Anatomy and Physiology

Chapter 1 Introduction

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy: the study of the structure of the body

Physiology: the study of how living things perform various functions of life.

* This course will examine the anatomy and physiology of the human body.

Microscopic Anatomy:– Dealing with individual

molecules and biochemistry.

Cytology:– Structure of cells

Histology:– Studies how

specialized cells work together to form tissues.

Gross Anatomy: of organs– Regional anatomy:

specific region of body.

– Systemic anatomy: major organ systems.

Cell Physiology:– Function of organelles

Organ Physiology:– Cardiac physiology– Renal physiology

Systemic Physiology:– Respiratory

physiology: study of the respiratory organ system

Pathological Physiology:– Study of disease with

its physiological effects of body systems.

Levels of Organization

1. Chemical or Molecular Level2. Cellular Level of Organization: organelles3. Tissues: several types of tissues will join

together to form…4. Organs: e.g. Stomach, liver, gall bladder

will join together to form…5. Organ systems: all the organ systems

together make up…6. Organism: highest level of living

organization.

Organ System Groups

Organ systems of the body have been classified into eleven groups

Integumentary

Major Organs– Skin– Hair follicles– Sweat glands– nails

Major Function– Protection from:– Environmental hazards– Moisture– Temperature control

Skeletal

Major organs– Bones– Cartilage– Bone marrow

Major Function– Support and protection of:– Soft tissues– Locomotion– Mineral storage– Blood formation

Muscular

Major organs– Skeletal muscles

Major Function– Locomotion– Support– Heat production

Nervous

Major Organs:– Brain– Spinal cord– Peripheral nerves

Major Function– Direction immediate response to

stimulus– Coordinating activities of other organ

systems

Endocrine

Major Organs:– Glands: pituitary, thyroid, etc.– Kidneys– Pancreas– Testes– Ovaries

Major Function:– Directing long term changes in the

activities of other organ systems.– Hormone production

Cardiovascular

Major Organs– Heart– Blood vessels– Blood

Major Functions:– Internal transport of cells and dissolved

materials including nutrients, wastes and gases.

Lymphatic

Major Organs– Lymphatic vessels– Lymph nodes– Spleen– Thymus

Major Function:– Defense against infection and disease

Respiratory

Major Organs– Lungs– Nasal cavities– Pharynx– Larynx– Trachea– Bronchi, alveoli

Major Functions– Delivery of air to sites where gas

exchange can occur between the air and circulating blood

Digestive

Major Organs– Salivary glands– Pharynx, esophagus– Stomach– Small intestine– Liver– Gall bladder– Pancreas– Large intestine

Major Function– Processing of food and absorption of

nutrients, minerals, vitamins and water

Urinary

Major Organs– Kidneys– Ureters– Urinary bladder– Urethra

Major Function– Elimination of excess water, salts and

waste products

Reproductive

Major Organs– Testes and accessory organs– Penis– Scrotum– Uterus– Ovaries – Mammary glands

Major Function– Production of sex cells and hormones

Homeostasis

Existence of a stable internal environment which allows the organism to survive

Disease: failure to maintain homeostasis

Adjustments that preserve homeostasis are called:

Homeostatic Regulation

Homeostatic Regulation 1. A stimulus is received by a receptor 2. The information is carried from the

receptor to a control center which interprets the stimulus and sends information through…

3. an effector which in turn carries that information to target organs and tissues which…

4. do something in response to the initial stimulus.

Homeostatic Mechanisms(both are automatic)

AUTOREGULATION– Changes occur automatically when there

is environmental variation– Example: when cells in the blood need

more oxygen they chemically dialate the blood vessels in that area.

EXTRINSIC REGULATION– Nervous system

or endocrine system controls or adjusts many different systems simultaneously.

– Example: when you exercise: heart rate increases, blood flow is reduced to inactive organs (digestive system)

Homeostatic Reactions

Negative Feedback (Teeter Totter)– Triggers and automatic response that

corrects a variation outside of normal limits.

– Most homeostatic reactions involve negative feedback.

Example: body temperature

Homeostatic Regulation

Positive Feedback (Domino Effect)– Triggers an automatic response that

REINFORCES a stimulus. – Not as common Example: labor and child birth