Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Cell

Introduction

• Anatomy: Study of form and structure of an organism.
• Physiology: Study of processes of living organisms, how they function.
• Pathophysiology: Study of disease processes affecting normal functioning (covered in another video).

Basic Structures of the Cell

• Cell Membrane:
  • Semi-permeable structure.
  • Allows nutrients in and waste out.
  • Maintains shape and prevents spillage of organelles.
• Cytoplasm:
  • Semi-fluid where chemical reactions occur.
  • Contains organelles.
• Organelles: Responsible for cell's functions.

Organelles and Their Functions

• Nucleus:
  • Brain of the cell.
  • Controls cell functions and division.
• Nucleolus:
  • Located in the nucleus.
  • Important in cell reproduction.
  • Manufactures ribosomes (RNA and protein composed).
• Ribosomes:
  • Move from nucleus to cytoplasm.
  • Sites for protein synthesis.
• Chromatin:
  • Located in the nucleus.
  • Loose DNA and protein threads.
  • Forms chromosomes during cell division.
  • Chromosomes: 46 in each cell, contain genes.
• Mitochondria:
  • Powerhouse of the cell.
  • Breaks down carbs, fats, proteins to form ATP (energy).
• Golgi Apparatus:
  • Membrane layers stack in cytoplasm.
  • Produces, stores, packages secretions for discharge.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
  • Transports materials in/out of nucleus.
  • Aids in protein synthesis and storage.
  • Smooth ER: Fat metabolism, cholesterol synthesis, drug detox.
  • Rough ER: Ribosomes attached for protein production.
• Lysosomes:
  • Digest proteins, fats, old cells, bacteria, foreign materials.
  • Important to immune system.
• Pinocytic Vesicles:
  • Pocket-like folds in cell membrane.
  • Allow proteins and fats into the cell, forming vacuoles in cytoplasm.

Quick Review

• Cell structure includes cell membrane, cytoplasm, organelles.
• Nucleus acts as cell's brain.
• Nucleolus creates ribosomes.
• Ribosomes serve as sites for protein synthesis.
• Chromatin forms chromosomes (46 in human cells, contain genes).
• Mitochondria generate energy (ATP).
• Golgi apparatus manages secretions.
• ER deals with protein and material transport.
• Lysosomes digest and clean up cell debris.
• Pinocytic vesicles help intake proteins and fats.

Conclusion

• Understanding the basic structure of the human cell is foundational.
• Ready for next topic: Cell Reproduction.