Introduction to Anatomy - week 1 mod 1 MHHS1002

What is anatomy in human biology?

The study of body structure, form, and relationships between parts.

What is physiology concerned with?

How body parts function, operate together, and why processes occur.

Define gross (macroscopic) anatomy.

Study of body structures visible to the naked eye.

What does microscopic anatomy study?

Body structures too small to be seen without magnification.

How do cytology and histology differ?

Cytology studies cells; histology studies tissues.

What is embryology?

Study of developmental changes in an organism before birth.

What does systemic anatomy examine?

Gross anatomy of specific body systems, like cardiovascular or respiratory.

Define regional anatomy.

Study of gross anatomy of specific body regions.

What does surface anatomy focus on?

External landmarks such as bony prominences and pulse points.

What is comparative anatomy?

Study of anatomical similarities and differences between species.

Why is cell communication important in physiology?

It coordinates cellular activities needed for overall organism function.

What is the main role of the cell membrane?

Controls which substances enter or leave the cell or compartments.

Why is movement of substances fundamental?

Ion and molecule movement underpins processes at all organisational levels.

Define homeostasis in the human body.

Regulation of internal environment via feedback responses of cells, tissues, and organs.

How are structure and function related in physiology?

Body structures are shaped to support their specific functions at all levels.

What does integration mean in physiology?

Coordinated interaction of cells, tissues, organs, and systems to sustain life.

What is physiological adaptation?

Adjustment of body functions to short- and long-term internal or external changes.

Name the six levels of body organisation.

Chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, organism levels.

What structures belong to the chemical level?

Atoms and the molecules they form.

Name the four basic tissue types.

Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.

How is an organ defined anatomically?

A structure composed of two or more different tissue types.

What forms an organ system?

Several organs working together to perform a common function.

What are two key functions of the integumentary system?

Protects deeper tissues and synthesises vitamin D.

How does the skeletal system aid movement?

Provides a rigid framework for muscles to pull on.

Besides support, what two roles do bones have?

They form blood cells and store minerals.

What are two functions of the muscular system?

Produces movement and helps maintain posture and body heat.

What is the main role of the endocrine system?

Secretes hormones that regulate growth, reproduction, and metabolism.

What does the cardiovascular system transport?

Blood carrying oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and wastes.

How does the lymphatic system support immunity?

It houses lymphocytes and returns leaked fluid to the blood.

Why is the nervous system called fast-acting?

It uses rapid electrical signals to respond to changes.

What two gases does the respiratory system exchange?

It supplies oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from blood.

What is the primary function of the digestive system?

Breaks down food into absorbable molecules entering the blood.

Name one excretory and one regulatory role of kidneys.

Excrete nitrogenous wastes and regulate blood water-electrolyte balance.

What is the main role of the reproductive system?

Produces gametes and supports development of offspring.

Describe head and eye position in anatomical position.

Head is straight, eyes looking directly forward (anteriorly).

How are upper limbs positioned anatomically?

Straight at sides with palms facing forward.

What do anterior and posterior mean?

Anterior means toward the front; posterior means toward the back.

Define superior and inferior in anatomy.

Superior is toward the head; inferior is toward the feet.

How do medial and lateral differ?

Medial is toward the midline; lateral is away from it.

What is the difference between proximal and distal?

Proximal is nearer the trunk; distal is farther away.

In anatomy, what are superficial and deep?

Superficial means near the body surface; deep means further inside.

What does the sagittal plane divide?

It divides the body into right and left parts.

Which body plane is also called frontal?

The coronal plane, dividing body into anterior and posterior parts.

What sections does the transverse plane create?

Superior (upper) and inferior (lower) body portions.

What are the two main body regions?

Axial region (head, neck, trunk) and appendicular region (limbs).

Name the two major body cavity groups.

Dorsal and ventral body cavities.

Where is the cranial cavity located and what does it contain?

Inside the skull, containing the brain.

What does the vertebral (spinal) cavity enclose?

The spinal cord within the vertebral column.

Which major organs lie in the thoracic cavity?

The heart in the mediastinum and the lungs in pulmonary cavities.

How is the abdominopelvic cavity subdivided?

Into a superior abdominal cavity and an inferior pelvic cavity.

Name two structures in the pelvic cavity.

The urinary bladder and internal reproductive organs.

What is a serous membrane (serosa)?

A thin epithelial membrane lining ventral cavities and covering organs.

Differentiate parietal and visceral serosa.

Parietal lines cavity walls; visceral covers organ surfaces.

Why is serous fluid important?

It reduces friction, allowing organs to glide smoothly.

Which serous membrane surrounds the heart?

The pericardium, a serous membrane of the heart.

What is the pleura associated with?

The lungs and thoracic cavity walls.

Which serous membrane lines the abdominopelvic cavity?

The peritoneum, lining and covering abdominal organs.

Where do mucous membranes occur in the body?

In cavities opening to the exterior, like the oral cavity.

What is lined by synovial membranes?

The cavities of certain joints, such as the shoulder.

How do cells maintain internal boundaries?

Using cell membranes that control entry and exit of substances.

Give two protective roles of the skin.

Prevents organs from drying and blocks harmful microorganisms.

How do muscular and skeletal systems produce movement?

Muscles contract and pull on the skeletal framework.

Which system mainly controls body responsiveness?

The nervous system, using rapid electrical signals.

Define metabolism in human physiology.

The sum of all chemical reactions in the body.

Which two systems are primary for excretion?

The digestive system and the urinary system.

How does reproduction differ at cellular and organism levels?

Cells divide for growth; organisms produce gametes for offspring.

What two mechanisms cause growth?

Increase in cell size and increase in cell number.

What is the goal of negative feedback?

To reverse changes and restore conditions toward a set point.

In feedback, what is a stimulus?

A change in a condition that disrupts internal balance.

What is the role of a receptor in homeostasis?

Detects specific physical or chemical changes in conditions.

What does the control centre do in feedback?

Interprets change, compares it to a set point, sends signals.

Define an effector in a feedback loop.

A cell or tissue that carries out corrective responses.

What is the afferent pathway in homeostasis?

The route carrying sensory input from receptor to control centre.

How does the efferent pathway differ from afferent?

Efferent carries commands to effectors; afferent carries sensory input in.

What is a key feature of positive feedback?

It amplifies a change to accelerate a physiological process.