Anatomy and Physiology and Body Structure Notes

Anatomy

study of the structure of body parts and their relationship to one another

Gross anatomy

Study of structures without a microscope

Microscopic Anatomy

Study of structures with the use of a microscope

Physiology

How the body parts work and carry out life-sustaining activities

Structure impacts

function

Atoms

Tiny building blocks of matter

Molecules

A group of atoms bonded together

Cells

Smallest units of living things

Tissues

Consists of groups of similar cells that have a common function

Organs

Structure composed of at least 2 tissue types (usually 4) that perform a specific function for the body

Organ System

Organs that cooperate and work closely together to accomplish a common purpose.

Organism

Sum total of all structural levels working in unison to promote life.

Radial Symmetry

Symmetry around a central axis

Bilateral Symmetry

Symmetry to be divided equally across a plane/axis

Asymmetrical

Inability to be divided around a central axis or plane

Humans have what type of symmetry?

Bilateral but also have asymmetry