Structure and Function of the Body: Chapter 1

Structure and Function of the Body:
Chapter 1

Scientific Method - 1. Hypothesis
2. Experiment
3.Theory or Law


Hypothesis - Idea or principle to be tested in experiments


Experiment - Series of tests of a hypothesis; a controlled experiment eliminates
biases or outside influences


Theory or Law - A hypothesis that has been proved by experiments to have a high
degree of confidence


Levels of Organization - 1. Atoms and molecules
2. Cells
3. Tissues
4. Organs
5. Systems
6. Organism


Atoms and Molecules - Chemical level

, Cells - The smallest structural units; organizations of various chemicals


Tissues - Organizations of similar cells


Organs - Organizations of different kinds of tissues


Systems - Organizations of many different kinds of organs


Organism - Organization of all systems together, forming a whole body


Anatomical Position - Reference position in which the body stands erect with the
arms at the sides and palms turned forward.
This position gives meaning to directional terms.


Superior - Toward the head, upper, above


Inferior - Toward the feet, lower, below


Anterior - Front, in front of
AKA Ventral


Posterior - Back, in back of
AKA Dorsal


Medial - Toward the mid-line