CH. 1 | The Human Body: An Orientation

Define anatomy and physiology, and describe the subdisciplines of anatomy.

Anatomy

• The study of the structure of the human body
  
  

Physiology

• The study of body function
  
  

Subdisciplines of Anatomy

• Gross Anatomy

  • Study of body structures that can be examined by the naked eye — bones, lungs, muscles

  • Dissection

• Regional Anatomy

  • Structures in a single body region — abdomen or head are examined as a group

• System Anatomy

  • All the organs with related functions that are studied together

• Surface Anatomy

  • Study of shapes and markings (landmarks) on the surface of the body that reveal the underlying organs

Use the meaning of word roots to aid in understanding anatomical terminology.

Most anatomical terms come from Greek or Latin roots

• Break terms into roots, prefixes, and suffixes

Identify the levels of structural organization in the human body, and explain the interrelationships between each level.

Level	Definition	Example
Chemical	Atoms combine to form molecules and macromolecules	Carbon, hydrogen → water (H₂O), hemoglobin
Cellular	Molecules make up cells and their organelles	Phospholipids forming the plasma membrane
Tissue	Similar cells + extracellular material working together	Epithelial tissue lining blood vessels
Organ	Multiple tissue types forming a discrete structure	Heart, liver, brain, femur
Organ System	Organs working together for a common purpose	Cardiovascular system (heart + blood vessels)
Organism	All organ systems working together = a living person	Human

List the organ systems of the body, and briefly state the functions.

Integumentary System

Skeletal System

Muscular System

Nervous System

Endocrine System

Cardiovascular System

Lymphatic System/Immunity

Respiratory System

Digestive System

Urinary System

Male + Female Reproductive System

Define anatomical position.

Use anatomical terminology to describe body directions, regions, and planes.

Locate the major body cavities and their subdivisions

Name the four quadrants of the abdomen, and identify the visceral organs located within each quadrant.