A & P - Week 1: Introduction, Homeostasis

Define "Anatomy"

Describes the structure of the body and how the parts fit

Define "Physiology"

Describes the function of the body parts and how they work

What are the characteristics of a living human?

1. Metabolism
2. Responsiveness (responding to changes)
3. Movement (of and within the body)
4. Growth
5. Differentiation into specialized cells
6.Reproduction (of new cells or production of a new human)

What is "metabolism"? (brief)

The break-down and build-up of molecules

Which type of feedback is more common in the human body?

Negative feedback

What do negative feedback mechanisms do?

Reduces/stops a stimulus before it causes severe changes to the body.

What regulates homeostasis? (brief)

Nerve impulses (nervous system) and hormones (endocrine system)

In feedback systems, what is the job of a receptor?

Determines the set point for a variable, analyzes input, and coordinates a response by signaling an effector

In feedback systems, what is the job of an effector?

Carries out an appropriate response. This response feeds back to either reduce or amplify the stimulus.

What do positive feedback mechanisms do?
When is this used?

Enhances/amplifies the stimulus.
Positive feedback is used when an event occurs which doesn't require continuous adjustment. "All or nothing" situations

Examples of positive feedback

- Childbirth
- Blood clotting
All-or-nothing situations. You either give birth or you don't. Your blood either clots or it doesn't - and these should only happen in specific instances.

What is a disorder? (brief)

Any change from "normal" function

What is a disease? (brief)

An illness characterized by a specific set of symptoms

Signs vs. symptoms

Sign: Something that can be observed
Symptom: Something that a patient feels
Signs can be seen, symptoms must be described.

What is a syndrome?

Similar to a disease, but without a clear cause or mechanism

What happens with homeostasis as we become elderly?

It becomes harder to maintain equilibrium.
If negative feedback systems become overwhelmed, destructive positive feedback loops may occur such as heart failure and weak blood flow to the heart.

Where is "superior"?

Towards the head

Where is "inferior"?

Away from the head

Where is "medial"?

Towards the midline of the body

Where is "Lateral"?

Away from the midline of the body

Where is "proximal"?

Closer to the point of attachment

Where is "distal"?

Further from the point of attachment

Where is "anterior/ventral"?

Towards the front/towards the belly

Where is "posterior/dorsal"?

Towards the back

What does "superficial" mean?

Towards the surface of the body

What does "deep" mean?

Away from the surface of the body

How does a "sagittal" section divide the body?

Into left and right sides

What is a midsagittal section?

A division of the body along the midline into two equal left and right halves

How does a "frontal/coronal" section divide the body?

Into front and back

How does a "transverse" section divide the body?

Into top and bottom

What is the dorsal body cavity made up of?

The cranial cavity and the vertebral cavity (back)

What is the ventral body cavity made up of?

The thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity (front)

What is found in the thoracic cavity?

A pericardial cavity and two pleural cavities

What is found in the abdominopelvic cavity?

An abdominal cavity and a pelvic cavity

What are the names of the membranes containing fluid that prevent friction between organs?

Serous membranes

What is the name of the membranes lining cavities?

Parietal serosa

What is the name of the membranes lining organs?

Visceral serosa

What is the name of fluid found around the lungs?

Pleural fluid

What is the peritoneum?

A membrane that lines the inside of the abdomen and pelvis

Directional terms describe:

Where a body part is located relative to another body part

Homeostasis

A condition of equilibrium through regulation and feedback

How do nerve impulses vs. hormones work differently?

Nerve impulses: Work quickly and specifically.
Hormones: Usually work more slowly and broadly.