Anatomy Lecture 1

• Anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body
• Physiology is the study of body function
• Functional morphology emphasizes that the human body is structured in a way that each function has a purpose
• Types of anatomy we will learn about:

  • Gross Anatomy: visible to the naked eye by surface observation or dissection
  • Surface Anatomy: external structure of the body
  • Systemic Anatomy: focuses on one organ at a time
  • Regional Anatomy: studies multiple organ systems at a time
  • Microscopic Anatomy: involves microscopic analysis of cells and tissues
• Hierarchy of structural organization:

  • Atoms form molecules
  • Molecules form cells
  • Cells form tissues (epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous)
  • Tissues form organs
  • Organs form organ systems (11 in the body)
  • Organ systems work together to form an organism
• • Reproductive system: responsible for reproduction
  • Lymphatic system: fights infections and maintains fluid balance
• Organ systems and their functions:

  • Skin: largest organ, generates/dissipates heat, protects from the environment
  • Skeletal system: provides structure and allows movement
  • Muscular system: allows movement by applying contractile forces
  • Nervous system: controls muscle contractions and perception
  • Endocrine system: releases hormones into the bloodstream
  • Cardiovascular system: delivers oxygen and removes waste products
  • Respiratory system: takes in oxygen and expels CO2
  • Digestive system: processes food and eliminates waste
  • Urinary system: filters blood and removes waste
• Anatomical position:

  • Common visual reference point
  • Person stands erect with feet together and eyes forward
  • Palms face anteriorly with thumbs pointed away from the body
• Essential functions of body cavities:

  • Protect organs from shocks
  • Permit changes in size and shape of internal organs
• Types of body planes:

  • Sagittal plane: divides body into left and right portions
  • Frontal (coronal) plane: divides body into front and back portions
  • Transverse (horizontal) plane: divides body into top and bottom portions
• Body cavities:

  • Dorsal body cavity: contains cranial cavity (brain) and vertebral cavity (spinal cord)
  • Ventral body cavity (coelom): divided by the diaphragm into thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities
• Serous membranes:

  • Line body cavities and cover organs
  • Consist of parietal layer (lines cavity) and visceral layer (covers organ)
  • Reduce friction and allow organs to slide over one another
• Abdominopelvic quadrants:

  • Designed to allow for relationships between different organs
  • Helps medical professionals pinpoint areas of discomfort or pain in patients
• Abdominopelvic regions:

  • Allow for anatomical relationships and help in medical examinations