A&P C1

Characteristics of Life

Growth & differentiation, Organization, Reproduction, Adaptation, Cells, Energy use, Response (movement, metabolism, excretion)

Levels of Organization

Atom → Molecule → Organelle → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism

Atom

Fundamental unit of matter (e.g., N, C, H, O, P, S)

Molecule

Atoms bonded together (e.g., H₂O, C₆H₁₂O₆)

Organelle

Structure inside a cell that performs a specific function (e.g., mitochondria, nucleus)

Cell

Fundamental unit of life

Tissue

Group of similar cells working together (e.g., small intestine lining)

Organ

Two or more tissue types working together for a task (e.g., small intestine)

Organ system

Group of organs working closely together (e.g., digestive system)

Organism

Combination of all organ systems

Gross Anatomy

Macroscopic anatomy visible to the naked eye (surface, regional, systemic, developmental)

Histology

Study of tissues and tissue layers

Cytology

Study of internal structures of cells

Physiology

Study of how the body performs vital functions

Systemic Physiology

Study of functions of a specific organ system

Cellular Physiology

Chemical processes within and between cells

Pathological Physiology

Study of disease in organs or systems

Homeostasis

Maintaining a stable internal environment despite changing conditions

Feedback Loop Components

Receptor (senses stimulus), Control center (processes info), Effector (causes change)

Negative Feedback

Reverses stimulus to restore balance (most common)

Positive Feedback

Reinforces stimulus until separate event stops it (e.g., childbirth, clotting, lactation)

Proximal

Closer to point of attachment

Distal

Farther from point of attachment

Medial

Toward the midline!

Lateral

Away from the midline

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body

Superior

Above, toward the head

Inferior

Below, toward the feet

Cranial

Toward the head

Caudal

Toward the tail/lower body

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Divides body into anterior and posterior

Sagittal Plane

Divides body into left and right

Midsagittal Plane

Divides body into equal left and right halves

Transverse Plane

Divides body into superior and inferior

Body Cavities

Dorsal (cranial, spinal) and Ventral (thoracic, abdominopelvic)

Serous Membrane

Lines body cavities not open to the outside; has parietal (outer) and visceral (inner) layers

Mediastinum

Central thoracic cavity with heart, trachea, esophagus, major vessels

Thoracic Cavity

Contains lungs (pleural cavities) and heart (pericardial cavity)

Pelvic Cavity

Contains urinary bladder, reproductive organs, and last portion of large intestine

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

Right Upper, Left Upper, Right Lower, Left Lower

Characteristics of Life

Growth & differentiation, Organization, Reproduction, Adaptation, Cells, Energy use, Response (movement, metabolism, excretion)

Levels of Organization

Atom → Molecule → Organelle → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism

Atom

Fundamental unit of matter (e.g., N, C, H, O, P, S)

Molecule

Atoms bonded together (e.g., H₂O, C₆H₁₂O₆)

Organelle

Structure inside a cell that performs a specific function (e.g., mitochondria, nucleus)

Cell

Fundamental unit of life

Tissue

Group of similar cells working together (e.g., small intestine lining)

Organ

Two or more tissue types working together for a task (e.g., small intestine)

Organ system

Group of organs working closely together (e.g., digestive system)

Organism

Combination of all organ systems

Gross Anatomy

Macroscopic anatomy visible to the naked eye (surface, regional, systemic, developmental)

Histology

Study of tissues and tissue layers

Cytology

Study of internal structures of cells

Physiology

Study of how the body performs vital functions

Systemic Physiology

Study of functions of a specific organ system

Cellular Physiology

Chemical processes within and between cells

Pathological Physiology

Study of disease in organs or systems

Homeostasis

Maintaining a stable internal environment despite changing conditions

Feedback Loop Components

Receptor (senses stimulus), Control center (processes info), Effector (causes change)

Negative Feedback

Reverses stimulus to restore balance (most common)

Positive Feedback

Reinforces stimulus until separate event stops it (e.g., childbirth, clotting, lactation)

Proximal

Closer to point of attachment

Distal

Farther from point of attachment

Medial

Toward the midline

Lateral

Away from the midline

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body

Superior

Above, toward the head

Inferior

Below, toward the feet

Cranial

Toward the head

Caudal

Toward the tail/lower body

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Divides body into anterior and posterior

Sagittal Plane

Divides body into left and right

Midsagittal Plane

Divides body into equal left and right halves

Transverse Plane

Divides body into superior and inferior

Body Cavities

Dorsal (cranial, spinal) and Ventral (thoracic, abdominopelvic)

Serous Membrane

Lines body cavities not open to the outside; has parietal (outer) and visceral (inner) layers

Mediastinum

Central thoracic cavity with heart, trachea, esophagus, major vessels

Thoracic Cavity

Contains lungs (pleural cavities) and heart (pericardial cavity)

Abdominal Cavity

Contains spleen and most digestive organs

Pelvic Cavity

Contains urinary bladder, reproductive organs, and last portion of large intestine

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

Right Upper, Left Upper, Right Lower, Left Lower