Overview
This lecture introduces foundational concepts in human anatomy and physiology, covering structural and functional organization, key terminology, body planes, cavities, and membranes.
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
- Anatomy studies the structure of body parts (cells, tissues, organs).
- Physiology examines the function of those anatomical parts.
- Systemic physiology focuses on function at the organ system level.
- Cellular physiology studies the functions of body cells.
Importance of Anatomy and Physiology
- Helps understand body responses to internal and external stimuli.
- Essential for recognizing normal vs. diseased states in the body.
- Provides a basis for understanding injuries and their effects on organ and system function.
Types of Anatomy
- Systemic Anatomy: Study of organ systems (e.g., cardiovascular, nervous).
- Regional Anatomy: Focus on specific body regions.
- Surface Anatomy: Study of external features observable without dissection.
- Anatomical Imaging: Use of technology (X-ray, MRI) to view internal structures.
Structural and Functional Organization
- Chemical level: Atoms and molecules form the basis of life.
- Cellular level: Cells are the basic living units.
- Tissue level: Groups of similar cells performing common functions (epithelial, connective, muscular, nervous).
- Organ level: Structures made of multiple tissues for specific functions (e.g., heart, stomach).
- Organ system: Multiple organs working together (e.g., urinary system).
- Organism level: All organ systems combined into a functioning human.
Major Organ Systems Reviewed
- Nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, lymphatic, and reproductive systems discussed by main organs and functions.
Fundamental Terminology
- Organization: Functional interrelationships between structures.
- Metabolism: All chemical and physical changes sustaining life, including energy use.
- Responsiveness: Ability to sense and react to environmental changes.
- Growth, development, and reproduction define changes in size, form, and production of new cells/organisms.
- Homeostasis: Maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external fluctuations.
Homeostasis Mechanisms
- Variables: Properties like temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure that change and are regulated.
- Receptors detect changes, control centers process information, and effectors enact a response.
Directional and Orientation Terms
- Superior (above), inferior (below), anterior (front), posterior (back), medial (toward midline), lateral (away from midline), intermediate (between).
- Proximal (closer to point of attachment), distal (farther), superficial (toward surface), deep (internal).
Body Planes and Regions
- Median (mid-sagittal): Divides body into left and right.
- Frontal: Divides body into front and back.
- Transverse: Divides body into upper and lower parts.
- Upper and lower limbs, and central (head, neck, trunk) regions defined.
Body Cavities and Membranes
- Dorsal cavity: Contains brain and spinal cord.
- Ventral cavity: Contains thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.
- Serous membranes: Visceral (covers organs), parietal (lines cavity walls), with a fluid-filled cavity between (reducing friction).
- Specific cavities: Pericardial (heart), pleural (lungs), peritoneal (abdominal organs).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anatomy — Study of body structure.
- Physiology — Study of body function.
- Homeostasis — Maintenance of stable internal conditions.
- Tissue — Group of similar cells with specific function.
- Organ — Structure made of tissues for a specific function.
- Serous membrane — Double-layered membrane covering organs and lining cavities.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review terminology and directional terms for lab sessions.
- Prepare for next chapter on basic biochemistry (chemical organization).
- Study major organ systems and their primary components.