Chapter 1 - Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Notes
Module 1.2: Overview of Anatomy and Physiology
Human anatomy is the study of the form of the human body; human physiology is the study of its functions.
Characteristics common to all forms of life are cell composition, metabolism, growth, excretion, responsiveness, movement, and reproduction.
The six levels of organization of the body are the chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism levels. There are 11 major organ systems in the body.
Subfields of anatomy include gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy. Microscopic anatomy can be divided into cytology and histology. Subfields of physiology are classified by the organ or organ system being studied.
Module 1.3: The Language of Anatomy and Physiology
Terms used to describe anatomy and physiology are made up of word roots (often Latin or Greek) combined with prefixes and/or suffixes.
The common frame of reference from which all body positions are described is the anatomical position.
Directional terms are used to describe body parts and body markings. The common pairs include anterior and posterior, superior and inferior, proximal and distal, medial and lateral, and superficial and deep.
The body is divided into two main regions: the axial region (the head, neck, and trunk) and the appendicular region (the upper and lower limbs). Specific areas of the body are described by regional terms.
The three main planes of section are the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes.
Module 1.4: The Organization of the Human Body
The posterior body cavity contains the cranial and vertebral or spinal cavities, which contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
The anterior body cavity contains the following divisions:
The thoracic cavity is the area superior to the diaphragm. Within it we find two pleural cavities, the pericardial cavity, and the mediastinum.
The abdominopelvic cavity is the area inferior to the diaphragm. Within it we find the abdominal cavity, the pelvic cavity, and the peritoneal cavity.
The pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal body cavities are formed by double-layered serous membranes, continuous sheets of tissue that enclose a single cavity with a thin layer of serous fluid.
Module 1.4: The Organization of the Human Body
The posterior body cavity contains the cranial and vertebral or spinal cavities, which contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
The anterior body cavity contains the following divisions:
The thoracic cavity is the area superior to the diaphragm. Within it we find two pleural cavities, the pericardial cavity, and the mediastinum.
The abdominopelvic cavity is the area inferior to the diaphragm. Within it we find the abdominal cavity, the pelvic cavity, and the peritoneal cavity.
The pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal body cavities are formed by double-layered serous membranes, continuous sheets of tissue that enclose a single cavity with a thin layer of serous fluid.