Study Guide — Chapter 1A: The Human Body—An
Orientation
1) Why this matters
Being fluent in anatomical terminology lets you communicate precisely in the health sciences
and connect structure to function for diagnosis and treatment.
2) Core definitions & the big idea
Anatomy: study of body structures and their relationships.
Physiology: study of body functions—how parts work to sustain life.
Principle of complementarity: Function reflects structure; what something can do
depends on how it’s built (e.g., thin alveolar walls enable gas exchange).
3) Subdivisions you should know
Anatomy (how we “look at” the body)
Gross (macroscopic): visible structures
o Regional: all parts in one area (e.g., head/neck)
o Systemic: one system at a time (e.g., cardiovascular)
o Surface: internal structures as they relate to skin markings (veins, muscles)
Microscopic: too small to see without aid of a microscope
o Cytology: cells
o Histology: tissues
Developmental: growth & change across life
o Embryology: before birth
Skills used: observe, manipulate, palpate, and auscultate.
Physiology (how we “explain” function)
Often taught by organ system (renal, cardiovascular, etc.).
Focuses on cellular/molecular mechanisms and physical/chemical principles (e.g.,
electrical currents, pressure).
4) Levels of structural organization (memorize this ladder)
Orientation
1) Why this matters
Being fluent in anatomical terminology lets you communicate precisely in the health sciences
and connect structure to function for diagnosis and treatment.
2) Core definitions & the big idea
Anatomy: study of body structures and their relationships.
Physiology: study of body functions—how parts work to sustain life.
Principle of complementarity: Function reflects structure; what something can do
depends on how it’s built (e.g., thin alveolar walls enable gas exchange).
3) Subdivisions you should know
Anatomy (how we “look at” the body)
Gross (macroscopic): visible structures
o Regional: all parts in one area (e.g., head/neck)
o Systemic: one system at a time (e.g., cardiovascular)
o Surface: internal structures as they relate to skin markings (veins, muscles)
Microscopic: too small to see without aid of a microscope
o Cytology: cells
o Histology: tissues
Developmental: growth & change across life
o Embryology: before birth
Skills used: observe, manipulate, palpate, and auscultate.
Physiology (how we “explain” function)
Often taught by organ system (renal, cardiovascular, etc.).
Focuses on cellular/molecular mechanisms and physical/chemical principles (e.g.,
electrical currents, pressure).
4) Levels of structural organization (memorize this ladder)
