Overview
This lecture introduces the fundamental concepts of anatomy and physiology, emphasizing how body structure and function are studied, organized, and described using specialized vocabulary.
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
- Anatomy studies the structure and relationships between body parts.
- Physiology examines how body parts function and work together to sustain life.
- Understanding the human body requires knowledge of chemistry, Latin, and Greek terminology.
History of Anatomy
- Early anatomical studies involved dissection, often performed in secret due to taboos.
- Advances included public dissections in Europe and legal use of executed bodies for study after the Anatomy Act of 1832.
- Today, educational cadavers are donated voluntarily for scientific study.
Key Principles and Organization
- The complementarity of structure and function means a body part's form determines what it can do.
- The body is organized in hierarchical levels: atoms → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems → organism.
- Homeostasis is the ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes and is critical for survival.
- Death occurs when homeostasis is lost, regardless of the specific cause.
Anatomical Position and Directional Terms
- The anatomical position is standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, and palms forward.
- Three main body planes: sagittal (left/right), coronal (front/back), and transverse (top/bottom).
- Axial parts include head, neck, and trunk; appendicular parts are limbs.
- Directional terms: anterior/ventral (front), posterior/dorsal (back), superior/cranial (above), inferior/caudal (below), medial (toward midline), lateral (away from midline), proximal (closer to trunk), distal (farther from trunk).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anatomy — Study of the structure and relationships between body parts.
- Physiology — Science of how body parts function together.
- Complementarity of Structure and Function — Principle that form determines function.
- Hierarchy of Organization — Levels: atoms, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organism.
- Homeostasis — Maintenance of stable internal conditions.
- Anatomical position — Standard body stance for reference.
- Sagittal plane — Divides body into left and right.
- Coronal (frontal) plane — Divides body into front and back.
- Transverse plane — Divides body into top and bottom.
- Axial — Parts along the body's central axis.
- Appendicular — Limbs attached to the axis.
- Anterior/Ventral — Front of body.
- Posterior/Dorsal — Back of body.
- Superior/Cranial — Above in position.
- Inferior/Caudal — Below in position.
- Medial — Toward the midline.
- Lateral — Away from the midline.
- Proximal — Closer to the point of attachment.
- Distal — Farther from the point of attachment.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Crash Course Chemistry basics for atomic and molecular concepts.
- Memorize key anatomical directional terms.
- Practice describing locations in the body using anatomical language.