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Anatomy & Physiology:Understanding the Human Body

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Definitions Definitions

Anatomy and physiology are interrelated subjects

Anatomy is the study of the structure of anorganism.

Physiology is the study of the function of anorganism.

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Levels of Levels of structural structural

organizationorganization

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Levels of structural organizationLevels of structural organization• Chemical level

– atoms and molecules• Cellular level

– Cells: smallest living part of the body• Tissue level

– Tissue: group of cells that work together to perform the same task– 4 basic tissue types: epithelial, muscle, connective and nervous

• Organ level– Organ: group of 2 or more tissue types that work together to perform

a specific function System level – Organ system: a group of organs working together to preform one of

the body’s major functions– sometimes an organ is part of more than one system

• Organismal level – the organism OR living thing

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All living organisms are composed of cells

The cell is the smallest living part of our bodyIt is the building block of our entire bodyCells vary in size, shape and functionAll cells need food, water, and oxygen to live and function

THE HUMAN CELL

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The cell can be considered as a factory with lots of machines inside, each performing a different job

Structures of the cell - organellesStructures of the cell - organelles

Cell membrane: outer covering of the cellholds substances insidemaintains the shape of the cell

The nucleus: central portion of the celldirects the cell’s activitiescontains the chromosomes

Chromosomes (made up of DNA): the bearer of genes, which carry inherited traits such as eye colour

Cytoplasm: surrounds the nucleuscontains machinery of the cell (organelles).

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Types of cells:Nerve cells (neurons): have long, thin extensions that can transmit nerve impulses over a large distanceEpithelial Cells: thin, flat, and tightly packed so that they form a protective layer

Muscle Cells: slender rods that attach to the ends of the structures they move

There are many different types of cells, each with a different shape and function.

Types of Cells

Types of tissuesConnective Tissue holds body parts together and connects them. Body parts like bones, ligaments, and tendons are held together by this type of tissue.

Epithelial Tissue covers the internal and external body surfaces. Examples of this tissue are the skin and the linings of internal organs.

Muscle Tissue expands and contracts, allowing the body to move.

Nervous Tissue carries messages from all parts of the body to the central nervous system (CNS).

Organs and Organ Systems

Organ Systems

have separate and distinct functions, but they rely on one another to perform their tasks

made up of organs