Chapter 1
• Anatomy studies the form and structure of the body
o We will look at the body at a systemic point of view. Will start with the
integumentary system, then skeletal, etc.
• Physiology examines how the body functions
o Form and function are interrelated and inseparable
o The body depends on cells and chemical reactions
o Physiology uses basic physical principles (e.g. electrical currents,
pressure, and movement).
• Scientific method- refers to a systematic and rigorous process by
which scientists:
o Examine natural events through observation
o Develop a hypothesis for explaining a phenomenon
o Experiment and test hypothesis by collecting data
o Determine if the data support the hypothesis, or if the hypothesis should
be rejected or modified
• Microscopic anatomy
o Examines structures that cannot be observed by unaided eye
o Specimens examined under microscope
▪ Divisions:
• Cytology- is the study of body cells and their internal
structure
• Histology- is the study of tissues
• Gross anatomy, or macroscopic anatomy
o Investigates structures visible to the unaided eye
o Specimens dissected for examination
o Divisions:
▪ Systemic anatomy- studies the anatomy of each body system
▪ Regional anatomy- examines the structures in a body region
▪ Surface anatomy- focuses on superficial anatomic markings and
internal body structures
▪ Comparative anatomy-examines anatomical similarities and
differences in different species
▪ Embryology- studies developmental changes from conception to
birth
• Divisions focusing on diagnosis or research:
o Pathologic anatomy examines macroscopic and microscopic anatomic
changes resulting from disease
o Radiographic anatomy investigates internal structures visualized by
scanning procedures
• Physiologists examine the function of body structures, focusing on the molecular
and cellular level
o Physiology sub disciplines:
, ▪ Cardiovascular physiology examines functioning of the
heart, blood vessels, and blood
▪ Neurophysiology studies functioning of nerves and
nervous system organs
▪ Respiratory physiology explores functioning of respiratory organs
▪ Reproductive physiology investigates functioning of
reproductive hormones and the reproductive cycle
▪ Pathophysiology focuses on the function of a body system during
disease or injury to the system
• Form (anatomy) and function (physiology) are interrelated
o Integrating these disciplines is the easiest way to learn about both
o Both disciplines must use information from the other field
o Form follows function (anatomical structures are designed to perform
their specific function)
o Without a thorough knowledge of anatomical structures, the
physiologist can not truly understand the structure’s function
• Properties common to all organisms:
o Organization-All organisms exhibit a complex structure and order
o Metabolism—the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within the body
o Anabolism—small molecules joined to form larger ones
o Catabolism—large molecules broken down into smaller ones
o Growth and development -Organisms assimilate materials
from environment; grow and develop
o Responsiveness—ability to sense and react to stimuli
o Regulation
o Ability to adjust internal bodily function to
accommodate environment changes
o Homeostasis—ability to maintain body structure and function
o Reproduction
▪ Produce new cells for growth, maintenance, and repair
▪ With sex cells (gametes), can develop into new organisms
• Levels of organization from simplest to most complex:
o Chemical level–atoms and molecules
o Cellular level–cells, basic units of life
o Tissue level–similar cells performing common functions
o Organ level–multiple tissues working together
o Organ system level – related organs work together
o Organismal level–organ systems function together
11 organ systems of the human body: EXAM QUESTION
1. Integumentary system- forms the external body covering and protects deeper
tissues from injury. Synthesizes vitamin D, and houses cutaneous (pain,
pressure, etc.) receptors and sweat and oil glands.
,2. Skeletal system- protects and supports organs and provides framework the
muscles use to cause movement. Blood cells are formed within bones. Bones store
minerals.
3. Muscular system- allows manipulation of the environment, locomotion, and facial
expression. Maintains posture, and produces heat.
4. Nervous system- as the fast-acting control system of the body, it responds
to internal and external changes by activating appropriate muscles and
glands.
5. Endocrine system- regulates and secretes hormones
6. Cardiovascular system- transportation system
7. Lymphatic system- defensive system
8. Respiratory system- oxygen, CO2, exchange gases
9. Urinary system- excrete waste products
10. Digestive system- bring food in, break it down and absorb nutrients
11. Male and female reproductive systems- reproduce offspring
, Common reference position
• Characteristics of anatomic position
• Upright stance – body erect
• Feet parallel and flat on the floor
• Upper limbs at the sides of the body
• Palms face anteriorly (toward the front)
• Head is level
• Eyes open looking forward
• *This is always in relation to the patient, never the practioner
• “Slices” of body called sections or planes
o Section—actual cut or slice that exposes internal anatomy
o Plane—imaginary flat surface passing through body; 3 types
• Anatomy studies the form and structure of the body
o We will look at the body at a systemic point of view. Will start with the
integumentary system, then skeletal, etc.
