Anatomy and Physiology Overview
Chapter 8: Anatomy
Central Nervous System
Diseases/Disorders/Abnormal Conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Definition: Chronic inflammatory disease of the CNS in which immune cells attack the myelin sheath of nerve cell axons.
- Cerebral Palsy
- Definition: A group of disorders affecting a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture.
- Encephalitis
- Definition: Inflammation of the brain caused by bacteria or virus.
- Poliomyelitis
- Definition: Viral infection involving the CNS which causes paralysis.
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Definition: Progressive disease in which the initial symptoms are usually problems remembering recently learned information.
- Dementia
- Definition: Not a specific disease, but rather a general term for impaired ability to remember, think, and make decisions that interfere with daily activities.
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Characterized by:
- Shuffling gait
- Tremors
- Pill-rolling
- Muscular rigidity
- Hydrocephalus
- Definition: Abnormal buildup of fluid in the ventricles within the brain.
- Epilepsy
- Definition: Brain disorder that causes seizures.
- Meningitis
- Definition: Inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
Chapter 9: Anatomy
Peripheral Nervous System
- Components:
- Sensory Neurons
- Function: Carries messages, or impulses, towards the spinal cord and brain.
- Motor Neurons
- Function: Carries messages, or impulses, from the brain.
Diseases/Disorders/Abnormal Conditions
- Reference Chapter 8 Above
Chapter 10: Anatomy
Eye
- Components:
- Sclera
- The outer layer of the eye.
- Choroid
- The middle layer of the eye.
- Retina
- The innermost layer of the eye.
- Cornea
- Transparent outer layer of the anterior aspect of the eye.
- Lens
- Biconvex structure of the eye which refracts light rays.
- Lacrimal Glands
- Secretes tears.
- Conjunctiva
- Membrane covering the anterior portion of the eye.
Ear
- Components:
- Outer Ear
- Pinna
- External auditory canal
- Tympanic Membrane
- Middle Ear
- Tympanic Membrane
- Malleus (Hammer)
- Incus (Anvil)
- Stapes (Stirrup)
- Eustachian Tube
- Inner Ear
- Cochlea (Organ of Corti)
- Semicircular Canals
- Vestibulocochlear (Auditory) Nerve
Tongue
- Components:
- Taste Buds
- Types: Sweet, Sour, Salty, and Bitter
Diseases/Disorders/Abnormal Conditions
- Deviated Septum
- Definition: Condition in which there is a bend in the cartilage structure of the nose.
- Nasal Polyps
- Definition: Excessive tissue growth inside the nasal cavity.
- Rhinitis
- Definition: Inflammation of the lining of the nasal cavity.
- Otitis Media
- Definition: Infection of the middle ear.
- Otosclerosis
- Definition: Condition in which there is abnormal bone growth in the middle ear.
- Tinnitus
- Definition: Ringing sound in the ears.
- Amblyopia
- Definition: Reduction or dimness in vision (lazy eye).
- Astigmatism
- Definition: Irregular curvature of the cornea or lens.
- Glaucoma
- Definition: Excessive intraocular pressure.
- Myopia
- Definition: Nearsightedness.
- Strabismus
Chapter 11: Anatomy
Endocrine Glands
- Function: Secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, not through ducts.
- Components:
- Pituitary Gland
- Location: At the base of the brain; considered the master gland; controls other endocrine glands by secreting stimulating hormones.
- Consists of two lobes:
- Anterior Pituitary
- Hormones secreted:
- Growth Hormone (GH)
- Prolactin (PRL)
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Posterior Pituitary
- Hormones secreted:
- Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
- Oxytocin
- Pineal Gland
- Location: Posterior of the brain; secretes melatonin.
- Thyroid Gland
- Location: In the throat; secretes Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxin (T4), and Calcitonin.
- Parathyroid Glands
- Location: Posterior to thyroid; secretes Parathyroid Hormone/Parathormone.
- Thymus Gland
- Also a lymph gland; located in chest; atrophies at puberty; secretes Thymosin.
- Pancreas
- Also an exocrine gland; located in abdomen; secretes Insulin and Glucagon.
- Adrenal Glands
- Location: Superior to the kidneys; consists of two parts:
- Adrenal Cortex
- Outer layer; secretes Aldosterone, Glucocorticoids, Mineralocorticoids, and Androgens.
- Adrenal Medulla
- Inner layer; secretes Epinephrine (Adrenaline) and Norepinephrine.
- Testes
- Male sex glands; produce Testosterone.
- Ovaries
- Female sex glands; produce Estrogen and Progesterone.
Terms
- Polydipsia
- Definition: Excessive thirst.
- Polyphagia
- Definition: Excessive hunger.
