Anatomy & Physiology: Body Structures, Systems, and Homeostasis

Anatomy

Describes the structures of the body.

Physiology

Is the study of functions of anatomical structures.

Levels of Organization

Hierarchy of biological structures from atom to system.

Anatomical Position

Hands at sides, palms forward, body erect, feet apart.

Anatomical Directions

Use to describe location of two structures on the body relative to each other.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Divides the body into Anterior and Posterior.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into Right & Left.

Transverse Plane

Divides the body into Superior and Inferior.

Dorsal Body Cavity

Includes Cranial and Spinal cavities, lined by meninges.

Ventral Body Cavity

Divided by the diaphragm into Thoracic and Abdominopelvic cavities.

Thoracic Cavity

Contains right and left pleural cavities.

Visceral Pleura

Covers the lungs.

Parietal Pleura

Covers the inside of the thoracic cavity.

Parietal Peritoneum

Lines the internal body wall of the abdominopelvic cavity.

Visceral Peritoneum

Covers the organs in the abdominopelvic cavity.

Mediastinum

Contains the trachea, esophagus, thymus, and pericardial cavity.

Homeostasis

All body systems working together to maintain a stable internal environment.

Negative Feedback

Body is brought back into homeostasis; if one thing goes up, response is to bring it down.

Positive Feedback

Body is moved away from homeostasis; used to speed up processes.

Insulin

Hormone that pushes blood sugar down when it gets too high.

Glucagon

Hormone that pushes blood sugar up when it gets too low.