INTRO TO ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

Anatomy

The study of structure.

Physiology

The study of function.

Chemical level

The smallest level of structural organization, including atoms and molecules.

Atoms (Elements)

Limited, unique varieties of matter that make up all substances.

Molecules/Compounds

Substances made up of two or more atoms.

Common body elements

CHNOPS - Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Sulfur.

Smallest unit of life

Cell.

Organelles

Specialized structures within a cell that perform unique functions.

Tissues

Groups of cells connected together to perform a common function.

Four major types of tissues (CMEN)

Connective, Muscle, Epithelial, Nervous.

Organ

A body part made of two or more tissues that together perform a specific function.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs that work together to perform vital functions.

Integumentary System

Forms the external body covering, protects deeper tissues, synthesizes vitamin D.

Skeletal System

Protects and supports body organs; allows movement and stores minerals.

Muscular System

Allows manipulation of environment, locomotion, and maintains posture.

Nervous System

Responds to internal and external changes by activating appropriate muscles and glands.

Cardiovascular System

Transports blood, which carries oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and wastes.

Lymphatic System/Immunity

Returns fluid leaked from blood vessels, disposes of debris, houses white blood cells.

Respiratory System

Supplies blood with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from the body.

Endocrine System

Glands that secrete hormones to regulate processes such as growth and metabolism.

Digestive System

Breaks down food into absorbable units and eliminates indigestible foodstuffs.

Urinary System

Eliminates nitrogenous wastes, regulates water and electrolyte balance.

Reproductive System

Overall function is the production of offspring.

Anatomical Position

Subject standing erect, facing observer, arms at side, palms facing forward.

Directional Terms

Terms that describe the location of body parts in relation to each other.

Body Planes

Sagittal, Frontal, and Transverse planes that divide the body into sections.

Cranial Cavity

Contains the brain.

Thoracic Cavity

Contains heart and lungs.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Contains digestive organs and reproductive organs.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

Negative Feedback

Mechanism that shuts off or decreases the original stimulus.

Positive Feedback

Mechanism that increases the original stimulus to speed up response.