Compendium 1- What is life?

• Define Anatomy

  The scientific discipline that investigates the bodys structures.
• Define Physiology

  The scientific investigation of the bodys functions
• What are the different levels of anatomy & physiology?

  Anatomy consists of 5 levels: Developmental (Embryology)- The structural changes that occur between conception & adulthoodCytology- The structural features of cellsHistology- Examines tissues which are composed of cells and the materials around themGross Anatomy- The study of organs, organ systemsSurface Anatomy- Involves looking at the exterior of the body to visualise structures deeper inside the body Physiology consists of 6 levels: Chemical level – Atoms and molecules involved in biochemical reactions. Cellular level – Cells performing specific functions. Tissue level – Tissues made of similar cells working together. Organ level – Organs made of different tissues working together. Organ system level – Organ systems working in coordination. Organism level – The entire body functioning as a whole.
• Describe the 6 levels of organisation in the body

  Chemical- How atoms combine & interact to form moleculesCell- Combinations of molecules combine to form cellsTissue- Groups of cells combine to form tissues. A tissue is composed of similar cells. Organ- Different tissues combine to form organs. An organ is composed of two or more tissue types that perform one or more common functions.Organ system- Multiple organs combine to form organ systems (nervous, cardiovascular, digestive)Organism level- Any living thing considered as a whole
• List the 6 characteristics of organisms

  Organisation- How parts of the organism interact to perform specific functions Metabolism- The ability to break down fuel sources like food to use it for energy Responsiveness- An organisms ability to adjust and change to internal and external changesGrowth- an increase in the size or number of cells, which produces an overall enlargement of all parts of the organism Development- Changes in an organism from conception to deathReproduction- The formation of new cells or new organisms. Allows for growth and development
• Define Homeostasis

  A state of balance among all the body systems needed for the body to function & survive
• List the characteristics of the anatomical position

  Standing upright Facing forward Arms at sides Palms facing forward Feet flat & forward
• Use appropriate terminology to describe directional terms

  Superior (Cranial) – Toward the head (e.g., The head is superior to the chest). Inferior (Caudal) – Toward the feet (e.g., The stomach is inferior to the heart). Anterior (Ventral) – Toward the front of the body (e.g., The sternum is anterior to the spine). Posterior (Dorsal) – Toward the back of the body (e.g., The spine is posterior to the heart). Medial – Closer to the midline of the body (e.g., The nose is medial to the ears). Lateral – Away from the midline (e.g., The arms are lateral to the chest). Proximal – Closer to the point of attachment (used for limbs) (e.g., The shoulder is proximal to the wrist). Distal – Farther from the point of attachment (e.g., The fingers are distal to the elbow). Superficial – Closer to the surface of the body (e.g., The skin is superficial to the muscles). Deep – Farther from the surface (e.g., The bones are deep to the skin).
• Use appropriate terminology to describe body planes

  Sagittal Plane – Divides the body into left and right halves. Midsagittal (Median) Plane – Divides the body into equal left and right halves. Parasagittal Plane – Divides the body into unequal left and right parts. Frontal (Coronal) Plane – Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions. Transverse (Horizontal) Plane – Divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) sections.
• Use appropriate anatomical terminology to describe location of body parts & anatomical relations

  Head & Neck The eyes are superior to the mouth. The nose is medial to the ears. The chin is inferior to the lips. Torso (Trunk) The heart is medial to the lungs and superior to the stomach. The spine is posterior to the sternum (breastbone). The ribs are superficial to the lungs. Upper Limbs (Arms & Hands) The shoulder is proximal to the elbow. The elbow is distal to the shoulder but proximal to the wrist. The thumb is lateral to the pinky finger. Lower Limbs (Legs & Feet) The hip is proximal to the knee. The knee is distal to the thigh but proximal to the ankle. The toes are anterior to the heel. Internal Organs The brain is superior to the heart and deep to the skull. The stomach is inferior to the diaphragm and anterior to the spine. The kidneys are posterior to the intestines.
• Describe the major body cavities & their divisions

  1. Dorsal Cavity (Back of the Body) The dorsal cavity protects the nervous system and consists of: Cranial Cavity – Contains the brain, enclosed by the skull. Vertebral (Spinal) Cavity – Contains the spinal cord, enclosed by the vertebrae. 2. Ventral Cavity (Front of the Body) The ventral cavity houses majority of organs related to respiration, circulation, digestion, and reproduction. (Referred to as viscera) It is divided into: A. Thoracic Cavity (Upper Chest) Pleural Cavities (2) – Each surrounds a lung. Pericardial Cavity – Surrounds the heart, within the mediastinum. Mediastinum – The central space between the lungs, containing the heart, esophagus, trachea, and major blood vessels. (Middle wall) B. Abdominopelvic Cavity (Lower Trunk) Divided into two sections: Abdominal Cavity – Contains stomach, liver, intestines, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and gallbladder. Pelvic Cavity – Contains urinary bladder, reproductive organs, and parts of the intestines.
• Identify the major organs within each abdominal quadrant

