AP1 Quick Notes

Cells: All organisms are made of cells; bacteria are unicellular yet alive because they meet the characteristics.
Organization: Living things are highly organized; there are levels of organization.
Responsiveness: Organisms respond to their environment to stay safe and healthy.
Regulation and Homeostasis: Regulatory processes maintain a stable internal environment; homeostasis.
Growth and Development: Growth = increase in size; development = maturation (physical).
Reproduction: All organisms reproduce; humans use sexual reproduction; bacteria use asexual reproduction.
Metabolism: All chemical reactions in cells/body; metabolism includes energy production.
Origin at chemical level: Matter is the basic starting point; bacteria stop at the single-cell level, while plants/animals go to tissues, organs, and organ systems.
Summary: From matter to organized systems that sustain life.

Chemical level (atoms and molecules) → Cellular level (cells) → Tissues (groups of similar cells) → Organs (two or more tissues) → Organ systems (multiple organs) → Organism.
Key idea: Each level builds on the previous to support life functions.

Respiration: energy production; breathing is part of respiration, but respiration technically refers to energy production in cells; oxygen in, carbon dioxide out.
Digestion: ingestion and breakdown of materials into simple building blocks via mechanical and chemical processes.
Circulation: distribution of nutrients and oxygen to cells throughout the body.
Excretion: removal of wastes the body can’t use; includes undigested food (feces) and water/materials eliminated as urine.

Matter is anything with mass and occupies space.
The biological organization progresses from matter to cells, then to tissues, organs, and organ systems in more complex organisms.

Tissues: many cells of the same type performing a specific function (e.g., cardiac muscle tissue contracts the heart).
Organs: two or more tissue types working together to perform structural and functional roles (e.g., liver, lungs, skin, kidneys).
Organ systems: a collection of organs working together to perform broad biological functions (e.g., cardiovascular system includes heart, vessels, and blood).

Anatomy: study of structure and how parts fit together.
Levels of anatomy: macroscopic (visible) vs microscopic (requires tools to see).
Structure determines function: the design of a part dictates what it can do.

Without necessary structures (e.g., wings, hollow bones), flying is not possible.
A joint (e.g., elbow) allows specific movements determined by its structure.

A joint is where two or more bones meet and enables movement.
Example: elbow allows bending/straightening; shoulder provides a wider range of motion.
Underlying principle: the structure of bones and joints determines possible movements.

This course sequence for Anatomy & Physiology I covers: integumentary, skeletal, nervous, and muscular systems first; other systems follow in subsequent coursework.
Historical note: autopsies and anatomical study have long been part of medical science.
Key terms and conventions help ensure a common frame of reference across anatomy and imaging.

Prone: lying face down; Supine: lying face up with palms facing up.
Anatomical position: standard reference posture; right/left are from the perspective of the person being described, not the observer.
Medical imaging: CT scans and MRI scans are interpreted in the anatomical position to maintain consistency.