• Physiology examines how the body functions
o Form and function are interrelated and inseparable
o The body depends on cells and chemical reactions
o Physiology uses basic physical principles (e.g. electrical currents,
pressure, and movement).
• Scientific method- refers to a systematic and rigorous process by
which scientists:
o Examine natural events through observation
o Develop a hypothesis for explaining a phenomenon
o Experiment and test hypothesis by collecting data
o Determine if the data support the hypothesis, or if the hypothesis should
be rejected or modified
• Microscopic anatomy
o Examines structures that cannot be observed by unaided eye
o Specimens examined under microscope
▪ Divisions:
• Cytology- is the study of body cells and their internal
structure
• Histology- is the study of tissues
• Gross anatomy, or macroscopic anatomy
o Investigates structures visible to the unaided eye
o Specimens dissected for examination
o Divisions:
▪ Systemic anatomy- studies the anatomy of each body system
▪ Regional anatomy- examines the structures in a body region
▪ Surface anatomy- focuses on superficial anatomic markings and
internal body structures
▪ Comparative anatomy-examines anatomical similarities and
differences in different species
▪ Embryology- studies developmental changes from conception to
birth
• Divisions focusing on diagnosis or research:
o Pathologic anatomy examines macroscopic and microscopic anatomic
changes resulting from disease
o Radiographic anatomy investigates internal structures visualized by
scanning procedures
• Physiologists examine the function of body structures, focusing on the molecular
and cellular level
o Physiology sub disciplines:
, ▪ Cardiovascular physiology examines functioning of the
heart, blood vessels, and blood
▪ Neurophysiology studies functioning of nerves and
nervous system organs
▪ Respiratory physiology explores functioning of respiratory organs
▪ Reproductive physiology investigates functioning of
reproductive hormones and the reproductive cycle
▪ Pathophysiology focuses on the function of a body system during
disease or injury to the system
• Form (anatomy) and function (physiology) are interrelated
o Integrating these disciplines is the easiest way to learn about both
o Both disciplines must use information from the other field
o Form follows function (anatomical structures are designed to perform
their specific function)
o Without a thorough knowledge of anatomical structures, the
physiologist can not truly understand the structure’s function
• Properties common to all organisms:
o Organization-All organisms exhibit a complex structure and order
o Metabolism—the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within the body
o Anabolism—small molecules joined to form larger ones
o Catabolism—large molecules broken down into smaller ones
o Growth and development -Organisms assimilate materials
from environment; grow and develop
o Responsiveness—ability to sense and react to stimuli
o Regulation
o Ability to adjust internal bodily function to
accommodate environment changes
o Homeostasis—ability to maintain body structure and function
o Reproduction
▪ Produce new cells for growth, maintenance, and repair
▪ With sex cells (gametes), can develop into new organisms
• Levels of organization from simplest to most complex:
o Chemical level–atoms and molecules
o Cellular level–cells, basic units of life
o Tissue level–similar cells performing common functions
o Organ level–multiple tissues working together
o Organ system level – related organs work together
o Organismal level–organ systems function together
11 organ systems of the human body: EXAM QUESTION
1. Integumentary system- forms the external body covering and protects deeper
tissues from injury. Synthesizes vitamin D, and houses cutaneous (pain,
pressure, etc.) receptors and sweat and oil glands.
,2. Skeletal system- protects and supports organs and provides framework the
muscles use to cause movement. Blood cells are formed within bones. Bones store
minerals.
3. Muscular system- allows manipulation of the environment, locomotion, and facial
expression. Maintains posture, and produces heat.
4. Nervous system- as the fast-acting control system of the body, it responds
to internal and external changes by activating appropriate muscles and
glands.
5. Endocrine system- regulates and secretes hormones
6. Cardiovascular system- transportation system
7. Lymphatic system- defensive system
8. Respiratory system- oxygen, CO2, exchange gases
9. Urinary system- excrete waste products
10. Digestive system- bring food in, break it down and absorb nutrients
11. Male and female reproductive systems- reproduce offspring
, Common reference position
• Characteristics of anatomic position
• Upright stance – body erect
• Feet parallel and flat on the floor
• Upper limbs at the sides of the body
• Palms face anteriorly (toward the front)
• Head is level
• Eyes open looking forward
• *This is always in relation to the patient, never the practioner
• “Slices” of body called sections or planes
o Section—actual cut or slice that exposes internal anatomy
o Plane—imaginary flat surface passing through body; 3 types