  1. Abdominal Quadrants (Four-Quadrant System) This system divides the abdomen into four parts using the midline and transumbilical line (at the navel): Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ) Liver (right lobe) Gallbladder Right kidney Part of the stomach Small intestine (duodenum) Part of the large intestine (ascending & transverse colon) Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ) Stomach Spleen Left kidney Pancreas (majority) Part of the liver (left lobe) Part of the large intestine (transverse & descending colon) Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ) Appendix Right ovary & fallopian tube (females) Right ureter Part of the small intestine Part of the large intestine (cecum & ascending colon) Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ) Left ovary & fallopian tube (females) Left ureter Part of the small intestine Part of the large intestine (descending & sigmoid colon)
• Identify the major organs within each abdominal region

  1. Epigastric Region (Upper Middle) Stomach Liver (left lobe) Pancreas Part of the small intestine 2. Right Hypochondriac Region Liver (right lobe) Gallbladder Right kidney 3. Left Hypochondriac Region Stomach Spleen Left kidney Part of the large intestine 4. Umbilical Region (Center) Small intestine (majority) Part of the large intestine (transverse colon) Blood vessels (abdominal aorta & inferior vena cava) 5. Right Lumbar Region Right kidney Ascending colon Part of the small intestine 6. Left Lumbar Region Left kidney Descending colon Part of the small intestine 7. Hypogastric (Pubic) Region (Lower Middle) Urinary bladder Uterus (females) Part of the small intestine Part of the sigmoid colon 8. Right Iliac (Inguinal) Region Appendix Cecum (beginning of the large intestine) Part of the small intestine 9. Left Iliac (Inguinal) Region Part of the large intestine (sigmoid colon) Part of the small intestine
• Descibe the properties of serous membranes

  Serous membranes (or serosa) are thin, double-layered tissues that line body cavities and cover internal organs. They serve to reduce friction and protect organs during movement. Their key properties include: 1. Double-Layered Structure Parietal Layer – Lines the walls of the cavity. Visceral Layer – Covers the organs within the cavity. 2. Secretes Serous Fluid A thin, watery fluid is secreted between the layers to lubricate and reduce friction between moving organs. 3. Found in Ventral Body Cavities Serous membranes are located in major body cavities: Pleura – Surrounds the lungs (parietal pleura lines the chest cavity, visceral pleura covers the lungs). Pericardium – Surrounds the heart (parietal pericardium lines the sac, visceral pericardium covers the heart). Peritoneum – Surrounds abdominal organs (parietal peritoneum lines the abdominal wall, visceral peritoneum covers organs like the stomach and liver). 4. Provides Protection & Support Prevents friction damage from organ movement (e.g., heart beating, lungs expanding). Helps anchor organs in place. 5. Allows Smooth Organ Function Reduces irritation between structures. Ensures efficient movement of the heart, lungs, and digestive organs.
• Describe the locaton serous membranes

  Serous membranes are found in three major body cavities: A. Pleura (Lungs – Thoracic Cavity) Parietal Pleura – Lines the inside of the chest cavity. Visceral Pleura – Covers the lungs directly. Function: Reduces friction during breathing, allowing smooth expansion and contraction of the lungs. B. Pericardium (Heart – Thoracic Cavity) Parietal Pericardium – Forms the outer sac around the heart. Visceral Pericardium – Covers the surface of the heart. Function: Protects the heart and reduces friction as it beats. C. Peritoneum (Abdominal Organs – Abdominopelvic Cavity) Parietal Peritoneum – Lines the abdominal wall. Visceral Peritoneum – Covers abdominal organs (e.g., stomach, liver, intestines). Function: Provides a smooth, frictionless environment for digestive organs to move during digestion.
• Describe the function serous membranes

  1. Reducing Friction Serous membranes secrete a thin, watery fluid called serous fluid between their two layers (parietal and visceral). This fluid acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between organs as they move. This is especially important for organs that move constantly, like the lungs (during breathing) and the heart (during beating). 2. Protecting Organs By forming a smooth, slippery surface, serous membranes protect internal organs from injury and damage during their movements. They prevent organs from rubbing against other structures, which could cause irritation or damage over time. 3. Supporting & Anchoring Organs Serous membranes help hold organs in place within their respective cavities. For example, the mesenteries (a part of the peritoneum) attach the small and large intestines to the abdominal wall, ensuring they stay properly positioned during digestion. 4. Providing a Cushioning Effect In addition to reducing friction, the fluid between the layers of serous membranes provides a cushioning effect, protecting delicate organs from potential trauma. For instance, the pericardial fluid around the heart helps absorb shock. 5. Facilitating Organ Movement The lubrication provided by serous membranes ensures that organs can move smoothly against one another, without causing damage. For example, the lungs can expand and contract without friction against the chest wall, and the intestines can move and contract during digestion.
• What is the purpose of the anatomical position?

