Overview
This lecture introduces the foundational principles, terminology, and organization of anatomy and physiology, with emphasis on major concepts such as structure-function relationships and homeostasis.
Study Skills & Core Competencies
- Use provided student learning outcomes as a study guide for exams.
- Core competencies include homeostasis, structure and function, gradients of flow, transport/exchange, energy, storage, communication, and systems integration.
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
- Anatomy is the study of body structures and their locations.
- Physiology is the study of how body parts function.
- Anatomy answers "what" and "where"; physiology answers "how" and "why."
- Structure informs function; understanding both is necessary for learning about the body.
Examples of Structure-Function Relationships
- The left ventricle’s thick wall generates enough force to pump blood to the body; the right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs.
- Neurons have long axons to connect and transmit information across long distances in the body.
Levels of Organization in the Human Body
- Levels: atom → molecule → cell → tissue → organ → organ system → organism.
- Atoms are basic particles; molecules consist of bonded atoms.
- Cells are the smallest living units.
- Tissues are groups of similar cells performing a function.
- Organs are made of multiple tissues; organ systems are groups of organs.
- Organism refers to an individual living being.
Organ Systems Overview
- There are 11 major organ systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive.
- Be able to name system functions and give an example organ for each.
- Integumentary system provides protection and prevents water loss; example organ is the skin.
Homeostasis and Feedback Regulation
- Homeostasis keeps the body’s internal environment stable despite external changes (dynamic equilibrium).
- Most body variables have healthy ranges (e.g., blood glucose).
- Feedback regulation maintains homeostasis via receptors, control centers, and effectors.
Feedback Loops
- Negative feedback loops reverse changes to return the body to normal; example: insulin release reduces high blood glucose.
- Positive feedback loops amplify changes to complete a process; example: oxytocin release during labor increases contractions until birth.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anatomy — the study of body structures and forms.
- Physiology — the study of functions and processes in the body.
- Homeostasis — maintaining stable internal conditions.
- Negative Feedback Loop — a process that counteracts a change to maintain balance.
- Positive Feedback Loop — a process that increases change until a specific outcome is achieved.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and use student learning outcomes as a checklist for exam topics.
- Study tables summarizing the 11 organ systems, their functions, and example organs.
- Practice recalling the order and meaning of each organizational level.