LO

httpslearn-us-east-1-prod-fleet02-xythos.content.blackboardcdn.com61aab133e7df2201019182X-Blackboard-S3-Bucket_learn-us-ea

Chapter 1: Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

Overview

  • Introduction to key vocabulary and principles of anatomy and physiology.

  • Emphasis on the scientific method:

    • Hypothesis: Proposed explanation for observations.

    • Experiments: Tests to validate the hypothesis.

    • Data Collection and Analysis: Systematic gathering and examination of data.

    • Conclusion: Interpretation of data in support or rejection of the hypothesis.

Key Definitions

  • Fact: A statement that is irrefutable by any conclusion.

  • Theory: A collection of scientifically verified facts that explain a broader process.

Levels of Organization of the Human Body

  • Human body is structured in levels, helping to understand complexity ranging from atoms to the whole organism.

Anatomic Position

  • Standard reference for anatomical terms:

    • Standing upright

    • Feet shoulder-width apart

    • Head and palms facing forward

Directional Terms

Term

Definition

Example

Anterior

Toward the front

Palms are anterior to the body

Posterior

Toward the back

Spinal cord is posterior to the esophagus

Superior

Toward the head

Nose is superior to the mouth

Inferior

Toward the tail

Umbilicus is inferior to the chest

Proximal

Closer to the trunk

Knee is proximal to the ankle

Distal

Farther from the trunk

Foot is distal to the hip

Medial

Closer to midline of the body

Ear is medial to the shoulder

Lateral

Farther from midline of the body

Shoulder is lateral to the chest

Superficial

Closer to the surface

Skin is superficial to the muscle

Deep

Farther below the surface

Bone is deep to the skin

Regional Terms

  • Cranial: Relating to the skull.

  • Cervical: Neck region.

  • Thoracic: Chest region.

  • Abdominal: Region of abdomen.

  • Pelvic: Lower part of trunk.

  • Femoral: Relating to the thigh.

  • Popliteal: Back of knee.

Body Planes

  • Midsagittal Plane: Divides body into equal left and right halves.

  • Frontal Plane: Divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.

  • Transverse Plane: Divides body into superior and inferior parts.

Body Cavities

  • Dorsal Body Cavity: Includes:

    • Cranial cavity (contains brain)

    • Spinal cavity (contains spinal cord)

  • Ventral Body Cavity: Includes:

    • Thoracic cavity (contains lungs and heart)

    • Abdominopelvic cavity (contains digestive organs)

Core Physiological Principles

  1. Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal environment.

    • Negative Feedback Loops: Oppose change and regulate specific variables at set points.

    • Positive Feedback Loops: Amplify responses to elicit stronger reactions, often in emergencies.

    • Both feedback types are essential for maintaining homeostasis.

  2. Structure-Function Relationships: Understanding that structure influences function.

  3. Physiological Gradients: Variation in concentration or pressure that drives processes.

  4. Cell-Cell Communication: Interaction between cells to coordinate functions within the body.