Anatomy and Histology Notes

Anatomy and Physiology

  • Anatomy: Study of body structures and their relationships.
    • Subdivisions: Gross (macroscopic), Microscopic, Developmental.
  • Physiology: Study of body functions.
  • Complementarity: Function reflects structure.

Anatomy

  • Gross Anatomy: Study of large, visible structures (e.g., organs).
    • Systemic: Study of organ systems.
  • Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures too small to see without magnification.
    • Cytology: Study of individual cells.
    • Histology: Study of tissues.
  • Developmental Anatomy: Study of structural changes during the lifespan.
    • Embryology: Study of changes before birth.

Levels of Structural Organization

  • Atom, Molecule, Organelle, Cell, Tissue, Organ, Organ System, Organism

Cells and Tissues

  • Cells: Basic unit of life; vary in shape and function.
    • Neurons: Transmit messages.
    • Muscle cells: Enable movement.
  • Tissues: Groups of similar cells with a common function.
    • Four types: Epithelial, Muscle, Connective, Nervous.

Organs and Organ Systems

  • Organs: Structures with at least two tissue types.
  • Organ Systems: Multiple organs working together (e.g., Cardiovascular, Urinary).

Organ Systems Overview

  • Integumentary: Skin, hair, nails; protects and synthesizes vitamin D.
  • Skeletal: Bones; supports, protects, stores minerals, forms blood cells.
  • Muscular: Skeletal muscles; enables movement and maintains posture.
  • Nervous: Brain, spinal cord, nerves; control system via electrical signals.
  • Endocrine: Glands; secrete hormones for regulation.
  • Cardiovascular: Heart, blood vessels; transports blood, oxygen, and nutrients.
  • Lymphatic/Immunity: Lymph nodes, spleen; returns fluid to blood and provides immunity.
  • Respiratory: Lungs, trachea; exchanges gases.
  • Digestive: Breaks down and absorbs food.
  • Urinary: Kidneys, bladder; eliminates waste and regulates electrolyte balance.
  • Reproductive: Produces offspring.

Primary Tissue Types

  • Epithelial: Covers and lines surfaces.
  • Connective: Supports and binds tissues.
  • Muscle: Produces movement.
  • Nervous: Controls via electrical signals.

Tissue Functions

  • Epithelial: Forms boundaries; protection, secretion, absorption, filtration.
  • Connective: Supports, protects, binds.
  • Muscle: Contracts for movement.
  • Nervous: Internal communication.

Connective Tissue Classes

  • Connective tissue proper, cartilage, bone, and blood.

Muscle Tissue

  • Muscle tissue consists of long cells called muscle fibers, which contract in response to nerve signals.

Nervous Tissue

  • Neurons: Transmit nerve impulses.
  • Glial cells: Support, insulate, and nourish neurons.