chaper 1 A&P

Definition of Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

Different types of anatomy

Gross Anatomy

Study of large, visible structures (ex. heart, bones, muscles)

Microscopic Anatomy

Study of structures too small to see without a microscope (cells, tissues).

Regional Anatomy

Focuses on all structures in a particular region (ex. abdomen, leg).

Systemic Anatomy

Focuses on one body system at a time (ex. cardiovascular system).

Definition of Physiology

The study of the functions of the body and how parts work together.

Homeostasis

Maintains stable internal environment (e.g., body temperature, blood sugar).

Levels of Biological Organization

• Organelle → tiny cell structures with specific functions

• Cell → basic unit of life.

• Tissue → group of similar cells performing a common function.

• Organ → structure made of 2+ tissues working together.

• Organ System → group of organs performing major body functions.

Organ Systems

1. Integumentary – protection, regulate temp

2. Skeletal – support, movement

3. Muscular – movement, heat

4. Nervous – control, fast response

5. Endocrine – hormones, regulation

6. Cardiovascular – transport

7. Lymphatic/Immune – defense, fluid balance

8. Respiratory – gas exchange

9. Digestive – break down, absorb nutrients

10. Urinary – eliminate waste

11. Reproductive – offspring

Feedback Mechanisms

Negative: reverses change ( temp, sugar)

Positive: enhances change ( childbirth, clotting)

Anatomical Landmarks

Cephalic=head, Cervical=neck, Thoracic=chest, Abdominal=abdomen, Pelvic=pelvis, Brachial=arm, Femoral=thigh

Anatomical Directions

Anterior=front, Posterior=back

Proximal=closer, Distal=farther

Medial=midline, Lateral=away

Superior=above, Inferior=below

Thoracic Cavity

Pleural (lungs), Mediastinum (between lungs), Pericardial (heart)

Abdominal Cavity

Stomach, liver, intestines, pancreas, kidneys

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

Quadrants: RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ

Abdominopelvic Regions

Regions: R hypochondriac, Epigastric, L hypochondriac

R lumbar, Umbilical, L lumbar

R iliac, Hypogastric, L iliac

Imaging Techniques

X-ray = bones

CT = cross-sections

MRI = soft tissue

Ultrasound = sound waves, pregnancy/organZ

Definition of Histology

Study of tissues (groups of cells working together for a specific function).

Four Main Types of Tissues & Roles

1. Epithelial – covers, lines, protects, absorbs, secretes

2. Connective – supports, binds, protects, transports

3. Muscle – movement (voluntary/involuntary)

4. Nervous – communication, control, electrical impulses

Where is the four main tissues found

Epithelial – skin, GI tract lining, glands

Where is the four main tissues found

Connective – bone, cartilage, fat, blood

Where is 4 main tissues found

Muscle – skeletal muscles, heart, hollow organs

Where is the 4 main tissues found

Nervous – brain, spinal cord, nerves

Function of Epithelial Tissue

Protection, secretion, absorption, sensation, permeability control

where you would find mucus membranes, serous membranes, cutaneous membranes, synovial membranes

Mucous – line cavities opening to exterior Serous – line closed cavities (pleura, pericardium, peritoneum)Cutaneous – skinSynovial – line joint cavities, secrete lubricating fluid

Gap junctions

communication, single to pass

Tight junctions

prevent leakage, seal cells

Anchoring junctions

attach cells or anchor to matrix