Anatomy, Physiology, and Medical Imaging: Key Concepts for Health Professions

What is the focus of anatomy in the health professions?

Anatomy describes the structures of the body, including their location, composition, and association with other structures.

What are the two main divisions of anatomy?

Gross (or Macro) Anatomy, which can be seen without magnification, and Microanatomy, which requires magnification.

What does cytology study?

Cytology studies cells.

What does histology study?

Histology studies tissues.

What is physiology?

Physiology is the study of how the structures of the body work together, including their functions and the chemistry and physics involved.

Define metabolism in the context of physiology.

Metabolism is the sum of all energetic processes of building up (anabolism) and breaking down (catabolism) in the body.

What is anabolism?

Anabolism is the process where small molecules are combined to create larger structures, requiring energy.

What is catabolism?

Catabolism is the process where larger substances are broken down into simpler molecules, releasing energy.

What are the requirements for life?

Oxygen, nutrients (including water), a narrow range of temperature, and a narrow range of atmospheric pressure.

What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis is the process by which all body systems work together to maintain a stable internal environment.

What are the two types of regulation that maintain homeostasis?

Intrinsic regulation, which is an automatic response of the cell, tissue, or organ, and extrinsic regulation, which is controlled by the nervous or endocrine systems.

What is a negative feedback loop?

A negative feedback loop is a physiological process that resists a deviation from a set point to return the body to homeostasis.

What are the four basic parts of a negative feedback loop?

A stimulus, a receptor, a control center, and an effector.

How is body temperature regulated?

Body temperature is regulated by a negative feedback loop.

What is a positive feedback loop?

A positive feedback loop results in a change in the body's status rather than a return to homeostasis.

Give an example of a positive feedback loop in the body.

Normal childbirth is driven by a positive feedback loop.

What are some types of medical imaging?

X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Ultrasound.