Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy

The study of body structure, derived from Greek words meaning "up" and "cutting."

Physiology

The study of how the body functions.

Homeostasis

A condition of equilibrium in the body’s internal environment, maintaining life-compatible functions.

Cytology

The study of cells, the smallest living unit of the body.

Histology

The study of tissues, which are groupings of like cells working together.

Systemic Anatomy

Study of the body through its systems.

Regional Anatomy

Study of the body through sections or regions.

Surface Anatomy

Study of surface markings and palpation.

Gross Anatomy

Study of structures without the use of a microscope.

Clinical Anatomy

Practical study related to health sciences.

Pathological Anatomy

Study of abnormal changes causing diseases.

Developmental Anatomy

Study from inception (zygote) to death.

Integumentary System

Comprises skin, tissues, sweat and oil glands, nails, and hair.

Skeletal System

Comprises bones, joints, and cartilages.

Muscular System

Comprises all muscles in the body.

Lymphatic System

Comprises spleen, lymph nodes, thymus, and immune response cells.

Endocrine System

Comprises hormone-producing glands like the hypothalamus and pituitary.

Nervous System

Comprises the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory organs.

Cardiovascular System

Comprises the heart and blood vessels.

Respiratory System

Comprises lungs and air passage organs.

Digestive System

Comprises esophagus, stomach, intestines, and accessory organs.

Urinary System

Comprises kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.

Reproductive System

Comprises gonads (ovaries and testicles).

Metabolism

All chemical processes in the body, including breakdown and creation of substances.

Responsiveness

The ability to detect and respond to changes in the environment.

Anatomical Position

The body in an upright position with legs parallel, arms at sides, and palms facing forward.

Supine

Lying down with the face up.

Prone

Lying down with the face down.

Anterior

Front of the body.

Posterior

Back of the body.

Superior

A position higher than another.

Inferior

A position lower than another.

Proximal

Position in a limb nearest to the trunk.

Distal

Position in a limb furthest from the trunk.

Medial

Position towards the midline of the body.

Lateral

Position away from the midline of the body.

Serous Membrane

Thin membranes covering walls and organs in the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Dorsal Cavity

Contains the cranial and spinal cavities.

Ventral Cavity

Contains the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Thoracic Cavity

Superior subdivision of the ventral cavity, containing the lungs and heart.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Largest cavity in the body, housing digestive and reproductive organs.

Feedback System

Cycle of events where the body is monitored and re-monitored to maintain homeostasis.

Negative Feedback

Reverses a change in a controlled condition (e.g., blood pressure regulation).

Positive Feedback

Strengthens or reinforces a change in a controlled condition (e.g., childbirth).

Interstitial Fluid

Extracellular fluid between cells and tissues.

Blood Plasma

Extracellular fluid within blood vessels.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Extracellular fluid in the brain and spinal cord.

Synovial Fluid

Extracellular fluid in joints.

Aqueous Humor

Extracellular fluid in the eyes.

Anatomy and Physiology are

Interrelated

Detect and respond to changes in environment

Responsiveness

making something different than what is was before

Differentiation

Observe the body - identify changes

Inspection

Touch - presses the body of the patient)

Palpitation

listen to body sounds stethoscope

Auscultation

tap on body surface to produce sound

Percussion

an imaginary two - dimensional flat surface passing through the body or organ

Plane

slice or cut through a structure (eg. biopsy)

Section

layer of the membranes that lines the internal surface walls of the body cavity

parietal layers

lines the external surface of the membrane and covers the organs

Visceral layer

the serous membrane that surrounds the lungs in the pleural cavity

The pleura

the serous membrane that surrounds the heart in the pericardial cavity

The pericardium

the serous membrane that surrounds several organs in the abdominopelvic cavity

the peritoneum

pericardial sac

fluid prevents friction between the heart and the walls of the sac

peritoneal cavity

fluid prevents friction between abdominal and pelvic organs and the wall of the cavity

9 regions Used by Anatomists

Abdominopelvic Regions

4 quadrants used by Health Professionals

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

biological study of the activities that take place in a cell to keep it alive

Cell Physiology

the study of specific organ systems such as how they function

Systemic Physiology

study of organ function in interaction with cellular and molecular biological alterations

Organ Physiology

study of the disordered physiological processes that cause or result from disease or injury

Pathophysiology

Receptor, Control Center, Effector

Three Basic Components of the Feedback System