Anatomy and Physiology: Key Concepts and Body Systems

What is anatomy?

The study of the structural basis of body function.

What is physiology?

The study of the functional relevance of a structure.

What does 'Functional morphology' refer to?

The concept that 'Form Follows Function'.

Who is considered the father of modern anatomy?

Andreas Vesalius, a 16th-century anatomist.

What role did Islamic scientists play in the history of human anatomy?

They advanced knowledge during the Medieval era when scientific research was nearly nonexistent in Europe.

What is gross anatomy?

The study of anatomical structures visible to the naked eye, often through cadaver dissection.

What is surface anatomy?

The study of external features of the body.

What is radiological anatomy?

The study of anatomy using imaging techniques.

What is systemic anatomy?

The study of specific organ systems.

What is histology?

The study of microscopic anatomy.

What are the methods of anatomical study?

Inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, and dissection.

What is radiology?

A branch of medicine concerned with imaging.

What is the difference between invasive and non-invasive medical imaging?

Invasive involves inserting instruments into the body, while non-invasive does not.

What is radiography?

An imaging technique that uses X-rays.

What does a CT scan do?

Uses cross-section X-rays to create detailed images of the body.

What is MRI used for?

Soft tissue visualization using magnets instead of radiation.

What is PET in medical imaging?

A technique that detects gamma rays and uses radioisotopes to find active cell division.

What is sonography?

An imaging technique that uses ultrasound waves.

What is situs solitus?

The normal arrangement of organs in the body.

What is situs inversus?

A condition where organs are reversed from their normal positions.

What is situs perversus?

A condition where one organ is atypically positioned.

What are the levels of human structure from smallest to largest?

Atoms, molecules/macromolecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organism.

How many organ systems are in the human body?

Eleven organ systems.

What are the principal organs of the integumentary system?

Skin, hair, nails, and cutaneous glands.

What are the principal functions of the skeletal system?

Support, movement, protective enclosure of viscera, blood formation, mineral storage.

What are the principal functions of the muscular system?

Movement, stability, communication, control of body openings, heat production.

What are the principal organs of the respiratory system?

Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs.

What are the principal functions of the digestive system?

Nutrient breakdown and absorption, liver functions include metabolism and cleansing of blood.

What are the principal organs of the circulatory system?

Heart and blood vessels.

What are the principal organs of the nervous system?

Brain, spinal cord, nerves, and ganglia.

What are the principal organs of the endocrine system?

Pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas, testes, and ovaries.

What are the principal functions of the nervous system?

Rapid internal communication, coordination, motor control, and sensation.

What are the principal functions of the circulatory system?

Distribution of nutrients, oxygen, wastes, hormones, electrolytes, heat, immune cells, and antibodies; fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance.

What are the principal functions of the endocrine system?

Hormone production; internal chemical communication and coordination.

What are the principal organs of the urinary system?

Kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.

What are the principal organs of the female reproductive system?

Ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, and mammary glands.

What are the principal organs of the male reproductive system?

Testes, epididymides, spermatic ducts, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands, and penis.

What are the principal functions of the male reproductive system?

Production and delivery of sperm; secretion of sex hormones.

What are the principal functions of the female reproductive system?

Production of eggs; site of fertilization and fetal development; fetal nourishment; birth; lactation; secretion of sex hormones.

What are the principal functions of the urinary system?

Elimination of wastes; regulation of blood volume and pressure; stimulation of red blood cell formation; control of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance; detoxification.

What is the anatomical position?

Standing erect with feet flat, ankles together, arms at the sides (supinated), and palms, face, and eyes facing forward.

What does the sagittal plane divide?

Right and left portions.

What is the median (midsagittal) plane?

The plane that divides the body into equal right and left halves.

What does the frontal (coronal) plane divide?

Anterior and posterior portions.

What does the transverse (horizontal) plane divide?

Superior and inferior portions.

What is the difference between anterior and posterior?

Anterior refers to the front, while posterior refers to the back.

What is the difference between superior and inferior?

Superior refers to a position above, while inferior refers to a position below.

What is the difference between medial and lateral?

Medial refers to a position closer to the midline, while lateral refers to a position further from the midline.

What is the difference between proximal and distal?

Proximal refers to a position closer to the point of attachment, while distal refers to a position further from the point of attachment.

What is the difference between ventral and dorsal?

Ventral refers to the front side, while dorsal refers to the back side.

What is the difference between superficial and deep?

Superficial refers to a position closer to the surface, while deep refers to a position further from the surface.

What are the major body regions?

Axial region (head, neck, trunk) and appendicular region (limbs and girdles).

What does the cranial cavity contain?

The brain.

What does the thoracic cavity contain?

Lungs, heart, and mediastinum.

What does the abdominopelvic cavity contain?

Most of the digestive organs, spleen, kidneys, ureters, and reproductive organs.

What is the peritoneum?

A serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.

What is the function of serous membranes?

To reduce friction between organs and the cavity walls.