ch. 1 - the sciences of anatomy & physiology

anatomy

the study of structures in the human body

anatomist

a scientist who studies the form and structure of organisms

physiology

the study of how body parts function together

physiologist

a scientist who examines how organs and body systems typically function

microscopic anatomy

the study of structure that cannot be seen by the unaided eye

cytology

the study of body cells and their internal structure

histology

the study of body tissues

macroscopic anatomy

the study of structures and relationships of body parts visible to the unaided eye

systemic anatomy

the study of the anatomy of each functional body system

regional anatomy

the study of all of the structures in a particular region of the body as a complete unit

surface anatomy

the study of superficial anatomic markings and the internal body structures that relate to the skin covering them

comparative anatomy

the study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species

embryology

the study of the developmental changes occurring from conception to birth

pathologic anatomy

the study of anatomic changes resulting from disease

radiographic anatomy

the study of relationships among internal structures that may be visualized by specific scanning procedures (i.e., radiography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging)

cardiovascular physiology

the study of the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, and blood

neurophysiology

the study of how nerve impulses are propagated throughout the nervous system

respiratory physiology

the study of how respiratory gases are transferred by gas exchange between the lungs and the blood vessels

reproductive physiology

the study of how the regulation of sex hormones can drive the reproductive cycle and influence sex cell production and maturation

pathophysiology

the study of the relationship between the functioning of an organ system and the disease or injury to that organ system

metabolism

all chemical reactions taking place in the body, including both anabolic and catabolic reactions

anabolism

the formation of complex molecules from simple molecules (i.e., atoms, ions, and molecules)

catabolism

the breakdown of large molecules into smaller chemical structures

organization

the complex structure and order that all organisms exhibit

growth

the ability of an organism to assimilate materials from their environment that contribute to increased size

development

increased specialization as related to form and function

responsiveness

the ability to detect and react to stimuli (changes in the external or internal environment)

regulation

the ability to adjust internal bodily function in response to environmental changes

reproduction

the production of new cells for growth, maintenance, and repair

levels of organization

chemical level, cellular level, tissue level, organ level, organ system level, and organismal level

chemical level

the simplest level, involving atoms and molecules

atoms

the smallest units of matter that exhibit the characteristics of an element

molecule

a chemical structure composed of two or more covalently bonded atoms

macromolecules

large organic molecules; e.g., carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and proteins

biological macromolecules

large molecules that form living things

classes of biological macromolecules

proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids (i.e., DNA and RNA), and lipids

organelles

complex, organized structures in the cytoplasm of a cell with unique characteristic shapes

cellular level

consists of cells, the smallest living structures that serve as basic units of function and structure in organisms

tissue level

consists of tissues, which are groups of similar cells that perform common functions

organ level

composed of organs, which contain two or more tissue types that work together to perform specific, complex functions

organ system level

contains multiple related organs that work together to coordinate activities and achieve a common function

organismal level

the highest level of structural organization in the body where all body systems function interdependently in an organism

organ system

a group of organs working together to coordinate and perform specific functions

integumentary system

provides protection, prevents water loss and gain, synthesizes vitamin d, releases secretions, regulates body temperature, and houses sensory receptors

skeletal system

provides support and protection, site of hematopoiesis (blood cell production), stores calcium and phosphorus, provides sites for ligament and muscle attachments

muscular system

produces body movement, generates heat when muscles contract

nervous system

a regulatory system that responds to sensory stimuli, and controls muscles and some glands

also responsible for consciousness, intelligence, and memory

endocrine system

consists of glands and cell clusters that secrete hormones, (some of which regulate development, growth, and metabolism); maintain blood composition and volume, control digestive processes, and regulate reproductive functions

cardiovascular system

consists of the heart (a pump) and blood vessels; the heart moves blood through blood vessels in order to distribute hormones, nutrients, gases, and pick up waste products

lymphatic system

transports and filters lymph (interstitial fluid that is collected in and transported through lymph vessels) and may participate in an immune response

respiratory system

responsible for exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between blood and the air in the lungs

urinary system

filters the blood to remove waste products and biologically active molecules, concentrates waste products in the form of urine, and expels urine from the body

digestive system

mechanically and chemically digests food, absorbs nutrients, and expels waste products

reproductive system

gonads (testes or ovaries) produce sex cells (sperm or oocytes) and sex hormones (e.g., androgens, estrogen, progesterone)

human microbiome

the total collection of microorganisms (i.e., bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, and protists) residing on and within the body