Anatomy and Physiology: Orientation

Introduction

• Anatomy and Physiology: Introduction to the study of the human body's structure (anatomy) and function (physiology).
• Importance: Fundamental for exams like TEAS, nursing programs, and throughout nursing careers.

Definitions

• Anatomy: Study of human body structure and location.
• Physiology: Study of human body function.
• Dogma: Structure dictates function.

Types of Anatomy

• Systemic Anatomy: Organ systems.
• Regional Anatomy: Different body regions.
• Surface Anatomy: Surface markings.
• Gross Anatomy: Structures visible to the naked eye (e.g., heart's left ventricle).
• Microscopic Anatomy: Structures requiring a microscope.
  • Histology: Study of tissues.
  • Cytology: Study of cells.

Types of Physiology

• Neurophysiology: Brain and nervous system.
• Cardiovascular Physiology: Heart and blood vessels.

Characteristics of Life

1. Composed of one or more cells.
2. Metabolism (anabolic and catabolic processes).
3. Excretion of waste.
4. Growth in cell size or number.
5. Response to stimuli.
6. Movement.
7. Reproduction (mitosis and meiosis).

Levels of Structural Organization

1. Chemical Level: Atoms form molecules.
2. Cellular Level: Molecules form cells.
3. Tissue Level: Cells form tissues.
4. Organ Level: Tissues form organs.
5. Organ System Level: Organs work together.
6. Organism Level: All systems combined.

Anatomical Position and Directional Terms

• Anatomical Position: Standard reference; standing upright with palms facing forward.
• Directional Terms:
  • Anterior (front), Posterior (back)
  • Superior (toward head), Inferior (toward tail)
  • Proximal (closer to origin), Distal (farther from origin)
  • Medial (closer to midline), Lateral (farther from midline)
  • Superficial (closer to surface), Deep (farther from surface)

Body Regions and Planes

• Axial Region: Head, neck, trunk.
• Appendicular Region: Upper and lower limbs.
• Planes of Section:
  • Sagittal Plane: Divides right/left.
  • Frontal Plane: Divides front/back.
  • Transverse Plane: Divides upper/lower.
  • Oblique Plane: Angled division.

Body Cavities

• Dorsal Cavity: Cranial and spinal cavities.
• Ventral Cavity: Thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.
  • Thoracic Cavity: Includes pleural, mediastinum, pericardial cavities.
  • Abdominopelvic Cavity: Abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Serous Membranes

• Thin layers of tissue secreting serous fluid.
• Three Main Serous Membranes:
  • Pleural Membranes: Surround the lungs.
  • Pericardial Membranes: Surround the heart.
  • Peritoneal Membranes: Surround abdominal organs.

Medical Imaging

• X-rays: Internal structures using ionized radiation.
• CT Scans: Transverse views using radiation.
• MRI: Magnetic radiation for detailed images.

Homeostasis

• Definition: Maintenance of internal environment.
• Feedback Loops:
  • Negative Feedback: Reduces change.
  • Positive Feedback: Increases change (e.g., childbirth).

Communication in the Body

• Electrical Signals: Between adjacent cells.
• Chemical Messengers: For local or distant communication.

Study Tips

• Understanding the relationship between structure and function.
• Familiarize with directional terms and anatomical position.
• Visualize body planes and cavities in 3D.

Conclusion

• Homeostasis: Central theme.
• Gradients and Communication: Essential concepts in physiology.

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