- Polyuria
- Definition: Excessive urine output.
Diseases/Disorders/Abnormal Conditions
- Gigantism
- Definition: Hypersecretion of the pituitary gland in preadolescence.
- Dwarfism
- Definition: Hyposecretion of the growth hormone.
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Definition: Metabolic autoimmune disease resulting in insufficient insulin production and inappropriate carbohydrate metabolism.
- Cushing Syndrome
- Definition: Disorder of the adrenal cortex producing too much cortisol.
Chapter 17: Anatomy
Respiratory System Components
- Sinuses
- Definition: Cavities in the bones of the skull.
- Pharynx
- Definition: Throat; serves as passageway for air and food.
- Larynx
- Definition: Voice box; contains vocal cords.
- Trachea
- Definition: Windpipe; connects pharynx to bronchi.
- Bronchi
- Definition: Tubes that connect the windpipe to the smaller tubes within the lungs.
- Alveoli
- Definition: Air sacs where gas exchange is made between lungs and bloodstream.
- Diaphragm
- Definition: Muscle that expands and relaxes to change the pressure in the chest cavity.
Terms
- External Respiration
- Definition: Exchange of gases between the lungs, body, and the outside environment.
- Internal Respiration
- Definition: Exchange of gases between the blood and the cells (process of diffusion).
- Cellular Respiration
- Also known as oxidation; burning O2 within the cells producing CO2.
- Tidal Volume
- Definition: The amount of air that moves in and out of the lungs with each breath.
- Total Lung Capacity
- Definition: The total amount of air lungs can hold.
- Apnea
- Definition: Temporary cessation of breathing.
- Dyspnea
- Definition: Difficulty breathing.
- Tachypnea
- Definition: Abnormally rapid and shallow breathing.
- Hyperpnea
- Definition: Breathing abnormally deep and sometimes faster than normal.
Diseases/Disorders/Abnormal Conditions
- Asthma
- Definition: Inflammatory response that obstructs the airways.
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Definition: Blood clot in the lungs; usually resulting from prolonged sitting or bed rest after surgery; caused from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) normally found in the leg.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Definition: Group of diseases that cause airway blockage.
- Atelectasis
- Definition: Collapsed lung caused by loss of alveolar elasticity.
- Sleep Apnea
- Definition: Apnea occurring during sleep which causes a strain on the cardiovascular system.
Chapter 18: Anatomy
Digestive System Components
- Esophagus
- Definition: Food tube connecting pharynx to stomach.
- Cardiac Sphincter
- Definition: Muscular structure regulating food entering stomach from esophagus.
- Pyloric Sphincter
- Definition: Muscular structure regulating food entering duodenum from stomach.
- Duodenum
- Definition: First 12-inch section of the small intestine.
- Enzymes
- Definition: Protein substances that break down food products.
- Types:
- Amylase
- Function: Breaks down carbohydrates/sugars.
- Lipase
- Function: Breaks down fats/lipids.
- Trypsin
- Function: Breaks down proteins/amino acids.
- Liver
- Functions: Produces bile and proteins; detoxifies blood; largest organ within the body.
- Pancreas
- Definition: Both endocrine and exocrine gland; produces amylase and lipase.
- Gallbladder
- Definition: Sac that stores bile and secretes it into the small intestine.
- Bile
- Definition: Physically breaks down fats.
Terms
- Cellulose
- Definition: Indigestible dietary fiber found in fruits and vegetables that contributes to the bulk of feces.
- Metabolism
- Definition: Breakdown of foods into products that can be used by the body; regulated by thyroid gland.
Diseases/Disorders/Abnormal Conditions
- Enteritis
- Definition: Inflammation of the small intestine caused by bacteria or virus.
- Colitis
- Definition: Inflammation of the large intestine.
- Gastritis
- Definition: Inflammation of the stomach.
- Appendicitis
- Definition: Inflammation of the appendix.
- Hepatitis
- Definition: Inflammation of the liver.
- Diverticulosis
- Definition: A condition in which small pouches develop in the colon.
- Cirrhosis
- Definition: Chronic, progressive inflammatory disease that permanently damages the liver; replaces normal liver tissue with connective tissue.
- Ulcer
- Definition: Erosive sore in the mucosal lining generally affecting the stomach and duodenum.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Definition: Stomach contents regurgitate (move) into the esophagus.
- Hiatal Hernia
- Definition: Protrusion of stomach above the diaphragm.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Definition: Inflammatory disease of large intestine causing chronic diarrhea.
Chapter 20: Anatomy
Urinary System Components
- Kidney
- Definition: Organ used to filter blood and excrete waste and excess water.
- Bowman’s Capsule
- Definition: Contains the glomerulus.
