Anatomy and Physiology Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy
Definition: The study of the structure of things.
Examples:
The structure of legs for running.
The anatomy of the ear, including its parts.
Simply refers to the shape of something, how it's made, or its structure.
Physiology
Definition: The study of the function of things.
Examples:
Legs are meant for jumping, walking, and running.
Ears are meant for hearing.
Refers to what a part does or its function.
Relationship Between Structure and Function
Structure and function are related; the anatomy dictates the physiology.
Example: Salt Shaker
Structure: Chamber to hold salt, removable lid, holes to dispense salt.
Function: To hold and dispense salt.
Issues arise if the structure is flawed (e.g., one hole or holes that are too large).
Example: Human Hand
Structure: Large area with five bendable fingers.
Function: To hold, catch, throw, and manipulate objects.
Historical Perspectives of Anatomy
Gross Anatomy (Macroscopic Anatomy):
Definition: Study of what can be seen with the naked eye.
Example: Examining a dissected human body without using magnification. In the past dissection was done rapidly before refrigeration.
Plasticized human body: Human body is dissected and filled with plastic. Students can get close to observe nervous and muscle tissue.
Microscopic Anatomy:
Definition: Study of structures that require a microscope to see.
Example: Examining cells like red blood cells, which are much smaller.
Cytology:
Definition: The study of individual cells.
Prerequisite knowledge for Bio 201.
Examples: Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Red Blood Cell: Smooth with a divot, lacks a nucleus to carry more oxygen.
White Blood Cell: Finger-like structures to grab foreign particles for phagocytosis.
Histology:
Definition: The study of tissues.
Tissues: Groups of cells working together.
Examples: Blood tissue containing red and white blood cells.
Surface Anatomy
Definition: Examining what can be seen on the surface of the body.
Example: Observing a sunburned lifeguard to discuss sunblock use.
Auscultation
Definition: Listening inside the body, usually with a stethoscope.
Auscultation starts with "au," related to hearing.
Auditorium: To listen to a presentation.
Aural: pertaining to hearing.
Oral: Pertaining to the mouth.
Percussion
Definition: Tapping on the body to hear particular sounds.
Used to detect hollow or fluid-filled sounds.
Example: Assessing if organs like the lungs are filled with fluid.
Palpation
Definition: Feeling the body.
Example: Feeling for a broken clavicle (collarbone).
Medical Imaging
Alternative to surgery for looking inside the body.
Non-invasive methods to visualize internal structures.
Types:
X-ray
Uses X-rays to show dense structures, like bones.
Bones appear brightly because they are denser than muscle or skin.
Can be used to identify breaks in bones.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Uses magnets instead of X-rays to visualize soft and hard tissues.
Can "bread loaf" a person to examine sections from different body parts (e.g., abdomen, knee, brain).
Shows more soft tissue detail compared to X-rays.
Ultrasound (Sonogram)
Uses sound waves to create images of the body.
Commonly used to visualize a baby in the womb.
An image produces is called a sonogram.
PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)
Used to look at function rather than anatomy.
Involves injecting radioactive glucose into the patient.
Tumors are detected because cancer cells consume more glucose.
The radioactive emissions highlight areas with high glucose uptake.
Homeostasis
Definition: Maintaining a constant internal environment despite external changes.
Examples:
Maintaining a body temperature around degrees Fahrenheit.
The body monitors values like temperature, food, water, and metabolic processes.
The body opposes changes from a set point.
Examples:
Emptying a full bladder.
Lowering a high temperature.
Craving salt when salt levels are low.
Urge to drink when dehydrated.
Failure to maintain homeostasis leads to illness.