Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy

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

Physiology

The study of the function of body parts and how they work.

Chemical level

Atoms and molecules (e.g., DNA, water).

Cellular level

Cells, the basic units of life (e.g., muscle cells).

Tissue level

Groups of similar cells working together (e.g., muscle tissue).

Organ level

Structures made of multiple tissues (e.g., heart).

Organ system level

Groups of organs working together (e.g., circulatory system).

Organism level

The entire living being (e.g., a human).

Movement

Muscular sys. allows for movement.

Maintaining Boundaries

Separation of internal and external environments must exist.

Responsiveness

Ability to sense and respond to stimuli.

Digestion

Breakdown of foodstuff.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions that occur in body cells.

Excretion

Removal of wastes in body.

Reproduction

At a cellular level: Division of cells for growth or repair; At organismal level: Production of offspring.

Growth

Increase of size of organism.

Principle of complementarity

Structure determines function. For example, the shape of a red blood cell allows it to carry oxygen efficiently.

Nutrients

Provide energy and materials for growth.

Oxygen

Needed for cellular respiration.

Water

Essential for chemical reactions and transport.

Stable body temperature

Ensures proper enzyme function.

Atmospheric pressure

Required for breathing and gas exchange.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Integumentary system

Protection (skin, hair, nails).

Skeletal system

Support and movement (bones, joints).

Muscular system

Movement (skeletal muscles).

Nervous system

Control and communication (brain, nerves).

Endocrine system

Hormone production (thyroid, pancreas).

Cardiovascular system

Blood circulation (heart, blood vessels).

Lymphatic/Immune system

Defense (lymph nodes, spleen).

Respiratory system

Gas exchange (lungs, trachea).

Digestive system

Nutrient breakdown (stomach, intestines).

Urinary system

Waste removal (kidneys, bladder).

Reproductive system

Reproduction (ovaries, testes).

Negative feedback

Reverses a change to maintain stability (e.g., body temperature regulation).

Positive feedback

Amplifies a change to complete a process (e.g., childbirth contractions).