Intro to A&P Part 1

Introduction

• Lecture prepared by Barbara Heard at Atlantic Cape Community College.

• Focus area: The Human Body: An Orientation, Part A.

Overview of Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy

• Definition: Study of structure.

• Subdivisions:

  • Gross or macroscopic (e.g., regional, systemic, and surface anatomy).

  • Microscopic (e.g., cytology and histology).

  • Developmental (e.g., embryology).

Physiology

• Definition: Study of the function of the body.

• Subdivisions based on organ systems:

  • Example: renal physiology, cardiovascular physiology.

• Focus often on cellular and molecular levels.

• Body's abilities depend on chemical reactions in individual cells.

Methods for Studying Anatomy

• Key Techniques:

  • Mastery of Anatomical Terminology: Essential for clear communication.

  • Observation: Involves examining structures directly.

  • Manipulation: Experimenting to understand function.

  • Palpation: Feeling structures with hands for diagnosis.

  • Auscultation: Listening to the body’s sounds (e.g., heartbeats).

Methods for Studying Physiology

• Key Approaches:

  • Focus on multiple levels: Systemic to cellular and molecular levels.

  • Basic Physical Principles: Includes electrical currents, pressure, and movement.

  • Basic Chemical Principles: Understanding the chemistry behind physiological functions.

Principle of Complementarity

• Anatomy and physiology are inseparable.

• Key Concept: Function always reflects structure.

• Understanding structure is critical to understanding its function.

Levels of Structural Organization

• Chemical Level: Atoms and molecules; organelles.

• Cellular Level: Cells as the basic unit of life.

• Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells (e.g., muscle tissue).

• Organ Level: Organs made from multiple tissue types.

• Organ System Level: Groups of organs that work closely together.

• Organismal Level: All organ systems combined.

Necessary Life Functions

Overview

• Functions essential for survival:

  • Maintaining boundaries.

  • Movement.

  • Responsiveness to stimuli.

  • Digestion.

  • Metabolism.

  • Wastes disposal.

  • Reproduction.

  • Growth.

Detailed Functions

• Maintaining Boundaries:

  • Between internal and external environments (e.g., skin, blood vessels).

• Movement:

  • Includes movement of body parts (skeletal muscle) and substances (cardiac and smooth muscle).

• Responsiveness:

  • Ability to sense and respond to stimuli (e.g., reflex actions).

• Digestion:

  • Breakdown of food into absorbable components.

• Metabolism:

  • All chemical reactions in cells, including catabolism and anabolism.

• Excretion:

  • Removal of waste products from the body (e.g., urea, carbon dioxide).

• Reproduction:

  • Cellular division for growth and repair; production of offspring.

• Growth:

  • Increase in size of a body part or organism.

Interdependence of Body Cells

• Humans are multicellular and rely on organ systems to survive.

• Key Concept: Functions spread across different organ systems.

• Organ systems cooperate to maintain life's processes.

Organ Systems and Functions

• Digestive System: Nutrient intake, breakdown, and waste elimination.

• Respiratory System: Oxygen intake and carbon dioxide elimination.

• Cardiovascular System: Distributes oxygen and nutrients; removes wastes.

• Nervous System: Fast-acting control responses; coordinates activities.

• Muscular System: Movement, posture, and heat production.

• Skeletal System: Supports and protects organs; blood cell formation.

• Integumentary System: Protects from external injuries; synthesizes vitamin D.

Survival Needs

• Overview: Essential factors for survival, including:

  • Nutrients, oxygen, water, normal body temperature, and atmospheric pressure.

• Nutrients: Chemicals for energy and cellular building (carbs, fats, proteins, etc.).

• Oxygen: Essential for ATP production and energy release.

• Water: Most abundant chemical in the body, essential for chemical reactions.

• Normal Body Temperature: Affects chemical reaction rates.

• Atmospheric Pressure: Necessary for proper breathing and gas exchange.