy and Physiology: Chapter 1 - Introduction to the Human Body

Overview

  • Introduction to anatomical terms, structures, and prefixes.
  • Examination of structural organization of the human body.
  • Discussion of 11 organ systems studied in Anatomy 1 and 2.

Definition and Scope

Anatomy

  • Study of body structures and relationships.
  • Divided into Gross Anatomy and Microscopic Anatomy.
    • Gross Anatomy: Visible structures (brain, heart).
    • Microscopic Anatomy: Requires microscope (cytology and histology).

Physiology

  • Study of body function.
  • Focus on cellular and molecular events.
  • Includes subdivisions such as immunology, renal physiology, and cardiovascular physiology.

Levels of Structural Organization

Cellular Level

  • Basic unit of life, diverse in size and shape.
  • Cells perform all vital functions.

Tissue Level

  • Groups of similar cells with a common function (muscle, nerve, connective).

Organ Level

  • Structures composed of at least two tissue types.

Organ System Level

  • Groups of organs working together (e.g., lymphatic, respiratory systems).

Organismal Level

  • Highest level; all structures working together to maintain homeostasis.

Organ Systems Overview

  1. Lymphatic System: Immunity, fluid transport, fat absorption.
  2. Respiratory System: Gas exchange.
  3. Muscular System: Movement, support, heat production.
  4. Nervous System: Communication and response.
  5. Integumentary System: Protection, temperature regulation.
  6. Skeletal System: Support, blood cell production, mineral storage.
  7. Endocrine System: Hormone secretion.
  8. Cardiovascular System: Nutrient and oxygen transport, waste removal.
  9. Digestive System: Nutrient absorption, waste elimination.
  10. Urinary System: Waste removal, pH and electrolyte balance.
  11. Reproductive System: Reproduction, hormone secretion.

Characteristics of Living Organisms

  • Responding to stimuli.
  • Growth and development.
  • Reproduction.
  • Movement and respiration.
  • Circulation and digestion.
  • Excretion.

Metabolism

  • Includes anabolic (building) and catabolic (breaking down) reactions.
  • Energy release and absorption.

Requirements for Human Life

  • Oxygen: Essential for ATP production.
  • Nutrients: Water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Temperature: Narrow range for enzyme function.
  • Atmospheric Pressure: Necessary for gas exchange.

Homeostasis

  • Maintaining a stable internal environment.
  • Involves feedback mechanisms (negative and positive).
  • Negative Feedback: Opposes changes (e.g., body temperature regulation).
  • Positive Feedback: Enhances changes (e.g., childbirth).

Anatomical Terms and Positions

  • Standard anatomical position: Body upright, feet parallel, arms at sides, palms forward.
  • Orientation terms include: anterior, posterior, superior, inferior, medial, lateral, proximal, distal, superficial, deep.

Body Planes and Sections

  • Sagittal Plane: Divides body into left/right.
  • Frontal/Coronal Plane: Divides body into front/back.
  • Transverse Plane: Divides body into upper/lower.

Body Cavities

  • Dorsal Cavity: Contains cranial and vertebral cavities.
  • Ventral Cavity: Contains thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities.

Serous Membranes

  • Double-layered with serous fluid between parietal (outer) and visceral (inner) layers.

Medical Imaging

  • Techniques include X-ray, CT, MRI, PET, and ultrasound.
  • Used for diagnostic purposes without invasive procedures.

This summary captures the essential topics and details covered in the introductory lecture on anatomy and physiology.