Overview of Anatomy and Physiology

What is It?

The branches of anatomy and physiology are complementary to each other

Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body parts and their relationships with one another Gross anatomy or macroscopic-study of LARGE body

structures (those that would be visible with the naked eye) Microscopic anatomy-cannot be seen with the naked eye,

must use a microscope Developmental anatomy traces structural changes that

occur in the body through life (embryology)Physiology deals with the study of function of the

body

Gross Anatomy Microscopic

Regional anatomy-studies the structures in a particular region

Systemic-system by system

Surface-study of internal structures as they relate to the overlying skin

Cytology-study of cells

Histology-study of tissues

The Subdivisions of Anatomy

Levels of Organization

The human body has many levels of organization

The most basic is the chemical level-at this level atoms combine to form molecules which will combine to make organelles

Organelles make cellsCells make tissuesTissues make organs which in turn make

organ systems

How Do We Live?

Maintaining boundaries- internal environment remains distinct from external environments

MovementResponsiveness (irritability)-ability to sense

changes in the environment and respondDigestionMetabolism-breaking substances downExcretion-removing wastesReproductionGrowthNutrition

The Language of Anatomy

Directional Terms Anatomical Position- The body is erect

(standing up straight) with feet slightly apart and palms facing forward so that your thumbs point away from the body

Note: the terms left and right refer to the positionof the person being viewedNOT the observer

UP and DOWNSuperior (Cranial)

Inferior (Caudal)

Toward the head or upper body (above)

Away from the head or lower body (below)

FRONT and BACK

Anterior (ventral)

Posterior (dorsal)

Toward or at the front of the body

Toward or at the back of the body

In Between

Medial

Lateral

Toward or at the midline of the body (inner side of)

Away from the midline of the body (outer side of)Intermediate

• Between a more medial and more lateral structure

Extremities-UP and Down

Proximal

Distal

Closer to the origin of the body part or point of attachment of a limb to the trunk

Farther from the origin of a body part of the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

IN and OUTSuperficial (external)

Deep (internal)

Toward or at the body surface

Away from the body surface

Axial Appendicular

Makes up the main axis of our body

Includes head, neck and truck

Consists of appendages (limbs)

These are attached to the axis

Regional Terms

Body Planes and SectionsSagittal Plane Frontal/coronal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left parts

A sagittal plane that lies exactly in the midline is the midsagittal plane

All other sagittal planes are called parasagittal planes (para-near)

Lie vertically and divides the body into anterior and posterior parts

Transverse/horizontal Plane Runs horizontally from

left to right dividing the body into superior and inferior parts

Sometimes these are referred to as cross sections

Body Cavities

Dorsal Cavity Protects the organs of

the nervous system Has TWO subdivisions:

Cranial (skull) and Vertebral (spinal cord)

Because both of these are essentially part of the same organ, the two cavities are continuous with one another

Ventral Body Cavity More anterior and larger

cavity Houses internal organs

collectively called the viscera

Has TWO major subdivisions: Thoracic (surrounded by ribs) and abdominopelvic (abdomen and pelvic regions)

The two major divisions are separated by the diaphragm

Subdivisions of Abdominopelvic Region

Left/Right hypochondriac region: Part of the liver, gallbladder, & part of diaphragm in right; part of diaphragm and part of stomach in left

Left/Right lumbar region: Ascending colon of large intestine in right; Descending colon of large intestine in left

Left/Right iliac/inguinal region: Cecum of large intestine in right; Part of sigmoid colon of large intestine in left

Epigastric Region: Most of the stomachUmbilical Region: Transverse colon of large

intestine, small intestineHypogastric/pubic Region: Bladder

Internal organs associated with abdominopelvic regions

Isolating the Organs

Serous membranes: consist of parietal layer and visceral layer

Dividing the Cavities

Thoracic cavity:divided by the mediastinum into 2 pleural

cavities

Organ Systems

Circulatory System

FUNCTIONS:1. Transports

gases, nutrients, hormones, and waste.

2. Carries oxygen

Skeletal System

FUNCTIONS:1. Provides

framework and protective shields for softer tissues.

2. Attachments for muscles.

3. Aids in movement.4. Produces blood

cells & stores inorganic salts.

Respiratory System

FUNCTIONS:1. Takes oxygen in

and releases CO2.

2. Exchanges gases between the blood and the air.

Nervous System

FUNCTIONS:1. Uses

electrochemical signals to communicate .

2. Can detect changes inside and outside the body.

Muscular System

FUNCTIONS: 1. Causes body

movement. 2. Maintains

posture.3. Main source of

body heat.

Lymphatic System

FUNCTIONS:1. Transports some

of the tissue fluid back to the bloodstream.

2. Carries certain fatty substances away from the digestive organs.

Integumentary System

FUNCTIONS:1. Protects

underlying tissues.

2. Helps regulate body temperature.

3. Houses sensory receptors.

4. Synthesizes certain products.

Excretory System

FUNCTIONS:1. Removes wastes

from the blood.2. Helps maintain

the body’s water and electrolyte balance.

Endocrine System

FUNCTIONS:1. Secretes

chemical messengers called hormones.

Digestive System

FUNCTIONS:1. Receives

nutrients from the outside and break it down.

2. Produces hormones.