Week 1 Body Organisation, Anatomical Terms

Overview of Body Organisation and Anatomical Terms

  • Presenter: Dr. Ardalan Eslami

  • Source: science.uts.edu.au, UTS

References

  • Adapted from: Marieb, E. & Hoehn, K. 2019, Human Anatomy and Physiology, 12th edition, Pearson, Essex, England

Importance of Anatomical Terminology

  • Enables accurate communication in health sciences.

Anatomy & Physiology

Definition of Terms

  • Anatomy: The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships.

  • Physiology: The study of the function of body parts; how they work to sustain life.

Subdivisions of Anatomy

  • Gross (Macroscopic) Anatomy:

    • Study of large, visible structures.

      • Regional Anatomy: Structures in a particular area.

      • Systemic Anatomy: Focus on one system (e.g., cardiovascular).

      • Surface Anatomy: Internal structures as they relate to the skin.

  • Microscopic Anatomy:

    • Study of structures too small for the naked eye.

      • Cytology: Study of cells.

      • Histology: Study of tissues.

  • Study Techniques:

    • Requires knowledge of anatomical terms and might include observation, manipulation, palpation, and auscultation.

Subdivisions of Physiology

  • Based on organ systems (e.g., renal physiology).

  • Focus on cellular and molecular levels, and chemical reactions sustaining body functions.

  • Basic physical and chemical principles are essential for understanding physiology.

Structural Organization of the Human Body

  • Organized from smallest chemical levels to whole organism.

Levels of Organization

  1. Chemical Level: Atoms, molecules, organelles.

  2. Cellular Level: Single cells.

  3. Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells.

  4. Organ Level: Multiple tissue types functioning together.

  5. Organ System Level: Groups of organs working closely together.

  6. Organismal Level: The entire human organism made up of many systems.

Interrelations among Body Organ Systems

  • Respiratory System: Takes in oxygen; eliminates carbon dioxide.

  • Cardiovascular System: Distributes oxygen and nutrients; removes wastes.

  • Urinary System: Eliminates waste products; regulates blood balance.

  • Digestive System: Breaks down food; absorbs nutrients; eliminates unabsorbed matter.

  • Integumentary System: Protects from external environment.

Anatomical Terms

Standard Anatomical Position

  • Erect body, feet slightly apart, palms facing forward, thumbs pointing outwards.

Directional Terms

  • Describe the location of one body structure in relation to another.

  • Direction is based on the standard anatomical position.

  • Right and Left: Refers to the body being viewed.

Common Anatomical Terms

  • Cephalic, Thoracic, Abdominal, Upper Limb, Lower Limb, etc.

  • Includes regions such as acromial, brachial, patellar, etc.

Body Planes and Sections

  • Body Planes: Surfaces along which body or structures may be cut.

    • Sagittal Plane: Divides body into right and left parts.

    • Frontal Plane: Divides body into anterior and posterior parts.

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

    • Oblique Section: Cuts at angles other than 90° to vertical.

Body Cavities and Membranes

Types of Cavities

  • Dorsal Body Cavity: Protects the nervous system; includes cranial and vertebral cavities.

  • Ventral Body Cavity: Houses internal organs (viscera) and includes thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Membrane Functions

  • Serosa (Serous Membrane): Covers surfaces in the ventral body cavity, providing protection and facilitating movement of organs.

  • Named according to the organ cavities they enclose (e.g., pericardium for the heart, pleurae for the lungs).

Abdominopelvic Quadrants and Regions

  • Quadrants: Used in clinical settings (RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ).

  • Regions: More detailed sections used by anatomists (e.g., right hypochondriac, epigastric).

Other Body Cavities

  • Includes oral and digestive cavities, nasal cavity, orbital cavities, middle ear cavities, and synovial cavities.