HLSC 120 – Human Anatomy
Chapter 1: Intro to the Human Body
Definition of Anatomy them; use surface features to identify and locate specific bony
Anatomy – study of structure; to cut up or to cut open; anatomy of processes at joints and to obtain either a pulse or a blood sample
specific body parts often suggests their functions from the patient
Anatomists – examine the relationships among parts of the body along Systemic anatomy – studies the gross anatomy of each system in
with the structure of the individual organs the body (i.e. when studying urinary system, you would examine
Physiology – study the function of body structures kidneys where urine is formed and the organs of urine transport
Anatomy (structure) and Physiology (function) are interrelated. (urine and urethra) and storage (bladder)
Subdisciplines of Anatomy Specialized Branches of Anatomy
Microscopic Anatomy – examines the structures that cannot be observed Pathologic anatomy – examines all anatomic changes resulting from
by the unaided eye; prepare individual cells or thin slices of some part of disease
the body and examine them by the microscope Radiographic anatomy – studies relationships among internal structures
Cytology – cellular anatomy; study of single body cells and their that may be visualized by specific scanning procedures (i.e. ultrasound,
internal structures MRI, xrays)
Histology – study of tissues; takes a wider approach to the Surgical anatomy – investigates the anatomic landmarks used for surgery
application of microscopic anatomy by examining how groups of
specialized cells and their products function for a common Levels of Body Organization and Body Systems
purpose 1. Chemical Level – simplest; composed of atoms and molecules
Macroscopic Anatomy – gross anatomy; investigates the structure and Atoms – smallest units of matter; 2 or more atoms combine to
relationships of large body parts that are visible to the unaided eye (i.e. form
intestines, stomach, brain, heart, kidneys); preserved specimens or their Molecules – such as a protein, a water molecule, or a vitamin;
parts are cut open / dissected for examination when large molecules are joined in a specific way, they form
Developmental anatomy – follows the changes in structure within Cells – basic units of structure and function in organisms; smallest
an individual during the time from conception through maturity structural unit that exhibits the characteristics of living things
Embryology – concerned specifically with developmental changes (organisms) and is the smallest living portion of the human body
occurring prior to birth 2. Cellular Level – structures of cells vary widely, reflecting the
Regional anatomy – examines all the structures in a particular specializations needed for their different functions; groups of similar
region of the body as one complete unit (i.e. skin, connective cells with a common function form the tissue level
tissue and fat, bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels of the Organelles – specialized structural and functional units that
neck) permit all living cells to share some common functions
Surface anatomy – examines both superficial anatomic markings 3. Tissue Level
and internal body structures as they relate to the skin covering
, Tissues – precise organizations of similar cells that perform (development); as the human body grows in size, structures become
specialized functions; 4 types of tissues and their general roles more complex and sophisticated
Epithelial tissue – covers exposed surfaces and lines body Responsiveness – all organisms sense and respond to changes in their
cavities internal or external environment (i.e. a stimulus such as extremely hot /
Connective tissue – protects, supports, and interconnects cold temperature causes a human to withdraw to prevent injury or
body parts and organs damage)
Muscle tissue – produces movement Regulation – every organism must be able to maintain this “steady state”
Nervous tissue – conducts impulses for internal (i.e. when the body temperature rises, more blood is circulated near the
communication surfaces of our limbs and digits (fingers and toes) to facilitate heat loss
4. Organ level – consists of different tissue types combine to form an and a return to homeostasis)
organ Homeostasis - control and regulatory mechanisms within an
Organ – contain 2 or more tissue types that work together to organism maintain a consistent internal environment
perform specific, complex functions (i.e. small intestine has diff Reproduction – all organisms produce new cells for growth, maintenance,
structural and organizational relationships within its tissues that and repair; they also produce sex cells (gametes) that under the right
work together to process and absorb digested nutrients) conditions have the ability to develop into a new living organism
5. Organ system level - consists of related organs that work together to
coordinate activities and achieve a common function (i.e. organs in Anatomical Terminologies
the respiratory system work together to clean, warm, humidify, and Anatomic position – a specific body position in which an individual stands
conduct air from the atmosphere to the gas exchange surfaces in the upright with the feet parallel and flat on the floor, head is level, eyes
lungs) looking forward toward the observer, arms are at either side of the body
6. Organismal level – highest level of structural organization in the body; with palms facing forward and the thumbs pointing away from the body;
wherein all the body systems function interdependently in a single gives observers a common point of reference when describing and
living human being discussing its various regions
Characteristics of Living Things Plane – imaginary surface that slices the body into specific sections;
several properties or features that are common to all organisms: 3 major anatomical planes
Organization – all living things exhibit a complex structure and order Coronal – frontal plane; vertical plane; divides the body into
which is consists of several increasingly complex levels of organization anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts (i.e. chest is the
Metabolism – collection of various chemical reactions (i.e. breaking down anterior while the back is the posterior)
ingested nutrients into digestible particles, using the cells’ own energy to Transverse – cross-sectional plane; horizontal plane; divides the
perform certain functions, ingesting nutrients and expelling wastes w/c body into both superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts
enable the body to continue acquiring the energy needed for life’s Saggital – median plane; extends through the body or organ
activities) vertically; divides the structure into right and left halves
Growth and development – all living things exhibit increased size (growth) Midsaggital and Parasagittal – used to show internal body
and increased specialization related to changes in form and function parts (i.e. head, pelvic organs)
