Anatomy and Physiology Basics

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the body, including the shapes, sizes, and relationships of different parts (organs, tissues, and cells).

Physiology

The study of the function of the body’s parts and how they work together to sustain life.

Chemical Level

Atoms combine to form molecules, which are the building blocks of all matter (e.g., water, proteins, carbohydrates).

Cellular Level

Cells are the basic units of life with specific structures and functions (e.g., muscle cells, nerve cells).

Tissue Level

Groups of similar cells that work together to perform a common function (e.g., epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous tissues).

Organ Level

Made up of different tissues working together to perform specific functions

Organ System Level

Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions (e.g., cardiovascular system).

Organism Level

The entire human body, made up of all the organ systems working together to maintain life.

Integumentary System

Protects the body, regulates temperature, and provides sensory information (organs:skin, hair, nails).

Skeletal System

Provides structure, supports and protects internal organs, produces blood cells, and stores minerals (organs:bones, joints).

Muscular System

Facilitates movement, maintains posture, and generates heat (organs:skeletal muscles, tendons).

Nervous System

Controls body functions, processes information, and allows communication between body parts (organs:brain, spinal cord).

Endocrine System

Produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and reproduction (organs:glands like thyroid, adrenal).

Cardiovascular System

Transports blood, nutrients, oxygen, and waste products throughout the body (organs:heart, blood vessels).

Respiratory System

Facilitates gas exchange and helps regulate pH balance (organs:lungs, trachea).

Digestive System

Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste (organs:mouth, stomach, intestines).

Urinary System

Eliminates waste and regulates water balance and electrolytes (organs:kidneys, bladder).

Reproductive System

Produces sex cells and hormones, allows for reproduction (organs:ovaries, testes).

Lymphatic/Immune System

Defends the body against infections and removes excess fluid (organs:lymph nodes, spleen).

Homeostasis

The process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Negative Feedback

Reduces or opposes the initial stimulus to bring the body back to a normal state (e.g., sweating).

Positive Feedback

Enhances or amplifies the initial stimulus (e.g., blood clotting).

Cell Membrane

Phospholipid bilayer that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Nucleus

Membrane-bound structure that acts as the control center of the cell and stores genetic information.

Mitochondria

Double-membrane organelle that produces energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis

Ribosomes

Small particles of RNA and proteins responsible for protein synthesis.

Golgi Apparatus

Stacked, membrane-bound sacs that modify, sort, and package proteins and lipids for transport.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound sacs of digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in the body, including anabolism and catabolism.

Anabolism

Building larger molecules from smaller ones (e.g., protein synthesis).

Catabolism

Breaking down larger molecules into smaller ones (e.g., digestion).

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells produce energy (ATP) by breaking down glucose in the presence of oxygen.

Aerobic Respiration

Requires oxygen and occurs in mitochondria.

Anaerobic Respiration

Does not require oxygen and produces less energy.

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

Essential for maintaining normal cell function; key electrolytes include sodium, potassium, and calcium.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves that extend from the CNS to the rest of the body.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary functions (e.g., heart rate).

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Superior

Towards the head/upper body