Anatomy vs. Physiology
Anatomy: Study of body structure.
Physiology: Study of body function.
Levels of Organization
Atoms → Molecules → Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ Systems → Human Organism.
Major Organ Systems
Integumentary system: Protects body.
Skeletal system: Provides structure.
Muscular system: Enables movement.
Nervous system: Controls body functions.
Endocrine system: Hormonal regulation.
Circulatory system: Transports blood.
Lymphatic system: Defends against infection.
Immune system: Protects against disease.
Respiratory system: Exchanges gases.
Digestive system: Processes food.
Urinary system: Eliminates waste.
Reproductive system: Produces offspring.
Homeostasis
The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.
Anatomical Position & Body Planes
Anatomical Position: Standing erect, face forward, arms at sides, palms and toes forward.
Body Planes:
Body Cavities
Dorsal Cavity: Contains cranial and spinal cavities.
Ventral Cavity: Contains thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.
Quadrants & Regions
Abdominopelvic cavity divided into 4 quadrants and 9 regions.
Matter & Atoms
Matter: Anything with mass and volume.
States of matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas.
Components of atoms:
Elements in the Body
Major elements constitute 96% of the human body:
Chemical Bonds
Ionic Bonds: Transfer of electrons.
Covalent Bonds: Sharing of electrons.
Hydrogen Bonds: Weak attraction between molecules.
Water: Essential for Life
Functions: Universal solvent, temperature regulator, lubricant, engages in chemical reactions, protective medium.
Acids, Bases, and pH
Acid: Substance that releases H+.
Base: Substance that removes H+.
pH Scale: Range from 0 to 14; 7 is neutral,
Energy & ATP
ATP: Energy currency of the cell.
Types of energy: Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Radiant, Thermal, Nuclear.
Structure of a Cell
Cell membrane: Regulates entry and exit of substances.
Nucleus: Control center that contains DNA.
Cytoplasm: Gel-like fluid that holds organelles.
Organelles & Their Functions
Mitochondria: ATP production (powerhouse of the cell).
Ribosomes: Synthesis of proteins (protein factories).
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Transport system for materials.
Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.
Lysosomes: Contains enzymes for cellular digestion.
Cell Transport
Passive Transport: Does not require energy (e.g., Diffusion, Osmosis, Facilitated Diffusion).
Active Transport: Requires ATP to move substances against concentration gradient (e.g., Pumps, Endocytosis, Exocytosis).
Cell Cycle & Division
Mitosis: Division of somatic cells (resulting in two identical cells).
Meiosis: Division of reproductive cells (producing gametes).
Cell Differentiation & Growth
Cells differentiate to perform specialized functions.
Apoptosis: Programmed cell death, a vital process for development and homeostasis.
Metabolism
Anabolism: Building complex molecules (energy-requiring).
Catabolism: Breaking down molecules for energy (energy-releasing).
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Glucose breakdown:
Lipid Metabolism
Triglycerides: Serve as a major form of energy storage.
Cholesterol and Lipoproteins: Transport lipids in bloodstream.
Protein Metabolism
Proteins are necessary for structure, enzymes, and hormones.
Excess nitrogen is converted into urea for excretion by kidneys.
DNA & RNA in Protein Synthesis
DNA: Serves as the genetic blueprint.
mRNA: Carries genetic code from DNA to ribosomes.
tRNA: Brings amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis.
Ribosomes: Sites of protein assembly.
Epithelial Tissue:
Can be classified into simple (single layer) vs. stratified (multiple layers).
Glandular Epithelium:
Connective Tissue:
Includes types such as bone, blood, and cartilage.
Muscle Tissue:
Skeletal Muscle: Voluntary movement.
Smooth Muscle: Involuntary movement (found in organs).
Cardiac Muscle: Involuntary movement (heart muscle).
Nervous Tissue:
Neurons: Specialized cells that transmit signals.
Neuroglia: Support and protect neurons.
Tissue Repair:
Regeneration: Replacement of damaged tissue with the same cell type.
Fibrosis: Replacement of damaged tissue with scar tissue.
Membranes:
Epithelial Membranes:
Connective Membranes:
Functions of the Skin:
Provides protection against environmental hazards.
Senses environmental stimuli.
Regulates body temperature.
Synthesizes vitamin D.
Skin Layers:
Epidermis: Outermost layer containing melanocytes (pigment cells).
Dermis: Contains blood vessels, nerve endings, and connective tissue.
Subcutaneous layer (hypodermis): Composed of adipose (fat) tissue for insulation and energy storage.
Accessory Structures:
Hair: Provides protection and insulation.
Nails: Composed of keratinized cells for protection.
Glands:
Body Temperature Regulation:
Heat Loss: Mechanisms include radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation.
Heat Production: Results from metabolism and muscle activity.
Burns & Skin Conditions:
First-degree burns: Characterized by redness and minor pain.
Second-degree burns: Blisters and more severe pain.
Third-degree burns: Cause deep tissue damage.
Rule of Nines: A method for estimating the extent of burns on the body.