1. An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

BiologyBasic Functions of Life

ResponsivenessGrowthReproductionMovementMetabolism

The Sciences of Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy – the study of structure and the physical relationships between the body parts

Physiology – how living things perform their vital functions

Sometimes the link between structure and function is not always known or understood.E.g. the heart’s structure was known 200 years

prior to the idea that it actually pumped blood

ANATOMY

Gross – visible to the unaided eye Surface – general form and surface markings Regional – all external and internal features of a region in the

body Systematic – structure of organ systems

Microscopic – you need a microscope… Cytology – cells Histology – tissues

PHYSIOLOGY

Physiology – study of functions Cell – in the cell Special – specific organs Systematic – organ systems Pathological/Pathology – effects of diseases on an organ or system

function

Levels of Organization

Chemical/Molecular – a set of atoms joined together Cellular – a set of molecules working together in a set Tissue – similar cells working together to perform a

specific function Organ – a set of tissues that work together to perform

specific functions Organ System – a particular set of organs that

perform a function Organism – the whole thing

An Introduction to Organ Systems

Integumentary Skeletal Muscular Nervous Endocrine Cardiovascular Lymphatic Respiratory Digestive Urinary Reproductive

11Some

overlap

Homeostasis and System Integration

Homeo “unchanging” + stasis “standing” This does not mean the organism never changes, this means

there exists a stable (or unchanging) internal environment. “To survive, every living organism must maintain homeostasis (7)”

Homeostatic Regulation

Receptor – sort of like a sensor for a specific type of stimuli Control Center – processes information from the receptor Effector – responds to commands from the control center

1. Integumentary

The Skin Protects against environmental hazards; helps

control body temperature

2. Skeletal

The Skeleton “skeletas” – “dried body” Provides structural support protects tissues;

stores minerals; forms blood

3. Muscular

Muscle Allows for movement; provides support;

produces heat

4. Nervous

Nerves Directs immediate response to stimuli;

usually by coordinating the activities of other organ systems

5. Endocrine

Directs long-term changes in activities of other organ systems

Secretes hormones

6. Cardiovascular

The Heart Transports cells and

dissolved materials, including nutrients, wastes, and gases

7. Lymphatic System

Defends against infection and disease, returns tissue fluid to the blood stream

Moves and monitors lymphs Lymph = water + proteins

8. Respiratory

Delivers air to sites where gas exchange can occur between the air and circulating blood

9. Digestive

Process food and absorbs nutrients

10. Urinary

Eliminates excess water, salts, and waste products

11. Reproductive

Produces sex cells and hormones

Homeostatic Regulation

Receptor Control Center Receptor

When homeostatic regulation fails, organ systems begin to malfunction, and the individual experiences the symptoms of illness, or disease

Negative Feedback

Regardless of whether the stimuli changes at the receptor, a variation outside normal limits triggers an automatic response that corrects the situation

The effector activated by the control center opposes or negates the original stimulus.

Example: a regular thermostat

Positive Feedback

The initial stimulus produces a response that reinforces the stimulus

Add more because you’ve added more

THE LANGUAGE OF ANATOMY

Surface Anatomy

Supine – “SPINE”

Prone – “PLANK”

Anatomical Regions

Abdomniopelvic regions intersect at the belly button (the navel, or umbilicus)