Lesson 1 - A First Look at Anatomy

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships.

Physiology

The study of how body parts function.

Gross Anatomy

The study of structures visible to the naked eye.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of structures too small to be seen without magnification.

Chemical Level

Atoms and molecules that form the building blocks of the body.

Molecule

A chemical structure consisting of two or more atoms.

Organelle

A specialized structure within a cell performing specific functions.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of life.

Tissue

A group of similar cells performing a common function.

Organ

A structure composed of multiple tissues working together.

Organ System

A group of organs coordinating to perform major functions.

Organism

A living being composed of multiple organ systems.

Integumentary System

Provides protection, regulates temperature, and prevents water loss.

Skeletal System

Provides support, protection, and stores minerals.

Muscular System

Produces movement and generates heat.

Nervous System

Controls body activities through electrical signals.

Endocrine System

Regulates processes through hormone secretion.

Cardiovascular System

Transports nutrients, gases, and wastes through blood.

Lymphatic System

Transports lymph and participates in immune responses.

Respiratory System

Responsible for gas exchange between air and blood.

Digestive System

Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Urinary System

Removes waste products and regulates water balance.

Reproductive System

Produces gametes and supports reproduction.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body.

Dorsal

Toward the back side.

Ventral

Toward the belly side.

Superior

Above or toward the head.

Inferior

Below or toward the feet.

Cranial (Rostral)

Toward the head.

Caudal

Toward the tail or lower end.

Medial

Toward the midline.

Lateral

Away from the midline.

Superficial

Toward the surface.

Deep

Away from the surface.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into left and right portions.

Coronal Plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Transverse Plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Oblique Plane

A cut made at an angle.

Ventral Cavity

Major cavity containing thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Thoracic Cavity

Contains lungs and heart.

Pleural Cavity

Surrounds each lung.

Pericardial Cavity

Surrounds the heart.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Contains abdominal and pelvic organs.

Abdominal Cavity

Contains digestive organs.

Pelvic Cavity

Contains reproductive and urinary organs.

Posterior Aspect

Includes cranial and vertebral cavities.

Cranial Cavity

Houses the brain.

Vertebral Canal

Houses the spinal cord.

Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)

Contains liver, gallbladder, and part of stomach.

Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)

Contains stomach, spleen, and part of liver.

Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)

Contains appendix and parts of intestines.

Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)

Contains intestines and reproductive organs.

Pericardium

Serous membrane surrounding the heart.

Pleura

Serous membrane surrounding the lungs.

Peritoneum

Serous membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity.

Radiography

Uses X-rays to view dense structures.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Produces cross-sectional images using X-rays.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images.

Sonography

Uses ultrasound waves to create images.

Angiography

Visualizes blood vessels using contrast dye.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Shows metabolic activity using radioactive tracers.