Anatomy and Physiology - Chapters 1 Sections 1 and 2

Foundational Chapters

  • First three chapters are foundational:
    • Chapter 1: Anatomy and Physiology overview; systems, landmarks.
    • Chapter 2: Chemistry.
    • Chapter 3: Cells and tissues.
  • Subsequent chapters build on these.

Chapter 1 Overview

  • Chapter 1 covers all levels of organization and systems.
  • Five major sections.
  • Video focuses on sections 1 and 2.

Section 1: Anatomy and Physiology

  • Anatomy: Observation of sizes and relationships of body parts; what they are.
  • Physiology: Study of the body and its parts, work, or function; what they do.

Gross Anatomy

  • Large structures, easily observable.
  • Example: Digestive system organs (oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum).

Microscopic Anatomy

  • Structures too small to be seen with the naked eye (cells and tissues).
  • Example: Stomach section with gastric pits and individual cells.
    • T cells release pepsinogen and hydrochloric acid.

Physiology Explained

  • The function of body parts.
  • Example: Door analogy (anatomy is the material, physiology is what it does).
  • Structure determines function.
  • Example: Thin walls of air sacs in the lungs enable gas exchange.
  • Links between concepts or organ systems to previous chapters.
  • Reinforces that A&P builds on itself.

Review Questions

  • Why is the study of human anatomy and physiology critical to everyday life?
  • Which of the following sciences are considered the oldest medical science?

Section 2: Levels of Organization

  • Atoms: Smallest structural unit of matter.
  • Molecules: Combination of atoms.
  • Organelles: Structures within cells.
  • Cells: Smallest living unit of matter; perform all normal functions.
  • Tissues: Group of cells working together.
  • Organ: Group of tissues working together.
  • Organ System: Group of organs working together.
  • Organism: Made of 11 organ systems.
  • Importance: Malfunction in one level can affect others.
  • Example: Cancer (uncontrolled cell growth) affects tissues, organs, systems, and the individual.

Levels from Smallest to Largest

Atoms → Molecules → Organelles → Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ Systems → Organism

11 Organ Systems

  1. Integumentary System (Chapter 4)
    • External covering (hair, fingernails).
    • Waterproofs, cushions, and protects.
    • Produces vitamin D.
    • Excretes salts and perspiration.
    • Regulates body temperature.
    • Location of cutaneous nerve receptors.
  2. Skeletal System (Chapter 5)
    • Bones, cartilages, ligaments, joints.
    • Provides attachment for muscles.
    • Protects vital organs.
    • Produces blood cells.
    • Stores minerals.
  3. Muscular System (Chapter 6)
    • Muscles contract or shorten to move bones.
  4. Nervous System (Chapter 7)
    • Brain, spinal cord, nerves, sensory receptors.
    • Fast-acting control system.
    • Responds to internal and external stimuli.
    • Sensory receptors detect changes, messages sent to the nervous system.
    • Directs activities of other systems.
  5. Endocrine System (Chapter 8)
    • Secretes chemical molecules (hormones) into the blood.
    • Major controlling thing in the body.
    • Long-term processes like growth, reproduction, and nutrient use.
    • Organs: Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, pancreas, pineal gland, ovaries, and testes.
    • Other hormone-producing organs: Kidney and heart.
  6. Cardiovascular System (Chapters 9 & 10)
    • Heart and blood vessels.
    • Transports oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, hormones.
    • Contains white blood cells, clotting factors, and platelets.
  7. Lymphatic System (Chapter 12)
    • Lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphoid organs.
    • Complements cardiovascular system.
    • Returns fluids to the bloodstream.
    • Cleanses the blood through lymph nodes.
    • Involved in immunity.
    • Holds white blood cells.
  8. Respiratory System (Chapter 13)
    • Nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.
    • Gas exchange; supplies oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.
  9. Digestive System (Chapter 14)
    • Mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, teeth.
    • Breaks down food, allows nutrient absorption, and eliminates waste.
  10. Urinary System (Chapter 15)
    • Kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra.
    • Eliminates nitrous waste.
    • Maintains acid-base balance.
    • Regulates water and blood pressure.
  11. Reproductive System (Chapter 16)
    • Male: Testes, scrotum, penis, accessory glands, and duct system; produces sperm.
    • Female: Ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina; produces eggs and provides fetal development.

Review Questions

  • At which level of organization does a histologist investigate structures? (Tissue)
  • Why is it important to study each level of structural organization?
    • The organization of each level determines the structural characteristics of higher levels and organizes in terms of functions to higher levels.
  • The following is a list of several levels organizationally speaking about. Put them in order from smallest to largest.
    • letter D was correct. So on this level, organelle would be the smallest from this small list. and then that can form cells, which can form tissues, can form organs, and then finally form organ systems.
  • What is not true of them phantics? In other words, which one is totally lying to us?
    • it includes the liver and the pancreas. Now those are part of the endocrine system, not the lymphatic system.. Whenever you see a question and you don't know it right off the bat, skip it.
  • How do you effectively distinguish cytology from histology?
    • Letter B, cytology analyzes the structures of cells. Histology, remember we had that first other review question, looks like group of cells working together with just tissues.