Chapter 1: An Introduction to Anatomy

and PhysiologyAnatomy – oldest medical science• Describes the structures of the

body:– what they are made of– where they are located– associated structures

Physiology• Is the study of:

– functions of anatomical structures– individual and cooperative functions– how

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

• Greek or Latin• Root words • Prefixes• Suffixes• Combinations

• Commemorative names

How are living things organized?• Atoms:

– are the smallest chemical units • Molecules:

– are a group of atoms working together• Organelles:

– are a group of molecules working together• Cells:

– are a group of organelles working together• Tissues:

– are a group of similar cells working together• Organs:

– are a group of different tissues working together• Organ systems (11):

– are a group of organs working together• Organism:

– is an individual

Organizing a Muscle• Protein molecules (chemical level)• Protein filaments (organelle level)• Muscle cells (cellular level)• Cardiac muscle tissue (tissue level)• Heart (organ level)

Characteristics of Life• Metabolism- sum total of all chemical

processes– Catabolism – breaking down– Anabolism – building up

• Responsiveness - irritability• Movement• Growth• Differentiation• Reproduction

• The body is divided into 11 organ systems

• All organ systems work together• Many organs work in more than 1 organ

system• Homeostasis: All body systems working together to maintain a stable internal environment

• Systems respond to external and internal changes to function within a normal range (body temperature, fluid balance)

• Failure to function within a normal range results in disease

Mechanisms of Regulation• Autoregulation (intrinsic):

– automatic response in a cell, tissue, or organ

• Extrinsic regulation: – responses controlled by nervous and

endocrine systems

How are living things regulated?

Maintaining Normal Limits • Receptor: receives the stimulus • Control Center: processes the

signal and sends instructions • Effector: carries out instructions • Negative Feedback: response of

the effector negates the stimulus• Positive Feedback: response of

the effector reinforces the stimulus

Working Together

Table 1–1

Anatomical terms used to describe body sections, regions, and

relative positions?Anatomical LandmarksSuperficial characteristics: surface parts – names or adjectives

• Anatomical position: – hands at sides,

palms forward

• Supine: – lying down, face up

• Prone: – lying down, face

down

Figure 1–7a

Quadrants and Regions• 4 abdominopelvic

quadrants around umbilicus

• 9 abdominopelvic regions

Which Direction? • Lateral:

– side view

• Frontal: – front view

• Anatomical direction: – refers to

the patient’s left or right