Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy

Study of the structure of body parts and their relationship to one another.

Physiology

Study of the function of body parts; how they work to carry out life-sustaining activities.

Principle of Complementarity

The structure of an organism is closely related to its function.

Gross Anatomy

Study of large, visible structures in the body.

Systemic Anatomy

Focuses on one specific system (e.g., cardiovascular).

Surface Anatomy

Examines internal structures as they relate to overlying skin.

Microscopic Anatomy

Study of structures too small to be seen by the naked eye.

Cytology

Microscopic study of cells.

Histology

Microscopic study of tissues.

Subdivisions of Physiology

Based on organ systems and often focuses on cellular and molecular levels.

Chemical Level

Atoms, molecules, and organelles.

Cellular Level

Single cell.

Tissue Level

Groups of similar cells.

Organ Level

Contains two or more types of tissues.

Organ System Level

Organs that work closely together.

Organismal Level

All organ systems combined to make the whole organism.

Biomolecule

Building blocks for functional cells, tissues, and organs.

Protein

Building block is amino acid; fundamental component of structure and metabolic function in the cell.

Lipid

No single building block; long-term energy molecule and structural component of membranes.

Carbohydrate

Building block is monosaccharide; serves as a structural molecule and energy storage.

Nucleic Acids

Building block is nucleotide; unit for hereditary information (DNA) or protein biosynthesis (RNA).

Organic Compounds

Compounds that contain carbon, made by living things, and are covalently bonded.

Cells

The living unit of life, comprising a membrane, genetic material, and cytosolic fluid.

what are the four major classes of biomolecules?

protein, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids

what are the four major categories of tissue?

connective, muscle, nervous, and epithelial tissue

what is the function of connective tissue?

provides support and integrity for other tissues and organs

what is the function of muscle tissue?

generates mechanical force

what are the three types of muscle tissue?

skeletal, smooth, cardiac

what is the function of epithelial tissue?

lines walls of open tubes and provides secretory and absorptive surfaces

what is the function of nervous tissue?

provides long-distance communication within the body and glia provide protection and nourishment to nerve cells.

what is homeostasis?

a process that maintains steady condition within the human body (state of balance)