Intro to Anatomy & Physiology – Quick Reference

Anatomy vs Physiology: Core Distinctions

  • Anatomy: study of structure; name from cutting through (tomy).
  • Physiology: study of function.
  • Interrelation: structure enables function; function explains structure.
  • In health sciences, anatomy and physiology are integrated in this course; some programs separate them, but this course combines them.

Course Goals: Language & Integration

  • Learn the language of anatomy for clear healthcare communication.
  • Learn the language of physiology for consistent understanding.
  • Across the course (20+ units), anatomy and physiology are tightly linked to explain structure and function.

Structure and Function: The Respiratory Example

  • Alveoli: tiny air sacs at distal ends of the respiratory tract.
  • Alveolar-capillary interface: very thin alveolar wall and thin capillary wall.
  • Diffusion: O2 moves from air into blood; CO2 moves from blood into alveolar space.
  • The alveolar-capillary membrane is extremely thin to enable gas diffusion.

Developmental Biology & Key Terms

  • Embryology: first 8–9 weeks; embryo; after that, fetus.
  • Developmental biology includes cytology (cell) and histology (tissues).
  • Surface anatomy: markings on the body; palpation to feel structures.
  • McBurney's Point: palpation landmark for appendicitis.
  • Gross anatomy: dissections; cadaver labs.
  • System anatomy: study of a specific body system.
  • Regional anatomy: study of regions containing multiple systems.
  • Radiographic anatomy: visualize structures via imaging.
  • Pathological anatomy: disease-related structural changes.

Anatomy Subdivisions: Regional vs System

  • Regional anatomy: focuses on a region containing multiple systems (e.g., trunk/limbs) (bones, vessels, muscles, lymphatics).
  • System anatomy: focuses on a single system (skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, immune/lymphatic, respiratory).
  • Regional is not the same as system; regions can include multiple systems.

Radiographic & Pathological Approaches

  • Radiographic anatomy: visualize inside the body using imaging modalities; preferred to reduce invasive procedures.
  • Pathological anatomy: study of structural changes during disease.

Subdivisions of Physiology

  • Neurophysiology: neuron signaling and nervous system function.
  • Endocrinology: hormones controlling body processes.
  • Cardiovascular physiology: heart and blood vessel function; electrical activity (EKG).
  • Immunology: immune system and disease defense.
  • Respiratory physiology: breathing mechanics.
  • Renal physiology: kidney function and blood filtration (author's favorite).
  • Exercise physiology: physiological changes during stress/exercise (often housed in other departments).
  • Pathophysiology: how disease or aging alters function.

Cardiac Electrical Activity

  • Heart function is driven by electrical impulses that coordinate squeezing.
  • Electrical activity is monitored with an EKG.
  • Simple takeaway: signal → squeeze (heartbeat).

Final Encouragement

  • Questions are welcome; instructors are available for help.
  • The department supports student learning and wants you to reach out when needed.