ORGANIZATION OF THE HUMAN BODY

Anatomy

is the study of body structures and their relationships

Physiology

is the science of how body parts function.

Embryology

the study of structures that emerge from the time of the fertilized egg through the eight week in utero.

Histology

is the study of the microscopic structures of tissues.

Surface anatomy

is the study of anatomical landmarks on the surface of the body through visualization and palpation.

Gross anatomy

is the study of structures that can be examined without using a microscope.

Systemic anatomy

is the study of structures of specific systems of the body.

Regional anatomy

is the study of structures in specific regions of the body such as head or chest.

Radiographic anatomy

is the study of body structures that can be visualized with x-rays.

Pathological anatomy

is the study of structural changes associated with disease

embryology

histology

surface anatomy

gross anatomy

systemic anatomy

regional anatomy

radiographic anatomy

pathological anatomy

(8) sub-disciplines of ANATOMY

Neurophysiology

It is the study of the properties of nerve cells.

Endocrinology

It is the study of hormones and how they control body functions.

Cardiovascular physiology

It is the study of the heart and blood vessels.

Immunology

The study is about how the body defends itself against disease-causing agents.

Respiratory physiology

is the study on the functions of the air passageways and lungs.

Renal physiology

is the study of the function of the kidneys

Pathophysiology

is the study of functional changes associated with disease and aging

neurophysiology

cardiovascular physiology

immunology

respiratory physiology

renal physiology

pathophysiology

(6) sub-disciplines of PHYSIOLOGY

chemical

cellular

tissue

organ

organ system

organism

(6) The levels of structural organization of the body

Chemical level

includes inorganic and organic chemicals make up all matter, both living and non-living.

Cells

the basic structural and functional units of the body.

Tissues

are groups of similar cells bound by supporting matrix that performs specific functions.

Organs

are structures that are composed of two or more different types of tissue that are integrated to perform a particular function.

Systems

consist of related organs that have a function

Maintaining boundaries

states that living organisms must be able to maintain its boundaries so that its "inside" remains distinct from its "outside".

Movement

includes motion of the whole body, individual organs or single cell.

Responsiveness or irritability

is the ability to sense changes in the environment and react to them.

Digestion

is the process of breaking down ingested food into simple molecules.

Metabolism

refers to all chemical reactions that occur within body cells.

Excretion

the process of removing excreta or wastes from the body.

Reproduction

is the production of offspring.

Growth

is the increase in size, usually accomplished by an increase in the number of cells.

Homeostasis

is a state of good health maintained by the normal functioning of the organ systems. The body constantly responds to internal and external changes, yet remains stable; its many aspects of metabolism are kept within normal limits.

receptor(s)

control center

effector(s)

Control systems of the body contain at least (3) three elements

Negative feedback mechanism

- a control system in which a stimulus initiates a response that reduces the stimulus itself.

b. - Body temperature, heart rate, breathing rate and depth, and blood levels of glucose and certain ions are regulated. 

Positive feedback mechanism

intensify the initial stimulus, leading to an enhancement of the response. Blood clotting and labor contractions are regulated by such mechanisms.

Homeostatic Imbalance

Disruptions of homeostasis can lead to disorders, diseases, and even death. With age, the efficiency of negative feedback mechanisms declines, and positive feedback mechanisms occur more frequently

Anatomical Position

Standing erect, facing the observer, with the head level and eyes facing directly forward. The feet are flat on the floor and directed forward, and the arms are at the sides, with the palms turned forward.

Planes and sections

- cutting the body or an organ in a specific way.

Sagittal

- separates right and left parts.

Midsagittal

- exact midline, divides body/organ into equal right & left parts.

Parasagittal

- doesn't pass thru midline, divides body into unequal right and left parts

Frontal/coronal

- separates anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts

Transverse

- separates superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

Oblique

- passes thru the body/organ at an angle between transverse & frontal/sagittal.