Chapter 1: Intro to the Human Body
Definition of Anatomy them; use surface features to identify and locate specific bony
Anatomy – study of structure; to cut up or to cut open; anatomy of processes at joints and to obtain either a pulse or a blood sample
specific body parts often suggests their functions from the patient
Anatomists – examine the relationships among parts of the body along Systemic anatomy – studies the gross anatomy of each system in
with the structure of the individual organs the body (i.e. when studying urinary system, you would examine
Physiology – study the function of body structures kidneys where urine is formed and the organs of urine transport
Anatomy (structure) and Physiology (function) are interrelated. (urine and urethra) and storage (bladder)
Subdisciplines of Anatomy Specialized Branches of Anatomy
Microscopic Anatomy – examines the structures that cannot be observed Pathologic anatomy – examines all anatomic changes resulting from
by the unaided eye; prepare individual cells or thin slices of some part of disease
the body and examine them by the microscope Radiographic anatomy – studies relationships among internal structures
Cytology – cellular anatomy; study of single body cells and their that may be visualized by specific scanning procedures (i.e. ultrasound,
internal structures MRI, xrays)
Histology – study of tissues; takes a wider approach to the Surgical anatomy – investigates the anatomic landmarks used for surgery
application of microscopic anatomy by examining how groups of
specialized cells and their products function for a common Levels of Body Organization and Body Systems
purpose 1. Chemical Level – simplest; composed of atoms and molecules
Macroscopic Anatomy – gross anatomy; investigates the structure and Atoms – smallest units of matter; 2 or more atoms combine to
relationships of large body parts that are visible to the unaided eye (i.e. form
intestines, stomach, brain, heart, kidneys); preserved specimens or their Molecules – such as a protein, a water molecule, or a vitamin;
parts are cut open / dissected for examination when large molecules are joined in a specific way, they form
Developmental anatomy – follows the changes in structure within Cells – basic units of structure and function in organisms; smallest
an individual during the time from conception through maturity structural unit that exhibits the characteristics of living things
Embryology – concerned specifically with developmental changes (organisms) and is the smallest living portion of the human body
occurring prior to birth 2. Cellular Level – structures of cells vary widely, reflecting the
Regional anatomy – examines all the structures in a particular specializations needed for their different functions; groups of similar
region of the body as one complete unit (i.e. skin, connective cells with a common function form the tissue level
tissue and fat, bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels of the Organelles – specialized structural and functional units that
neck) permit all living cells to share some common functions
Surface anatomy – examines both superficial anatomic markings 3. Tissue Level
and internal body structures as they relate to the skin covering
, Tissues – precise organizations of similar cells that perform (development); as the human body grows in size, structures become
specialized functions; 4 types of tissues and their general roles more complex and sophisticated
Epithelial tissue – covers exposed surfaces and lines body Responsiveness – all organisms sense and respond to changes in their
cavities internal or external environment (i.e. a stimulus such as extremely hot /
Connective tissue – protects, supports, and interconnects cold temperature causes a human to withdraw to prevent injury or
body parts and organs damage)
Muscle tissue – produces movement Regulation – every organism must be able to maintain this “steady state”
Nervous tissue – conducts impulses for internal (i.e. when the body temperature rises, more blood is circulated near the
communication surfaces of our limbs and digits (fingers and toes) to facilitate heat loss
4. Organ level – consists of different tissue types combine to form an and a return to homeostasis)
organ Homeostasis - control and regulatory mechanisms within an
Organ – contain 2 or more tissue types that work together to organism maintain a consistent internal environment
perform specific, complex functions (i.e. small intestine has diff Reproduction – all organisms produce new cells for growth, maintenance,
structural and organizational relationships within its tissues that and repair; they also produce sex cells (gametes) that under the right
work together to process and absorb digested nutrients) conditions have the ability to develop into a new living organism
5. Organ system level - consists of related organs that work together to
coordinate activities and achieve a common function (i.e. organs in Anatomical Terminologies
the respiratory system work together to clean, warm, humidify, and Anatomic position – a specific body position in which an individual stands
conduct air from the atmosphere to the gas exchange surfaces in the upright with the feet parallel and flat on the floor, head is level, eyes
lungs) looking forward toward the observer, arms are at either side of the body
6. Organismal level – highest level of structural organization in the body; with palms facing forward and the thumbs pointing away from the body;
wherein all the body systems function interdependently in a single gives observers a common point of reference when describing and
living human being discussing its various regions
Characteristics of Living Things Plane – imaginary surface that slices the body into specific sections;
several properties or features that are common to all organisms: 3 major anatomical planes
Organization – all living things exhibit a complex structure and order Coronal – frontal plane; vertical plane; divides the body into
which is consists of several increasingly complex levels of organization anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts (i.e. chest is the
Metabolism – collection of various chemical reactions (i.e. breaking down anterior while the back is the posterior)
ingested nutrients into digestible particles, using the cells’ own energy to Transverse – cross-sectional plane; horizontal plane; divides the
perform certain functions, ingesting nutrients and expelling wastes w/c body into both superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts
enable the body to continue acquiring the energy needed for life’s Saggital – median plane; extends through the body or organ
activities) vertically; divides the structure into right and left halves
Growth and development – all living things exhibit increased size (growth) Midsaggital and Parasagittal – used to show internal body
and increased specialization related to changes in form and function parts (i.e. head, pelvic organs)
