Systemic anatomy terms

brief descriptions of anatomical systems

integumentary system

“dermatology”

• consisting of the skin, hair, nails, sweat glands and subcutaneous tissue

• “integumentum” means “a covering”

• hair, and nails are technically appendages of the skin

principle functions

• protection, water retention, thermoregulation, Vitamin D synthesis, cutaneous sensations, nonverbal communication

skeletal system

“osteology”

• consists of the bones and cartilage

• it is our basic shape and is acted upon by the muscular system

• protects vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and pelvic organs

principle function

• support and movement

• protective enclosure of viscera

• blood formation

• mineral storage

• electrolyte and pH balance

articular system

“arthrology”

• consists of joints and their associated ligaments, connecting the bony skeleton

muscular system

“myology”

• consists of skeletal muscles that act on the skeleton to produce movement

• consists of smooth and cardiac muscle that propels expels or controls the flow of fluids and contained substance

principle functions

• movement, stability

• communication

• control of body openings

• heat production

nervous system

“neurology”

• consists of the CNS : Brain and spinal cord

  • peripheral nervous system: nerves and ganglia

• the nervous system controls and coordinates the functions of the organ systems

• sense organs

• olfactory bulbs

• eye or visual system

• ears

• gustatory organ- taste

The sense organs are often considered in concert with the nervous system

circulatory system

• cardiovascular

• lymphatic

“angiology”

• cardiovascular and lymphatic systems; transportation of body fluids; distribution

cardiovascular

• consists of the heart and blood vessels

lymphatic

• network of lymphatic vessels that withdraws excess tissue fluid (“lymph”) from the body’s interstitial fluid compartment + filters it through lymph nodes, and returns it to the bloodstream

alimentary system “digestive”

“gastroenterology”

• consists of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus

ingestion

mastication “chewing”

deglutition “swallowing”

digestion

absorption

Liver

• metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins and minerals

• synthesis of plasma proteins, disposal of drugs, toxins and hormones

• cleansing the blood

respiratory system

“pulmonology”

• consists of the air passages and lungs that supply oxygen to the blood for cellular respiration and eliminate carbon dioxide

• diaphragm and larynx control the flow of air through the system

  • this control produces tone that is modified by the tongue, teeth and lips in speech

urinary system

“urology”

• consists of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra

• this process is the filtration of blood and subsequent production of urine

principle functions

• regulation of blood volume and pressure

• stimulation of RBC formation

• control of fluid, electrolyte and pH balance

• detoxification

reproductive system

“gynecology” “andrology”

• consists of the gonads (ovaries and testes)

  • gonads produce oocytes (eggs) and sperms

  • ducts that transport oocytes

  • genitalia

endocrine system

“endocrinology”

• consists of structures that produce hormones

  • ductless endocrine glands

    • thyroid

  • isolated and clustered cells of the gut and blood vessel walls and specialized nerve endings

organs

• pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas, testes, ovaries

locomotor system

the passive skeletal and articular and active muscular system collectively “super system”

Lymphatic System

principle organs

• lymph nodes

• lymphatic vessels

• thymus

• spleen

• tonsils

principle functions

• recovery of excess tissue fluid

• detection of pathogens

• production of immune cells

• defense against disease