Anatomy and physiology

• Anatomy is the study of the parts of living organisms and their relationships to each other
• Anatomy is the study of the structure and shape of the body and its parts, as well as their relationships to each other
• Levels of Anatomy:

  • Gross anatomy: study of structures that can be examined without the aid of a microscope, can approach from either a systemic or a regional perspective
  • Histology: deals with the study of tissues or organs and their organization
  • Cytology: deals with the study of cells that make up tissues
• Systemic anatomy: the body is studied system by system
• Regional anatomy: the body is studied area by area
• Surface anatomy: the study of the external form of the body and its relation to deeper structures
• Anatomical imaging uses radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other technologies to create pictures of internal organs
• Physiology is the study of how the body and its parts work or function
• Physiology is also the study of function or how the parts of the body work
• Different levels of physiology include:
• Cell physiology: examines the processes occurring in cells
• Systemic physiology: considers the functions of organs
• Neurophysiology: focuses on the nervous system
• Exercise physiology: focuses on changes in function and structure caused by exercise
• Pathologic anatomy: study of the structural changes that deviate from normal
• Pathology is the study of the diseases of the body
• Levels of structural organization in living organisms:
• Chemical level:

  • Basis of life and organization begins
  • Atoms are tiny building blocks of matter
  • Molecules are the smallest units making up the body and combine to form atoms (e.g., water, sugar, protein)
  • Macromolecules are the combination of atoms and molecules to form large and more complex chemicals
  • The unique and complex relationship of atoms, molecules, and macromolecules in a living material form a semi-fluid matrix called the cytoplasm
• Cellular level or organelle level:

  • Smallest units of all living cells
  • Each cell is surrounded by a membrane and characterized by a single nucleus surrounded by cytoplasm containing numerous organelles required for specialized activity
• Tissue:

  • A group of cells with similar structure and functions
• Organs:

  • Composed of 2 or more tissues that perform one or more common functions
  • Each organ has a unique shape, size, appearance, and placement in the body and can be identified by the pattern of tissues that form it
• Organ or system level:

  • A group of organs classified as a unit because of common function
• 11 Major organ system - integumentary - skeletal - muscular - nervous - endocrine - cardiovascular - lymphatic - respiratory - digestive - urinary - reproductive
• ORGANISM LEVEL– which represents the highest level of structural organization - is any living thing considered as a whole whether they composed of one cell or many.
• Integumentary system

  Provides protection, regulates temperature, reduces water loss, and produces vitamin D precursors. Consists of skin, hair, nails, and sweat glands.
• Skeletal system Provides protection and support, allows body movements, produces blood cells, and stores minerals and fat. Consists of bones, associated cartilages, ligaments and joints.
• Muscular system

  Produces body movements, maintains posture and produces body heat. Consists of muscles attached to the skeleton by tendons.
• Nervous system

  A major regulatory system that detects sensations and controls movement, physiologic processes, and intellectual functions. Consists of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and sensory receptors.
• Endocrine system

  A major regulatory system that influences metabolism, growth, reproduction, and many other functions. Consists of glands, such as the pituitary, that secrete hormones.
• Cardiovascular system

  Transports nutrients, waste products, gases and hormones throughout the body; plays a role in the immune response and the regulation of body temperature. Consists of the heart, blood vessels and blood.
• Lymphatic system

  Removes foreign substances from the blood and lymph, combats disease, maintains tissue fluid balance, and transports fats from the digestive tract. Consists of the lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and other lymphatic organs.
• Respiratory system

  Exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and air and regulates blood pH. Consists of the lungs and respiratory passages.
• Digestive system

  Performs the mechanical and chemical processes of digestion, absorption of nutrients and elimination of wastes. Consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines and accessory organs.
• Urinary system

  Removes waste products from the blood and regulates blood pH, ion balance and water balance.
• Reproductive system

  Female: produces ooctyes and is the site of fertilization and fetal development; produces milk for the newborn; produces hormones that influence sexual functions and behaviors. Consists of the ovaries, vagina, uterus, mammary glands and associated structures.

  Male: produces and transfers sperm cells to the female and produces hormones that influence sexual functions and behaviors. Consists of the testes, accessory structures, ducts and penis