Module 1

Anatomy

is the study of the body's structures (what it's made of)

Physiology

Physiology is the scientific study of the chemistry and physics of the structures of the body and the ways in which they work together to support the functions of life. 

Gross Anatomy

Study of the larger structures of the body, typically with the unaided eye; also referred to as macroscopic anatomy

Regional Anatomy

is the study of the interrelationships of all of the structures in a specific body region.

Focuses on studying the body in sections or parts (e.g., head and neck, thorax, abdomen, etc.)

Microscopic Anatomy

Study of very small structures of the body using magnification

Systemic anatomy

is the study of the structures that make up a discrete body system—that is, a group of structures that work together to perform a unique body function.  

Focuses on studying the body by organ systems (e.g., skeletal, muscular, nervous, etc.)

Homeostasis

Steady state of body systems that living organisms maintain

Chemical Level

Cellular Level

Tissue Level

Organ Level

Organ System Level

Organismal Level

Set point

is the physiological value around which the normal range fluctuates.  

Negative feedback

is a mechanism that reverses a deviation from the set point, and in turn, maintains body parameters within their normal range. 

A sensor, also referred to a receptor

monitors a physiological value, which is then reported to the control center.  

The control center

compares the value to the normal range. If the value deviates too much from the set point, then the control center activates an effector.  

An effector

causes a change to reverse the situation and return the value to the normal range. 

Positive feedback

intensifies a change in the body’s physiological condition rather than reversing it. 

Homeostasis

is the activity of cells throughout the body to maintain the physiological state within a narrow range that is compatible with life. Homeostasis is regulated by negative feedback loops and, much less frequently, by positive feedback loops.  

A body that is lying face down is described as

prone

A body that is lying face up is described as

supine

Anterior (or ventral)

describes the front or direction toward the front of the body. The toes are anterior to the foot. 

Posterior (or dorsal)

describes the back or direction toward the back of the body. The popliteus is posterior to the patella. 

Superior (or cranial)

describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper. The orbits are superior to the oris. 

Inferior (or caudal)

describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail (in humans, the coccyx, or lowest part of the spinal column). The pelvis is inferior to the abdomen. 

Lateral

describes the side or direction toward the side of the body. The thumb (pollex) is lateral to the digits. 

Medial

describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body. The hallux is the medial toe. 

Proximal

describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The brachium is proximal to the antebrachium. 

Distal

describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The crus is distal to the femur. 

Superficial

describes a position closer to the surface of the body. The skin is superficial to the bones. 

Deep

describes a position farther from the surface of the body. The brain is deep to the skull. 

The sagittal plane

divides the body or an organ vertically into right and left sides. If this vertical plane runs directly down the middle of the body, it is called the midsagittal or median plane. If it divides the body into unequal right and left sides, it is called a parasagittal plane or less commonly a longitudinal section. 

The frontal (coronal) plane

divides the body or an organ into an anterior (front) portion and a posterior (rear) portion. The frontal plane is often referred to as a coronal plane. (“Corona” is Latin for “crown.”) 

The transverse (or horizontal) plane

divides the body or organ horizontally into upper and lower portions. Transverse planes produce images referred to as cross sections.

Abdominal Regions and Quadrants

To promote clear communication, for instance, about the location of a patient’s abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, health care providers typically divide up the cavity into either nine regions or four quadrants.