Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Concepts

Study of internal and external structures of the body and their physical relationships.

Anatomy

Study of the functions of body parts and how they work.

Physiology

Body's tendency toward stability.

Homeostasis

Structures not visible without magnification.

Microscopic Anatomy

Study of internal structures of cells.

Cytology

Study of tissues that make up the body.

Histology

Structures visible without magnification.

Gross Anatomy

Study of superficial anatomical markings (morphology).

Surface Anatomy

Study of structures in a specific body area.

Regional Anatomy

Study of organ systems that function together.

Systemic Anatomy

99.5% of the body is composed of: Hydrogen (62%), Oxygen (26%), Carbon (10%), Nitrogen (1.5%).

Elements

Smallest unit of life; contain organelles.

Cells

Similar cells performing a common function.

Tissues

Four types: Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, Neural (Nerve).

Types of Tissues

Combination of tissues performing a common function (e.g., the heart contains all four tissue types).

Organs

Combination of organs performing a common function.

Organ Systems

The complete living body, made up of all organ systems.

Organism

Atom, Molecule, Macromolecule, Organelle, Tissue, Organ, Organ System, Organism.

Proper Order of Organization

Ability to react to environmental stimuli.

Responsiveness

Cells grow larger and become specialized.

Growth & Differentiation

Ability to produce offspring.

Reproduction

Internal (blood, food) and external movement.

Movement

Chemical reactions for survival.

Metabolism & Excretion

Breakdown of molecules.

Catabolism

Synthesis of molecules.

Anabolism

Intake and removal of materials.

Absorption & Excretion

Skin and accessory organs.

Integumentary System

Bones, cartilage, joints.

Skeletal System

Skeletal muscles for movement.

Muscular System

Brain, spinal cord, nerves, special senses.

Nervous System

Glands regulating bodily functions.

Endocrine System

Heart, blood vessels, blood.

Cardiovascular System

Spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, vessels.

Lymphatic System

Lungs, trachea, larynx, pharynx, nasal cavity.

Respiratory System

Organs for nutrient absorption.

Digestive System

Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra.

Urinary system

Organs for reproduction and fetal development.

Reproductive System

Body erect, face forward, arms at sides, palms forward.

Anatomical Position

Lying face down.

Prone

Lying face up.

Supine

Above / Below.

Superior / Inferior

Front / Back.

Anterior / Posterior

Toward the midline / Away from midline.

Medial / Lateral

Closer to attachment / Farther from attachment.

Proximal / Distal

Near the surface / Deeper in the body.

Superficial / Deep

Both sides / Same side / Opposite sides.

Bilateral / Ipsilateral / Contralateral

Toward the head / Toward the tail.

Cephalic / Caudal

Right lobe of liver, gallbladder, right kidney, portions of stomach, small/large intestine.

Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)

Left lobe of liver, stomach, pancreas, left kidney, spleen, portions of large intestine.

Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)

Cecum, appendix, portions of small intestine, reproductive organs (right ovary in females, right spermatic cord in males), right ureter.

Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)

Most of small intestine, portions of large intestine, left ureter, reproductive organs (left ovary in females, left spermatic cord in males).

Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)

Divides body into right/left parts.

Sagittal Plane

Equal halves.

Midsagittal

Unequal halves.

Parasagittal

Divides into superior and inferior parts.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

Divides into anterior and posterior parts.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Perpendicular slice.

Cross Section

Angled slice.

Oblique Section

Lengthwise slice.

Longitudinal Section

Contains brain.

Cranial Cavity

Contains spinal cord.

Vertebral Cavity

Contains lungs, heart, thymus, esophagus.

Thoracic Cavity

Contains digestive, urinary, reproductive organs.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Lines lung compartments.

Parietal pleura

Covers lungs.

Visceral pleura

Contains esophagus, trachea, major blood vessels of the heart.

Mediastinum

Lines cavity.

Parietal pericardium

Covers heart.

visceral pericardium

Contains digestive and urinary organs.

Abdominal Cavity

Holds most digestive organs.

Peritoneal Cavity

Lines cavity.

Parietal peritoneum

Covers organs.

Visceral peritoneum

Hold organs in place.

Mesenteries

Contains parts of digestive system, urinary bladder, reproductive organs.

Pelvic Cavity

Reduce friction between body cavities and organs by secreting transudate fluid.

Serous Membranes

Line body cavities.

Parietal Membranes

Cover organs within cavities.

Visceral Membranes