I. Overview of Anatomy and Physiology
a. Define anatomy: the study of the bodys structures
b. Anatomy is broken down into 4 different branches:
i. Macroscopic or gross anatomy: “large without microscope”
ii. Microscopic anatomy: With microscope
iii. Regional anatomy: interrelationships of all structure in a specific
region
iv. Systemic anatomy: structures that make up a discrete system-
structures that work together to perform a unique function
1. Which of the types of anatomy are specialization areas?
Systemic Anatomy: Focuses on the body by organ systems
(e.g., skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory systems). This is
how most introductory anatomy courses are taught.
2. Which of the types of anatomy are approaches of studying
anatomy? Regional Anatomy: Studies the body by organized
regions (e.g., the head, thorax, or limbs). This is essential for
surgeons and radiologists, who need to understand how all
structures in a specific area relate to one another.
3. How are all the branches of anatomy similar? they all share a
singular, foundational purpose: the precise study of biological
structure.
c. Define physiology: The study of the chemistry and physics of the structures of
the body and the ways in which they work together
d. Define homeostasis: the state of steady internal conditions maintained by
living things
II. Structural Organization of Human Body
a. Levels of organization in the human body order from smallest to most
complex:
i. Subatomic particles: simplest building blocks of matter
ii. Atoms: smallest unit of elements
iii. Molecules: chemical building blocks of all body structures
, iv. Organelles: water bases cellular fluid together with a variety of tiny
functioning units
v. Cells: smallest independently unit of life
vi. Tissues: group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific
function
vii. Organs: distinct structure of the body composed of 2 or more tissue
types
viii. Organ system: a group of organs that work together to perform
major functions that meet physiological needs of body
ix. Organisms: a living being that has a cellular structure and can
independently perform a functions necessary for life
x. Biosphere: the global ecosystem composed of all living organisms
and the physical environments they inhabit
b. Compare and contrast chemical levels of organization from the human body’s
level of organization. Contrast: The Chemical Level is about matter—it is not
alive and does not function. The Body’s Levels of Organization are about life—
they take those chemicals, organize them, and allow them to grow, breathe,
move, and think. Compare: Both rely on each other. You cannot have a living
human (Organism) without the molecules (Chemicals) that make up your DNA,
and those molecules are useless until they are organized into the living
structures of your body
c. A pure substance or Elements contain atoms, which are made up of protons,
electron, and neutrons or subatomic particles.
d. Cells make-up organelles, tissues make-up organs, organs make-up organ
systems.
e. The human body is made up of multiple different body systems. Organ
systems are made up of organs that work together.