Human Anatomy and Physiology - Chapter 1 Flashcards

Human Body: An Orientation

1.1 Form and Function of Anatomy & Physiology

  • Anatomy: Study of the structure of the body.
  • Physiology: Study of the function of the body.
  • Study Tip: Familiarize with major anatomy concepts before classes to enhance understanding.

1.2 Complementarity of Structure and Function

  • Anatomy and physiology are interconnected; the function of a body part is influenced by its structure.

1.3 Structural Organization of the Human Body

  • Levels of Organization:
  • Chemical Level: Atoms, molecules, organelles.
  • Cellular Level: Individual cells.
  • Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells working together.
  • Organ Level: Composed of two or more types of tissues.
  • Organ System Level: Groups of organs that work closely together.
  • Organismal Level: Entire living individual made up of multiple organ systems.

1.4 Necessary Life Functions

  • Essential for maintaining life include:
  • Maintaining Boundaries: Keeps internal environment distinct from external.
    • Examples: Plasma membranes for cells, skin for the organism.
  • Movement: Results from muscular system; involves body parts or substances within the body.
  • Responsiveness: Ability to detect changes and respond accordingly (e.g., withdrawal reflex).
  • Digestion: Breakdown and absorption of nutrients.
  • Metabolism: Sum of all chemical reactions, including:
    • Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules.
    • Anabolism: Synthesis of molecules.
  • Excretion: Removal of wastes from metabolic processes (e.g., urea, carbon dioxide).
  • Reproduction: Cellular reproduction for growth/repair, and production of offspring at organismal level.
  • Growth: Increase in size of body parts or organism.

1.5 Organ Systems of the Human Body

  • There are 11 organ systems that work collaboratively to sustain life:
  1. Integumentary
  2. Skeletal
  3. Muscular
  4. Nervous
  5. Endocrine
  6. Cardiovascular
  7. Lymphatic/Immunity
  8. Respiratory
  9. Digestive
  10. Urinary
  11. Reproductive (Male and Female)

1.6 Survival Needs

  • Essential factors for survival:
  • Nutrients: Substances for energy and cell building.
  • Oxygen: Required for metabolic processes.
  • Water: Vital for life, constituting a large part of the body.
  • Normal Body Temperature: Necessary for adequate metabolic functioning.
  • Appropriate Atmospheric Pressure: Important for breathing and gas exchange.

1.7 Homeostasis

  • Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions despite external changes; a dynamic equilibrium.
  • Contributions from Organ Systems: All organ systems contribute to maintaining homeostasis.

1.8 Homeostatic Controls

  • Receptor (Sensor): Monitors environment; detects changes.
  • Control Center: Compares input from receptor to a set point; determines response.
  • Effector: Carries out the response to restore balance; can either reduce (negative feedback) or enhance (positive feedback) the stimulus.

1.9 Anatomical Terms

  • Anatomical Position: Standard reference position where the body is erect, feet slightly apart, with palms facing forward.
  • Directional Terms: Describe the location of structures in relation to others based on standard anatomical position.
  • Regional Terms:
  • Axial: Head, neck, and trunk.
  • Appendicular: Limbs (legs and arms).

1.10 Body Planes and Sections

  • Body Planes: Lines along which body can be cut for anatomical study.
  • Sagittal Plane: Divides body into right and left parts.
  • Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.
  • Transverse (Horizontal) Plane: Divides body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) parts.
  • Sections: The cuts made along body planes, named accordingly (e.g., sagittal section).

1.11 Cavities of the Body

  • Dorsal and ventral cavities serve as major spaces housing organs.
  • Dorsal: Contains the brain and spinal cord.
  • Ventral: Contains thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities, housing various organs.