Module: Week 1 | Introductory biology

Anatomy 

‘cutting open’. It is the scientific study of the body’s structures. Some body structures are very small and can only be observed with a microscope (like our cells), while others are large enough to be observed with the naked eye (e.g., bones and muscles).

Anatomy is the STRUCTURE. When we study anatomy, we are asking questions like What does it look like? Where is it? What structures are nearby? and What structures is it connected to?

Physiology 

Physiology is the study of how the body works; the function of body parts and how they work together to maintain life. Much of the study of physiology centres on the body’s tendency toward homeostasis. Physiologists may work from the molecular level (such as exploring how electrochemical signals travel along nerves) to the organ level (exploring, for example, what different parts of the brain do).

Physiology is the FUNCTION. When we study physiology, we are asking questions like ‘What does it do?’ and ‘How does it work?’

Histology 

Study of biological cells and tissues

For example, using microscopy to determine the specific cells that comprose an individual muscle, or visualise which epoithelial cell is lining the respiratory tract. 

Anatomical position 

What is it?

Standing erect Head level and eyes facing forward Hands at side and palms forward Legs parallel, feet flat on the floor.

Why is it important?

Descriptions of any region or part of the human body assume that it is in a standard position of reference.  The anatomical position provides a common world-wide reference point for describing the location of body parts and regions.

Supine

What is it?

The body is in a horizontal position with the face and upper body orientated upwards.

Why is it important?

One of two terms that describe a reclining body; each of which are used in different medical circumstances. This is the most common position for surgery, particularly when access to the thoracic cavity is required. Supine is the typical starting position for human dissection and autopsies.

Prone

What is it?

The body is in a horizontal position with the face and upper body orientated downwards.

Why is it important?

One of two terms that describe a reclining body; each of which are used in different medical circumstances. Some surgical procedures require a prone position, particularly when access to the posterior spine, buttocks or perirectal area is required. The prone position helps increase oxygenation in patients with respiratory distress.

Sagittal plane

Divides the body or an organ vertically into right and left sides

Frontal plane

Divides the body or an organ into an anterior (front) portion and a posterior (rear) portion

Transverse plane

Divides the body or organ horizontally into upper and lower portions

Anterior (or ventral)

Describes the front or direction toward the front of the body

Posterior (or dorsal)

Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body

Superior (or cranial)

Describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper

Inferior (or caudal

Describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper

Lateral

Describes the side or direction toward the side of the body

Medial

Describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body

Proximal

Describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body

Distal

Describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body

Superficial

Describes a position closer to the surface of the body

Deep

Describes a position farther from the surface of the body. The brain is deep to the skull

nucleus

Control of storage and processing of genetic information

cytoplasm

Where most cellular activities occur, such as many metabolic pathways including glycolysis, and processes such as cell division

ribosome

Protein synthesis

rough endoplasmic reticulum

Modifies and packages newly synthesised proteins. Ribosomes can be attached to this structure.

Mitochondria

Produce 95% of the ATP required by the cell

plasma membrane

Separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment. Controls the movement of substances in and out of cells.