Chapter 1.1 and 1.2

Week 1

Anatomy

The scientific study of the body's structures.

Physiology

The scientific study of the chemistry and physics of the body's structures and the ways they work together to support functions of life.

Homeostasis

The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things.

Gross anatomy

The study of larger structures of the body, visible without the aid of magnification.

Microscopic anatomy

The study of structures that can only be observed with a microscope, including cytology and histology.

Regional anatomy

The study of the interrelationships of all structures in a specific body region.

Systemic anatomy

The study of the structures that make up a discrete body system.

Cell

The smallest independently functioning unit of a living organism.

Tissue

A group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Organ

An anatomically distinct structure composed of two or more tissue types that performs specific physiological functions.

Organ system

A group of organs that work together to perform major functions or meet physiological needs of the body.

Levels of organization

Structures are organized from smaller units like atoms and molecules to larger units like cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

Neurophysiology

The study of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves and how these work together to perform functions.

Dissection

The process of cutting apart a body to observe its structures and relationships.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Biosphere

The highest level of organization encompassing all living beings.

Function of the hand

Manipulates tools; the unique alignment of bones allows for pinching and grasping.

Pathophysiology

The study of how disease processes affect the function of the body.

Anatomical position

A standard position of the body used as a reference point in anatomy; the body is upright, facing forward, arms at the sides with palms facing forward.

Directionality in anatomy

Terms that describe the locations of structures in relation to one another, such as superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior.

Developmental anatomy

The study of the structural changes that occur throughout the life cycle.

Imaging techniques

Methods used to visualize internal structures, including X-rays, MRI, and CT scans.

Physiological systems

Systems in the body that perform specific functions, including the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.

Embryology

The study of embryo development and the formation of body structures during early life.

Homeostatic mechanisms

Processes that organisms use to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Functional anatomy

The study of how anatomical structures function in a living organism.

Comparative anatomy

The study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different organisms.