SU 1 - Introduction to Anatomy

Unit 1: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

1.1 Definition of Anatomy

• Anatomy: The study of internal and external body structures and their physical relationships among other body parts.

1.1.1 Study Outcomes

• Relationship between anatomy and physiology:

  • Anatomy and physiology are closely integrated; anatomical information offers clues about functions, and physiological processes are explained by underlying anatomy.

  • The principle of complementarity: Specific functions are performed by specific structures; the form of a structure relates to its function.

1.1.2 Specialties of Anatomy

• Gross Anatomy: Examination of large structures without a microscope.

  • Types: Surface, regional, sectional, systemic, clinical, and developmental anatomy.

• Microscopic Anatomy: Studies structures not visible without magnification.

  • Includes cytology (internal structure of cells) and histology (examination of tissues).

1.1.3 Specialties of Physiology

• Cell physiology: Functions of cells.

• Organ physiology: Functions of specific organs.

• Systemic physiology: Function of organ systems.

• Pathological physiology: Effects of disease on functions.

1.1.4 Individual Activity

1. Define anatomy: Anatomy involves the study of body structures and their relationships.

2. Describe medical terminology: The language utilizing word roots, prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms to construct terms.

3. Relationship of anatomy and physiology: Functions are correlated with specific structures.

4. Difference between gross and microscopic anatomy: Gross anatomy examines visible structures, while microscopic anatomy focuses on those requiring magnification.

5. Difficulty separating anatomy from physiology: Their interconnected nature makes separation challenging.

1.2 Levels of Organization

1.2.1 Study Outcomes

• Levels of organization (from simplest to most complex):

  • Chemical → Cellular → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism.

• Organ Systems:

  • Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, and Reproductive systems (Male & Female).

1.2.2 Individual Activity

1. Identify the major levels of organization: Chemical level → Cellular level → Tissue level → Organ level → Organ system level → Organism level.

2. Organ systems of the body with major structures.

3. Histologist investigates structures at the tissue level.

1.3 Anatomical Terms

1.3.1 Study Outcomes

• Basic building blocks of medical terms:

  • Word Roots: Meaningful parts of a term.

  • Prefixes: Attached to beginnings to modify meaning.

  • Suffixes: Added to the end to form new terms.

  • Combining forms: Used in combination with roots, prefixes, or suffixes.

1.3.2 Significance of Anatomical Terminology

• Terminologia Anatomica (TA):

  • Established a standard for global anatomical terminology to avoid miscommunication.

  • Latin is the primary language of anatomy, with English equivalents provided.

1.3.3 Individual Activity

1. Purpose: Provide standardized reference for describing the human body.

2. Anatomical position nomenclature:

• Anterior view (front) and posterior view (back).

• Supine (face up) and prone (face down) definitions.

1.4 Major Body Cavities

1.4.1 Study Outcomes

• Functions of the Body Cavities:

  • Protect delicate organs and allow changes in organ size and shape.

• Body Cavities of the Trunk:

  • Thoracic cavity:

    • Pleural cavity: Surrounds lungs.

    • Pericardial cavity: Encloses the heart.

  • Abdominopelvic cavity:

    • Contains the peritoneal cavity, abdominal cavity, and pelvic cavity.

1.4.2 Individual Activity

1. Describe essential functions of body cavities.

2. Overview of body cavities of the trunk, emphasizing thoracic and abdominopelvic regions.

1.5 Clinical Terms

• Acute: Short duration but severe symptoms.

• Chronic: Long-lasting or recurrent illness.

• Epidemiology: Study of disease incidence and distribution.

• Etiology: Study of disease causes.

• Pathophysiology: Changes in function associated with disease.

Review Questions

1. Label directional terms: Superior, Inferior, Posterior/Dorsal, Anterior/Ventral, etc.

2. Matching anatomical terms with definitions: Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, etc.

3. Order levels of organization in the human body from simplest to complex.

4. Identify the study of cell structure: Cytology.

5. Define anatomical position and describe sections.