CH1 - The Human Body: An Orientation

Define Anatomy

Study of the structure of body parts and their relationship to one another

Define Physiology

Study of the function of body parts; how they work to carry out life-sustaining activities

List the Subdivisions of Anatomy

1. Gross or macroscopic anatomy

2. Microscopic anatomy

3. Developmental anatomy

Gross or Macroscopic Anatomy

The study of large, visible structures (see with the naked eye)

Example of Gross or Macroscopic Anatomy

• Regional anatomy: all the structures (muscles, bones, bloods vessels, nerves, etc.) in a particular region of the body such as the abdomen or leg, are examined at the same time

• System anatomy: body structure is studied system by system

  • Cardiovascular system → heart & blood vessels)

• Surface anatomy: internal structures that relate to the overlaying skin surfaces

  • Use when identifying bulging muscles beneath a bodybuilder’s skin

Microscopic Anatomy

Deals with structures too small to be seem by naked eye

Example of Gross or Macroscopic Anatomy

• Cytology

  • Study of cells

• Histology

  • Study of tissues

Developmental Anatomy

Studies anatomical and physiological development throughout life

Example of Developmental Anatomy

• Embryology

  • subdivision of developmental anatomy, concerns developmental changes that occur before birth

How to study anatomy?

To study anatomy one must know anatomical terminology and be able to:

• Observe

• Manipulate

• Palpate

• Auscultate

List the Subdivision of Physiology

1. Based on organ system

   • Renal physiology

   • Neurophysiology

   • Cardiovascular physiology

2. Often focuses on cellular and molecular levels of the body

How to study physiology?

To study physiology one must understand basic physical principles (electrical currents, pressure, and movements) as well as basic chemical principles

True/False: Anatomy and physiology are inseparable

TRUE → Anatomy and physiology are inseparable

Explain the Principle of Complementarity

• Function always reflects structure

• What structure can do depends on its specific form

Example(s) of Principle of Complementarity

• Bones can support and protect body organs because they contain hard mineral deposit

• Blood flows in on direction thorough the heart because the heart has values that prevent back flow

• Various shape of our teeth reflect different actions

  • STRUCTURE = Sharp edges of incisors

    • FUNCTION = Cut food when you bite

  • STRUCTURE = Flat surfaces of molars

    • FUNCTION = Crushing, grinding, chewing

When the heart is cut in the frontal plane, the muscular walls of the left ventricle are visibly much thicker than those of the right ventricle. This extra muscle on the left side of the heart allows blood pressure in the systemic circuit to reach a normal peak of 120 mmHg. In contrast, the right side of the heart generally generates a peak pressure of approximately 15 mmHg in the pulmonary circuit. This observation is an example of …

• A.) The Principle of Complementarity

• B.) Organ System Interrelationships

• C.) Necessary Life Functions

• D.) Survival Needs

→ A.) The Principle of Complementarity

EXPLANATION: Linking how a structure looks (anatomy) to how it functions (physiology) is the bedrock of anatomy and physiology and is termed the principle of complementarity. The additional muscle on the left side of the heart (anatomy) allows the heart to pump blood to a higher pressure in the systemic circuit (physiology)

Name the different levels of structural organization that make up the human body and explain their relationship

1. Chemical level

   • Atoms combine to form molecules (water & protein)

2. Cellular level

   • Cells are made up of molecules

3. Tissue level

   • Tissue consist of similar types of cells

4. Organ level

   • Organs are made up different types of tissue

5. Organ system level

   • Organ system consists of different organs that work together closely

6. Organismal level

   • The human organism is made up of many organ systems

Cellular

• Organelles are the basic components

• Smallest unit of life

Tissue

• Similar group of cells that have a have a function

• Epithelial, muscle, connective, and nervous tissue

Organ

• Discrete structure composed of at least 2 tissue types

• Complex function

Organ system

• Network of organs to accomplish a common goal

• Cardiovascular system

Organism

• Human

List the 11 organ system of the body

1. Integumentary system 

2. Skeletal system 

3. Muscular system 

4. Nervous system 

5. Endocrine system 

6. Cardiovascular system 

7. Lymphatic system/immunity 

8. Respiratory system 

9. Urinary system 

10. Digestive system 

11. Female/Male reproductive system 

Explain the major function(s) of the Integumentary system 

• Forms the external body covering, and protects deeper tissues from injury

• Synthesizes vitamin D

• Houses cutaneous (pain, pressure, etc.) receptors and sweat and oil glands

• Hair, Skin, Nails

Explain the major function(s) of the Skeletal system 

• Protects and supports body organs

• Proves a framework that muscles use to support movement

• Blood cells are formed within bones

• Bones store minerals

• Joints and Bones

Explain the major function(s) of the Muscular System

• Allows manipulation of the environment, location, and facial expression

• Maintains posture, and produces heat

• Skeletal muscles

Explain the major function(s) of the Nervous System

• As the fast-acting control system of the body, it responds to internal and external changes by activating appropriate muscles and glands

• Brain, Spinal cord, Nerves