  The anatomical position is a standardised posture that ensures accurate, clear, and consistent descriptions of the human body, its parts, and its movements. It's essential for effective communication in medicine and biology.
• What characteristics are used to assess whether something is alive or not?

  The 6 characteristics of organisms determine whether something is alive or not- Organisation metabolism ResponsivenessGrowthDevelopementReproduction
• What are the 6 levels of organisation in the body & give examples of each

  1. Chemical Level This is the most basic level, consisting of atoms and molecules that form the building blocks of life. Examples: Atoms: Carbon, oxygen, hydrogen Molecules: Water (H₂O), DNA, proteins 2. Cellular Level The cell is the basic unit of life. Cells are composed of molecules and are the smallest functional units of the body. Examples: Red blood cells (carry oxygen in the blood) Muscle cells (help the body move) Nerve cells (send electrical signals) 3. Tissue Level Tissues are groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function. Examples: Epithelial tissue (forms the skin and lines body cavities) Muscle tissue (responsible for movement) Nervous tissue (transmits electrical impulses) 4. Organ Level An organ is a structure composed of two or more types of tissues working together to perform a specific function. Examples: Heart (muscle tissue pumps blood, connective tissue provides structure) Liver (filters toxins, produces bile) Stomach (digests food) 5. Organ System Level An organ system consists of a group of organs that work together to perform a broader function in the body. Examples: Circulatory system (heart, blood vessels, blood) Digestive system (stomach, intestines, liver) Nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves) 6. Organism Level The organism level is the highest level of organisation, where all the organ systems work together to maintain life and health. Example: The human body (a collection of systems working in harmony to sustain life)
• Anatomical directions terms for the body- use each one in a sentence

  1. Superior (Cranial) Sentence: The head is superior to the neck. 2. Inferior (Caudal) Sentence: The feet are inferior to the knees. 3. Anterior (Ventral) Meaning: Toward the front of the body. Sentence: The sternum (breastbone) is anterior to the spine. 4. Posterior (Dorsal) Meaning: Toward the back of the body. Sentence: The spine is posterior to the stomach. 5. Medial Sentence: The nose is medial to the eyes. 6. Lateral Sentence: The ears are lateral to the eyes. 7. Proximal Meaning: Closer to the origin of a structure or to the point of attachment. Sentence: The elbow is proximal to the wrist. 8. Distal Meaning: Farther from the origin of a structure or from the point of attachment. Sentence: The fingers are distal to the elbow. 9. Superficial Sentence: The skin is superficial to the muscles. 10. Deep Sentence: The bones are deep to the muscles.
• What are the 3 planes in which the body can be divided?

  1. Sagittal Plane Definition: Divides the body into left and right halves. Movement Example: Movement like flexion and extension (e.g., bending and straightening your arm). Sentence Example: The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right parts. 2. Coronal Plane (Frontal Plane) Definition: Divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) halves. Movement Example: Movement like abduction and adduction (e.g., moving arms or legs away from or toward the body’s midline). Sentence Example: The coronal plane separates the body into the anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. 3. Transverse Plane (Horizontal Plane) Definition: Divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) halves. Movement Example: Rotational movements, like twisting the torso. Sentence Example: The transverse plane divides the body into superior and inferior parts.
• What are the 3 anterior cavities of the trunk?

  Thoracic cavity – houses the heart and lungs. Abdominal cavity – contains digestive organs. Pelvic cavity – houses reproductive organs and the bladder.
• Why do we divide the abdomen into quadrants & cavities? What are they?

  We divide the abdomen into quadrants and regions to help with the precise identification of pain, symptoms, or issues related to specific organs or parts of the digestive system. This system of division is used by healthcare professionals to diagnose conditions, locate organs, and communicate effectively. Quadrants- RUQ LUQ RLQ LLQ Regions- Right hypochondriac regionEpigastric regionLeft hypochondriac regionRight Lumbar regionUmbilical regionLeft lumbar region Right iliac regionHypogastric regionLeft iliac region