Overview
This lecture introduces the basics of anatomy and physiology, defining key concepts, levels of biological organization, anatomical terminology, body planes, and abdominopelvic regions.
Anatomy vs. Physiology
- Anatomy studies the form, structure, and location of body parts.
- Physiology studies the function and processes of body parts.
- Example: The pericardium surrounds the heart (anatomy) and lubricates/protects it (physiology).
Levels of Biological Organization
- Atoms are the smallest units of elements; main body elements include oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen.
- Atoms form molecules (e.g., Hâ‚‚O, COâ‚‚, Oâ‚‚).
- Macromolecules are large, carbon-based compounds (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, RNA).
- Organelles are cell structures with specialized functions (e.g., nucleus stores DNA, ribosomes synthesize proteins, mitochondria produce energy).
- Cells are the basic unit of life (examples: red blood cells, neurons, macrophages).
- Tissues are groups of similar cells with specific functions (examples: epidermis, cerebral cortex, mucosa).
- Organs consist of multiple tissues working together (examples: stomach, heart, thymus).
- Organ systems are groups of organs performing collective functions (examples: respiratory, endocrine, cardiovascular).
- Organisms are complete living beings composed of organ systems.
Anatomical Terms of Position and Direction
- Anterior (ventral): toward the front; Posterior (dorsal): toward the back.
- Superior: above; Inferior: below.
- Medial: toward the midline; Lateral: toward the side.
- Proximal: closer to the trunk (used with limbs); Distal: farther from the trunk.
- Superficial: near the surface; Deep: farther from the surface.
Body Planes
- Coronal (frontal) plane divides body into anterior and posterior sections.
- Sagittal plane divides body into left and right parts; midsagittal is exactly in the midline.
- Transverse (horizontal) plane divides body into superior and inferior sections.
Abdominopelvic Regions and Quadrants
- The abdominopelvic area can be divided into four quadrants: right upper, left upper, right lower, left lower.
- Nine-region method: right/left hypochondriac, epigastric, right/left lumbar, umbilical, right/left inguinal (or iliac), hypogastric/pubic region.
- Organs are associated with specific regions, such as the liver (right hypochondriac), stomach (epigastric), and appendix (right lower quadrant).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anatomy — study of body part structure and location.
- Physiology — study of body part function and processes.
- Atom — smallest unit of an element.
- Molecule — two or more atoms bonded together.
- Macromolecule — large complex molecules like proteins and DNA.
- Organelle — specialized cellular structure (e.g., nucleus, mitochondrion).
- Cell — basic living unit of organisms.
- Tissue — group of similar cells performing shared function.
- Organ — structure made of different tissues for specific functions.
- Organ system — group of organs working together.
- Anterior/Ventral — toward the front.
- Posterior/Dorsal — toward the back.
- Superior — above; Inferior — below.
- Medial — toward midline; Lateral — toward the side.
- Proximal — nearer trunk; Distal — farther from trunk.
- Superficial — near surface; Deep — farther inside.
- Body planes — coronal, sagittal, transverse sections.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review anatomical terminology and body planes.
- Memorize key abdominopelvic regions and their associated organs.
- Prepare for next lesson on body systems.