Anatomy Chapter 1

Anatomy

Study of the form and function of anatomical structures.

Physiology

Study of the functional relevance of a structure.

Functional morphology

Concept that "Form Follows Function."

Gross Anatomy

Study of body features visible to the naked eye.

Microscopic Anatomy (Histology)

Study of the smallest structures using microscopes.

Radiologic Anatomy

Study of anatomy using x-rays.

Systemic Anatomy

Study based on specific body systems.

Regional Anatomy

Study of anatomy in a specific region of the body.

Situs solitus

Normal arrangement of organs.

Situs invertus

Reversed position of organs.

Situs perversus

Atypical positioning of one organ.

Structural levels of an organism

Hierarchical organization from atoms to organism.

Integumentary System

Protects and regulates water; includes skin and hair.

Skeletal System

Provides support and movement; includes bones and cartilage.

Muscular System

Facilitates movement and heat production; includes skeletal muscles.

Nervous System

Coordinates rapid communication and motor control; includes brain and nerves.

Endocrine System

Produces hormones for internal communication; includes glands.

Circulatory System

Distributes nutrients and oxygen; includes heart and blood vessels.

Lymphatic System

Recovers tissue fluid and defends against disease; includes lymph nodes.

Respiratory System

Absorbs oxygen and discharges carbon dioxide; includes lungs.

Digestive System

Breaks down nutrients and absorbs them; includes stomach and intestines.

Urinary System

Eliminates wastes and regulates blood volume; includes kidneys.

Reproductive System

Produces gametes and supports fetal development; includes testes and ovaries.

Anatomical position

Standing erect with arms at sides and palms facing forward.

Prone

Lying down on the stomach.

Supine

Lying down on the back.

Sagittal plane

Divides the body into right and left portions.

Median (midsagittal) plane

Divides the body into equal right and left halves.

Parasagittal

Divides the body into unequal right and left halves.

Coronal (frontal) plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Transverse plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the trunk of the body.

Distal

Farther away from the trunk of the body.

Ventral

Toward the anterior part of the body.

Dorsal

Toward the posterior part of the body.

Superficial

Closer to the body surface.

Deep

Farther into the body surface.

Axial Region

Includes head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular Region

Includes limbs and girdles.

Cranial cavity

Encloses the brain.

Vertebral canal

Contains the spinal cord.

Thoracic cavity

Contains the heart and lungs.

Abdominopelvic cavity

Contains digestive and reproductive organs.

Serous membranes

Line body cavities and cover organs.

Peritoneum

Serous membrane of the abdominal cavity.

Retroperitoneal position

Organs located outside the peritoneum.

Intraperitoneal

Organs surrounded by peritoneum.