AnaPhy: U1 - The Human Organism

Anatomy

Study of Human Body's Structure

Physiology

The study of the human body's function

Cytology

Study of cells

Histology

Study of tissues

Chemical level

Atoms, molecules (e.g., proteins, DNA)

Cellular Level

Cells are the basic unit of life.

Tissue level

Groups of similar cells (e.g., epithelial,

muscle)

Organ level

Two or more tissues (e.g., heart, lungs)

System level

Organs working together (e.g., circulatory

system)

Organism Leel

All systems forming the human body.

Integration

A central theme is the "unity of form and

function,

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in the

body.

Responsiveness

The ability to sense and react to

changes (stimuli) in the environment

Growth

An increase in body size through an increase

in the size or number of existing cells.

Differentiation

The process where unspecialized cells

become specialized in structure and function.

Reproduction

The formation of new cells for growth,

repair, or replacement, or the production of a new

individual

Homeostasis

The ability of the body to maintain a relatively

stable internal environment despite constant external

changes

Negative Feedback Mechanism

The most common

regulatory mechanism. it reverses a change in a controlled

condition, bringing it back to a set point

Positive Feedback Mechanism

A mechanism that reinforces

or amplifies a change, moving the variable further away from

its initial state until a climactic event occurs

Stimulus

Alters a controlled condition.

Receptors

Monitors environment and sends afferent signal.

Control Center

Evaluates input and generates efferent signal.

Effector

Receives output and produces a response

Restoration

Balance is achieved and the loop shuts down.

Dorsal Cavity

Protects the nervous system (cranial and vertebral cavities.)

Ventral Cavity

Houses internal organs (viscera) and is

subdivided into the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities

Serous membranes

Double-layered membranes (like the pleura for lungs and pericardium for the heart) that line cavities and cover organs to reduce friction

Anatomical Planes

Standard sections used to view internal anatomy

include sagittal, frontal (coronal), and transverse (horizontal) planes

Regions and Quadrants

The body is divided into axial (head, neck,

trunk) and appendicular (limbs) regions

Right Upper Quadrant

Liver and gallbladder is loacated here

Left Upper Quadrant

Stomach and spleen is found here

Right Lower Quadrant

Appendix is located here.

Left Lower Quadrant

Descending colon is found here.

Integumentary

Skin, hair, and nails; provides protection and

temperature regulation

Skeletal

Bones and joints; provides support and protection

Muscular

Skeletal muscles; facilitates movement and heat production

Nervous

Brain, spinal cord, and nerves; the primary system for integration and control

Endocrine

Glands secreting hormones to regulate metabolism and

reproduction

Circulatory

Heart, blood, and vessels; transports oxygen and nutrients

Lymphoid and Immune

Defends against infection and maintains fluid

balance

Respiratory

Lungs and airways; responsible for gas exchange

Digestive

Processes food and absorbs nutrients

Urinary

Kidneys and bladder; eliminates waste and regulates blood volume

Reproductive

Produces gametes and hormones for the production of

offspring

Blood Pressure

Monitoring circulatory delivery, autonomic nervous tone, and endocrine fluid regulation.

Body Temperature

Monitoring integumentary heat loss, muscular thermogenesis, and metabolic rate

Respiration Rate

Monitoring respiratory gas exchange, muscular mechanics, and nervous system drive.

Heart Rate

Monitoring the ultimate output of the cardiac conduction system.