Anatomy / physiology
Importance of Anatomy and Physiology
Understanding how the body is structured and functions is critical for:
Recognizing diseases and disorders in patients.
Knowing treatment options, including drug therapy and surgical procedures.
Anatomy vs. Physiology
Anatomy: Studies the structure of the body.
Physiology: Describes how body structures function.
Key Relationship: Structure and function are closely related.
Levels of Organization in the Body
The body is organized from simple to complex:
Atoms: Basic units of matter.
Molecules: Formed by atoms.
Cells: The smallest functional units.
Tissues: Groups of similar cells.
Organs: Structures made of different tissues.
Organ Systems: Groups of organs working together.
Organism: The complete human being.
Major Organ Systems and Their Functions
Integumentary System:
Consists of skin, hair, nails.
Functions: Protects body, regulates temperature, and provides sensory information.
Skeletal System:
Comprised of bones, joints, and cartilage.
Functions: Provides framework, protects organs, and facilitates movement.
Muscular System:
Attached to bones, includes smooth and cardiac muscles.
Functions: Facilitates movement and maintains posture.
Nervous System:
Includes brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sense organs.
Functions: Processes information, controls responses, and coordinates activities.
Endocrine System:
Composed of glands that secrete hormones.
Functions: Regulates growth, reproduction, metabolism, and homeostasis.
Circulatory System:
Includes the heart and blood vessels.
Functions: Transports nutrients, gases, and wastes.
Lymphatic System:
Consists of lymph nodes and vessels.
Functions: Maintains fluid balance and supports immune responses.
Immune System:
A defense system against pathogens and diseases.
Functions: Protects against infections and abnormal cell growth.
Respiratory System:
Comprises lungs and airways.
Functions: Facilitates gas exchange—oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal.
Digestive System:
Includes organs for processing food.
Functions: Breaks down food for absorption; eliminates waste.
Urinary System:
Comprised of kidneys and urinary structures.
Functions: Removes waste, regulates water, electrolytes, and acid-base balance.
Reproductive System:
Composed of organs for reproduction.
Functions: Enables procreation and the continuation of species.
Homeostasis
Definition: The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes.
Importance: Homeostasis is vital for overall health and function; imbalances lead to disorders.
Anatomical Position and Terminology
Anatomical Position: Standing erect, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward.
Directional Terms: Describe body parts' locations:
Superior vs. Inferior: Above vs. below.
Anterior vs. Posterior: Front vs. back.
Medial vs. Lateral: Closer to the midline vs. away from midline.
Proximal vs. Distal: Closer to torso vs. farther from torso.
Superficial vs. Deep: Near surface vs. deeper in body.
Central vs. Peripheral: Center vs. outer regions.
Planes and Sections of the Body
Sagittal Plane: Divides body into right and left.
Frontal Plane (Coronal): Divides body into anterior (front) and posterior (back).
Transverse Plane: Divides body into upper and lower parts.
Body Cavities
Major Body Cavities:
Dorsal Cavity: Includes cranial and spinal cavities.
Ventral Cavity: Contains thoracic and abdominal cavities, divided by mediastinum.
Quadrants of Abdominal Cavity:
Right Upper, Left Upper, Right Lower, Left Lower.
Nine Regions of Abdominal Area:
Right Hypochondriac, Epigastric, Left Hypochondriac,
Right Lumbar, Umbilical, Left Lumbar,
Right Iliac, Hypogastric, Left Iliac.
Introduction to Medical Terminology
Word Parts:
Root (e.g., hepat): Core meaning (e.g., liver).
Suffix: Modifies root (e.g., -itis = inflammation, as in hepatitis).
Prefix: Modifies beginning of word (e.g., mal- = bad, as in malnutrition).
Combining Vowel: Aids pronunciation (does not alter meaning).