Intro to the Human Body

cell

­­the basic structural and functional units of an organism (smallest living units)

tissue

groups of similar cells that work together to perform a similar function

epithelial

connective

muscular

nervous

4 types of tissues

organ

groups of two or more similar tissues that perform similar functions

organ system

related organs with a common function (11)

integumentary system

Protects the body, regulates temperature and eliminates waste through sweat and other secretions

Consists of the skin and all its related structures (hair, nails, glands)

skeletal system

Provides protection and support

Responsible for the production of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets)

Consists of the bones and the components of the joints

muscular system

Responsible for body movement, stabilization, generating heat, movement of substances (blood, food) through the body

Consists of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle

nervous system

Senses, interprets, and responds to body conditions through nerve impulses

Consists of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and sensory organs

cardiovascular system

Carries blood to regions of the body providing them with nutrients, oxygen and allowing for waste removal

Regulates body temperature

Consists of the heart, blood vessels and blood

respiratory system

Responsible for delivering oxygen to the tissues of the body and removing carbon dioxide

Consists of the lungs, upper airways, trachea, bronchi and alveoli

endocrine system

Directly regulates numerous body functions (homeostasis) by releasing hormones into the blood

Consists of hormone-producing cells and glands throughout the body

lymphatic system

Filters the blood and protects the body from disease

Consists of lymphatic fluid, lymph nodes, lymphocytes and various organs scattered throughout the body

digestive system

Responsible for the physical and chemical breakdown of food and elimination of waste

Consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines and accessory organs (liver, spleen, and gallbladder)

urinary system

Responsible for the collection and elimination of waste products in urine

Regulation of fluid (blood pressure), electrolyte and pH balance

Consists of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra

reproductive system

Continuing the species

Responsible for producing the gametes (sperm and egg) and nourishing the zygote

Consists of the ovaries, uterus, and vagina for the female and the tests and penis for the male (along with associated organs and glands in both sexes)

metabolism

combination of all the chemical processes that occur in the body

anabolism

catabolism

2 types of metabolism

anabolism

building of complex chemical substances from smaller components

catabolism

breakdown of complex chemical substances from unspecialized cells

differentiation

development of specialized cells from unspecialized cells

stems cells —> red blood cells, muscles, nerve cells

homeostasis

a continuous interaction of the body’s regulatory processes to maintain equilibrium and stability in the body’s internal environment

regulated by endocrine and nervous system

stimulus

a change in a regulated variable (temp, stretch)

receptor

structure (nerve endings) that detects changes and relays information to a control center

control center

evaluates input from the receptor and determines the appropriate response

ex. brain, spinal cord or endocrine gland

effector

receives input from the control center and produces the correct response

ex. muscles, organs, glands

1. stimulus

2. receptor

3. control center

4. effector

components of a feedback system

superior

towards the top (above)

inferior

the lower part/end (below)

anterior/ventral

in front of

posterior/dorsal

in back of

medial

towards the middle/midline

lateral

towards the side

proximal

closer to the point of attachment

distal

away from the point of attachment

superficial

towards the surface

deep/internal

away from the surface

sagittal plane

divides the body into unequal left and right sections

mid-sagittal plane

sections are equal

frontal (coronal) plane

divides body into anterior and posterior sections

transverse plane

divides the body into superior and inferior sections

oblique plane

divides the body at an angle

body cavities

dorsal cavity

• cranial

• vertebral

ventral

• thoracic

  • pleural

  • pericardial

• abdominopelvic

  • abdominal

  • pelvic

dorsal cavity

cranial cavity

vertebral cavity

cranial cavity

brain

vertebral cavity

spinal cord

ventral cavity

• thoracic

  • pleural

  • pericardial

• abdominopelvic

  • abdominal

  • pelvic

thoracic cavity

pleural

pericardial

abdominopelvic cavity

abdominal

pelvic

abdominal cavity

stomach, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands, small and large intestines

pelvic cavity

urinary bladder, internal male and female reproductive organs