The Human organism

What is regional anatomy?

is studying the structures of the body region by region

What is anatomy?

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another

What is physiology?

The study of the function of body parts

What are the 3 subdivisions of anatomy?

• Gross anatomy

• Microscopic anatomy

  • which can be furthered divided into cytology and histology

• Developmental anatomy

  • which can be further divided into embryology

What is gross anatomy?

The study of large body structures visible to the naked eye

• Ex: heart, lungs, brain

What is microscopic anatomy?

The study of structures with the aid of a microscope

• Ex: cells and tissues

What is cytology?

The study the cells of the body

What is histology?

The study of the tissues of the body

What is developmental anatomy?

the study of the structural changes which occur from conception to old age

What is embryology?

The study of developmental changes in the 1st eight weeks of development

How can anatomy be studied?

Systemically, regionally, by observing the surface of the body, and by using anatomical imaging

What is systemic anatomy?

Studying the structures of the body system by system

• Ex: lymphatic, nervous, and digestive system

What is surface anatomy?

is studying the external surface of the body and its relation to deeper structures

What is anatomic imaging?

Using x-rays, ultrasound, MRI’s and other technologies to create pictures of internal structures

what are the six levels of organization?

Chemical, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism

What is the chemical level composed of?

Composed of atoms and molecules (with atoms combining to form molecules, which combine to form cells)

What is the cell level composed of?

Composed of cells, with similar cells joining together to form tissues

What is the tissue level composed of?

Composed of groups of similar cells that have a common function

• Four types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue

What is each structure in the organ level composed of?

Composed of at least two types of tissues (usually 4)

• Largest being the skin

What is the organ system level composed of?

Composed of groups of organs that have a common function

What is the organism level?

The highest level of organization and is composed of all the systems

What is the anatomical position?

reference point, body erect, arm at sides, palms forward, feet together and flat on the floor

What are the two subdivisions of the abdomen?

• abdominal quadrants

• abdominal regions

What are directional terms?

Terms that explains where one body structure is in relation to another

What’s the definition of superior (higher)?

A structure above another

• Ex: The frontal region being superior to the nasal region

What’s the definition of inferior (lower)

A structure below another

• Ex: The umbilical region being inferior to the sternal region

What’s the definition of anterior/ventral?

Towards the front of the body

• Ex: the sternal region being anterior to the vertebral region

What’s the definition of posterior/dorsal?

Towards the back of the body

• Ex: the occipital region being posterior to the nasal region

What’s the definition of proximal?

Closer to an attachment point, typically the shoulder or hip

• Ex: using an attachment point, the brachial region is proximal to the carpal region

What’s the definition of distal?

Further from an attachment point, typically the shoulder or hip

• Ex: using an attachment point, the tarsal region is distal to the patellar region

What’s the definition of lateral?

Away from the mideline

• Ex: using the midline of the body, the otic region is lateral to the nasal region

What’s the definition of medial?

Toward the midline

• Ex: Using the midline of the body, the sternal region is medial to the axillary region

What’s the definition of superficial?

Toward the surface

• Ex: the ribs are superficial to the lungs

What’s the definition of deep?

Away from the surface

• the muscles are deep to the skin

What are planes of the body?

They are imaginary flat surfaces that pass through the body dividing it into sections

• with there being four different types of planes

  • Sagittal planes

  • Frontal (coronal) planes

  • Transverse planes

  • Oblique planes

What are sagittal planes?

A plane that divides the body into left and right portions

• two kinds:

  • Midsagittal (straight down the middle)

  • Parasagittal (uneven cut)

What are frontal (coronal) planes?

A plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions

What are transverse planes?

A plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions

What are oblique planes?

A plane that is not at a right angle to the other planes and not often used in anatomy