Anatomy and Physiology: Principles and Organization

This set covers the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology, the hierarchy of biological organization, organ system components, and the mechanisms of homeostatic regulation.

Anatomy

The study of structure within the physical organization of the animal body.

Physiology

The study of function within the organization of the animal body.

Hierarchy of levels

The structural organization of the animal body consisting of the cellular level, tissue level, organ level, organ system level, and organism level.

Organism level

The highest level of biological organization where many organ systems function together.

Relationship of form and function

A fundamental principle where structure fits function at all levels of organization in the animal body.

Homeostasis

The regulation of the internal environment through mechanisms that result in small fluctuations around a set point.

Negative feedback

A form of feedback inhibition that results in small fluctuations of a variable around a set point to maintain consistency.

Internal body temperature set point

The homeostatic target temperature of approximately $36\text{-}38^{\circ}\text{C}$.

Cooling mechanisms

Biological responses triggered when temperature rises above normal, including sweat glands secreting sweat and blood vessels in the skin dilating.

Warming mechanisms

Biological responses triggered when temperature falls below normal, including blood vessels in the skin constricting and skeletal muscles rapidly contracting to cause shivering.

Circulatory system

An organ system level structure primarily composed of the heart and blood vessels.

Respiratory system

The system responsible for gas exchange, including the nasal cavity, larynx, trachea, bronchus, and lung.

Muscular system

A system primarily composed of skeletal muscles that enable movement.

Integumentary system

The external system of the body consisting of the hair, nails, and skin.

Skeletal system

The system providing structural support, composed of cartilage and bone.

Endocrine system

The regulatory system including the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal gland, pancreas, and reproductive organs (testis and ovary).

Lymphatic and immune systems

Systems involved in defense and fluid balance, including the thymus, bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels.

Urinary system

The system involved in waste excretion, consisting of the kidney, ureter, urinary bladder, and urethra.

Nervous system

The fast-acting control system including the brain, sense organ, spinal cord, and nerves.

Digestive system

The system responsible for food processing, including the mouth, esophagus, liver, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.

Female reproductive system

The system used for reproduction in females, containing the oviduct, ovary, uterus, and vagina.

Male reproductive system

The system used for reproduction in males, containing seminal vesicles, prostate gland, vas deferens, penis, urethra, and testis.