Chapter 1

• Red blood cells (RBC) have a biconcave shape that makes them efficient at oxygen binding and transporting
• Cells combine to form tissues, tissues combine to form organs, and organs combine to form organ systems
• The human body has 11 organ systems that work together and communicate to maintain homeostasis
• The integumentary system forms the external body covering, protects deeper tissues, synthesizes vitamin D, and houses sensory receptors and glands
• The skeletal system supports body organs, allows movement, stores minerals, and produces blood cells
• The muscular system allows manipulation of the environment, maintains posture, and produces heat
• The nervous system is the fast-acting control system of the body, responding to internal and external changes by activating muscles and glands
• The endocrine system secretes hormones that regulate growth, reproduction, and metabolism by body cells
• The cardiovascular system transports blood carrying oxygen, nutrients, and wastes, with the heart pumping blood
• The lymphatic system picks up leaked fluid, disposes of debris, and houses white blood cells involved in immunity
• The respiratory system exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide through the lungs, helping to maintain blood oxygen levels
• The digestive system breaks down food into absorbable units and eliminates indigestible foodstuffs as feces
• The urinary system eliminates nitrogenous wastes, regulates water and electrolyte balance, and maintains acid-base balance of the blood
• The reproductive system is responsible for the production of offspring, with the male and female structures aiding in reproduction and development
• Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment by regulating physiological mechanisms and variables within a normal range
• Homeostasis can be maintained through negative feedback mechanisms that oppose stimuli to keep the body in balance
• Disease can occur when homeostatic mechanisms are compromised, leading to signs and symptoms that can be diagnosed using non-invasive techniques
• Sectional anatomy involves planes and sections used to visualize internal organization and structure, important in radiological techniques
• Body cavities are lined by serous membranes, with the thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity, and retroperitoneal space being key regions