Anatomy and Physiology: Body Structures, Functions, and Planes

Anatomy

Study of body structures

Physiology

Study of how the body functions

Rule #1 of Anatomy

Structure is related to function

Chemical Level

Atoms and molecules

Cellular Level

Cells; smallest living units

Tissue Level

Groups of similar cells performing a specific function

Organ Level

Two or more tissue types working together

Organ System Level

Organs working together

Organismal Level

The entire human body

Anatomical Position

Standing upright, feet forward, arms at sides, palms forward

Purpose of Anatomical Position

Provides a universal reference for body directions

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body

Superior (Cranial)

Toward the head

Inferior (Caudal)

Toward the feet

Medial

Toward the midline

Lateral

Away from the midline

Proximal

Closer to point of attachment

Distal

Farther from point of attachment

Superficial

Toward the surface

Deep

Away from the surface

Cephalic

Head region

Cervical

Neck region

Thoracic

Chest region

Abdominal

Abdomen region

Pelvic

Pelvis region

Pubic

Genital region

Axillary

Armpit

Brachial

Arm

Carpal

Wrist

Femoral

Thigh

Patellar

Kneecap

Crural

Leg

Tarsal

Ankle

Hallux

Big toe

Occipital

Back of head

Scapular

Shoulder blade

Vertebral

Spinal column

Lumbar

Lower back

Gluteal

Buttocks

Popliteal

Back of knee

Sural

Calf

Plantar

Sole of foot

Right Upper Quadrant

Liver and gallbladder

Left Upper Quadrant

Stomach and spleen

Right Lower Quadrant

Appendix

Left Lower Quadrant

Intestines

Sagittal Plane

Divides body into left and right

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Divides body into front and back

Transverse Plane

Divides body into top and bottom

Dorsal Cavity

Contains brain and spinal cord

Ventral Cavity

Contains thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities

Thoracic Cavity

Contains heart and lungs

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Contains digestive, urinary, reproductive organs

Homeostasis

Maintaining stable internal conditions

Histology

Study of tissues

Epithelial Tissue

Covers surfaces, lines cavities, forms glands

Connective Tissue

Supports, binds, and protects

Muscle Tissue

Produces movement

Nervous Tissue

Transmits electrical impulses

Functions of Epithelium

Protection, secretion, absorption, diffusion, filtration, sensation

Characteristics of Epithelium

Cellular, polar, avascular, supported by connective tissue, regenerates

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Function: diffusion and filtration; Location: alveoli, blood vessels, serous membranes

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Function: secretion and absorption; Location: kidney tubules, gland ducts

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Function: absorption and secretion; Location: digestive tract

Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar Epithelium

Function: move mucus; Location: trachea and bronchi

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Function: protection from abrasion; Location: epidermis, mouth, esophagus

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium

Function: protection and secretion; Location: sweat gland ducts

Stratified Columnar Epithelium

Function: protection and secretion; Location: rare, large ducts

Transitional Epithelium

Function: stretching; Location: bladder and ureters

Basal Lamina

Anchors epithelium to connective tissue

Basement Membrane

Basal lamina plus reticular fibers

Endocrine Glands

Ductless glands that secrete hormones into blood

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete through ducts

Goblet Cells

Unicellular exocrine glands that secrete mucus

Tight Junctions

Prevent substances from passing between cells

Desmosomes

Strong spot-weld connections

Gap Junctions

Allow cell communication

Microvilli

Increase surface area for absorption

Cilia

Move fluid or mucus

Flagella

Move sperm

Connective Tissue Matrix

Ground substance plus fibers

Collagen Fibers

Strong fibers providing tensile strength

Reticular Fibers

Supportive framework

Elastic Fibers

Stretch and recoil

Fibroblasts

Produce fibers and matrix

Adipocytes

Store fat

Macrophages

Phagocytosis

Mast Cells

Inflammation

White Blood Cells

Immunity

Areolar Connective Tissue

Function: wraps and cushions; Location: under epithelium

Adipose Tissue

Function: fat storage and insulation; Location: hypodermis

Reticular Connective Tissue

Function: scaffold; Location: lymph nodes, spleen

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Function: strong attachment; Location: tendons and ligaments

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Function: strength in many directions; Location: dermis

Elastic Connective Tissue

Function: stretch and recoil; Location: large arteries

Hyaline Cartilage

Function: support and cushion; Location: trachea, ribs

Elastic Cartilage

Function: flexible support; Location: ear, epiglottis

Fibrocartilage

Function: shock absorption; Location: intervertebral discs

Bone

Function: support, protection, blood formation; Location: skeleton