- Glomerulus
- Definition: Group of capillaries where waste products are filtered from the blood.
- Renal Pelvis
- Definition: Funnel-shaped structure in the kidney that drains into the ureter.
- Ureter
- Definition: Muscular tube that extends from the renal pelvis in the kidney to the bladder.
- Urethra
- Definition: Muscular tube that extends from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body.
Terms
- Anuria
- Definition: Lack of urine formation.
- Pyuria
- Definition: Pus in the urine.
- Dysuria
- Definition: Painful urination.
- Nocturia
- Definition: Urinating during the night.
- Polyuria
- Definition: Excessive production of urine and frequent need to urinate.
- Oliguria
- Definition: Diminished or scanty urine production.
- Uremia
- Definition: Retention of urinary waste products in the blood.
- Incontinence
- Definition: Loss of urinary control.
- Urgency
- Definition: The sensation of having to urinate immediately.
- Filtrate
- Definition: Substances filtered out of blood in glomerulus; caused by an increase in blood pressure.
Diseases/Disorders/Abnormal Conditions
- Kidney Transplant
- Definition: Replacing a non-functioning kidney with a donor; most common cause of transplant failure is rejection of donor kidney by the recipient.
- Chronic Renal Failure
- Definition: Gradual loss of nephron function in one or both kidneys.
- Dialysis
- Definition: Treatment for kidney failure through filtering blood through a different process.
- Types:
- Hemodialysis
- Definition: Filtering blood through an external machine.
- Peritoneal Dialysis
- Definition: Filtering blood in the peritoneum using an infused dialysate.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
- Definition: Removing kidney stones by going through the skin into the kidney.
- Cystitis
- Definition: Inflammation of the lining of the urinary bladder.
- Hydronephrosis
- Definition: Accumulation of fluid in the kidney.
- Pyelonephritis
- Definition: Inflammation of the kidney and the renal pelvis.
- Renal Calculi
- Definition: Kidney stones.
Miscellaneous
Urine Production Process
- Steps:
- Filtration
- Filters waste from blood; occurs in the glomerulus.
- Reabsorption
- Reabsorbs water and electrolytes back into blood; occurs in renal tubules:
- Proximal Convoluted Tubule
- Loop of Henle
- Distal Convoluted Tubule
- Excretion
- Excretes ions, waste, drugs, etc., into collecting ducts.
Chapter 21: Anatomy
Reproductive System Components
- Chromosomes
- Definition: Structures found in the nucleus of cells which carry genetic information known as genes; human somatic cells have 46 chromosomes (or 23 pairs).
- Testosterone
- Definition: Male sex hormone.
- Estrogen and Progesterone
- Definition: Female sex hormones.
- Endometrium
- Definition: Inner lining of the uterus.
- Myometrium
- Definition: Middle (muscle) layer of the uterus.
- Prostate Gland
- Definition: A male reproductive gland that produces fluid; contracts during ejaculation to close off urethra and prevent the passage of urine.
- Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens)
- Definition: Tubes carrying sperm from testes to prostate for ejaculation.
- Seminiferous Tubules
- Definition: Tiny tubes within the testes which create spermatozoa.
- Ejaculatory Ducts
- Definition: Joins vas deferens with prostate, picks up prostatic fluid to mix with semen.
Terms
- Amenorrhea
- Definition: Absence of menstrual period.
- Dysmenorrhea
- Definition: Painful menstrual periods.
- Menorrhagia
- Definition: Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
- Zygote
- Definition: A fertilized ovum.
- Ejaculation
- Definition: The process of expelling semen outside the male body through the urethra.
Diseases/Disorders/Abnormal Conditions
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Definition: A group of symptoms sometimes exhibited prior to the menstrual cycle.
- Endometriosis
- Definition: Endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus.
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Definition: Pregnancy occurring outside of the uterus.
- In Vitro Fertilization
- Definition: Ovum fertilized outside the female body and transferred to uterus.
- Artificial Insemination
- Definition: Physician injects sperm directly into a woman’s cervix.
- Toxic Shock Syndrome
- Definition: Potentially life-threatening infection caused by staphylococcus bacteria.
- Trichomoniasis
- Definition: Protozoan infection causing itching and burning in the vagina for females, or burning in urethra for males.
Miscellaneous
Menstrual Cycle Stages
- Menstrual Phase
- Definition: Endometrial lining of the uterus sheds producing the menstrual period.
- Follicular Phase
- Definition: FSH from the pituitary matures follicles to produce a mature ovum.
- Ovulation Phase
- Definition: Ovary releases a mature egg.
- Luteal Phase
- Definition: Corpus luteum produces hormone to build the uterine wall preparing for pregnancy.