Ch-01-Foundations-Pt-1-handout

Chapter 1: Foundations – Pt. I

Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy:

  • Study of structures.

  • Relationship between body parts.

• Physiology:

  • Study of how the body functions.

  • Mechanisms in the body.

  • Origin: Greek term for "cutting up".

Subdisciplines of Anatomy

• Gross Anatomy: Study of large structures.

• Microscopic Anatomy:

  • Histology: Study of cells and tissues.

• Developmental Anatomy:

  • Embryology: Study of development before birth.

• Pathological Anatomy: Study of disease effects on structures.

• Radiographic Anatomy: Study of body structures through imaging.

• Functional Morphology: Analysis of structures’ functional systems.

Hierarchy of Structural Organization

• Levels from simple to complex:

  1. Atoms

  2. Molecules

  3. Organelles

  4. Cells

  5. Tissues

  6. Organs

  7. Organ Systems

  8. Organisms.

Cells: Basic Functional Unit of Life

• Definition of Life: Basic unit of life is the cell.

• Characteristics of Life:

  • Responsiveness

  • Regulation

• Types of Organisms:

  • Microscopic or multicellular.

  • Humans: Trillions of cells (approx. 200 types).

Histology: Study of Tissues

• Definition of Tissue: Collections of similar cells performing specific functions.

• Types of Tissues: Four primary tissue types.

• Organs: Functional units composed of multiple primary tissue types (usually all four).

The 11 Organ Systems

Integumentary System

• Major Organs: Skin, hair, nails, sweat glands.

• Functions:

  • External body covering.

  • Protects deeper tissues.

  • Regulates body temperature.

  • Synthesizes vitamin D.

  • Houses cutaneous receptors (pain, pressure, touch).

Skeletal System

• Primary Functions:

  • Structural support of the body.

  • Protection of organs.

  • Muscle attachment for movement.

  • Blood cell production.

  • Mineral storage.

• Major Organs: Bones, cartilage, ligaments, joints.

Muscular System

• Primary Functions:

  • Manipulation of environment.

  • Movement and locomotion.

  • Facial expression.

  • Maintenance of posture.

  • Heat production.

• Major Organs: Over 700 muscles.

Nervous System

• Primary Functions:

  • Fast-acting control system.

  • Responds to internal and external changes.

  • Monitors and adjusts activity of other organ systems.

  • Activates muscles and glands.

• Major Organs: Brain, spinal cord, nerves.

Endocrine System

• Primary Functions:

  • Slower-acting control system.

  • Regulates organ functions through hormonal signaling.

• Major Organs: Pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries/testes.

Cardiovascular System

• Primary Functions:

  • Transport nutrients, gases, and waste products.

  • Heart pumps blood through blood vessels.

• Major Organs: Heart, blood vessels.

Lymphatic System

• Primary Functions:

  • Pick up fluid leaked from blood vessels.

  • Screen fluid for foreign substances (pathogens).

  • Recycle worn-out blood cells.

  • Involved in immunity.

• Major Organs: Lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, thymus, spleen.

Respiratory System

• Primary Functions:

  • Facilitates gas exchange.

  • Supplies blood with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.

• Major Organs: Nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs.

Digestive System

• Primary Functions:

  • Breaks down food.

  • Nutrient absorption.

  • Elimination of indigestible food as feces.

• Major Organs: Oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, small/large intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas.

Urinary System

• Primary Functions:

  • Filters blood.

  • Eliminates nitrogenous wastes.

  • Regulates water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance of blood.

• Major Organs: Kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra.

Reproductive System

• Primary Functions:

  • Produces new individuals (offspring).

  • Production of sex hormones.

• Major Organs:

  • Male: Testes, penis, vas deferens, epididymis, prostate gland.

  • Female: Ovaries, uterine (fallopian) tubes, uterus, vagina.