MODULE ONE: ORGANIZATION OF THE BODY
Section 1: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
Introduction
The human organism is a complex structure composed of many parts. Many structures
and systems work together in a coordinated manner to ensure the proper functioning of
the body. To survive, the human body must also be able to meet its basic requirements
and adapt to changes in its environment (both internal and external).
Text Reference
Chapter 1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Note: Throughout the course it will be helpful to use the Appendix at the back of your
text to help locate some answers
Objectives
1. Define the following terms:
a) Anatomy
b) Physiology
2. The human body is organized in terms of increasing levels of complexity. The
levels of organization, from simplest to most complex are:
i. Chemical (Molecule)
ii. Cell
iii. Tissue
iv. Organ
v. Organ System
vi. Organism
a) Describe the structure of each level
b) Identify the relationship that exists between the levels
3. Describe the BASIC function of each of the following organ systems:
a) Integumentary System
b) Skeletal System
c) Muscular System
d) Nervous System
e) Endocrine System
f) Cardiovascular System
g) Respiratory System
h) Digestive System
i) Urinary System
j) Reproductive System
, k) Lymphatic System
4. The following are functions necessary for maintaining life. For each:
a) Define the function
b) Give an example of each in the human body
i. Movement
ii. Responsiveness
iii. Digestion
iv. Metabolism
v. Excretion
vi. Reproduction
vii. Growth
5. Describe how the human body uses each of the following factors necessary for
life:
a) Water
b) Nutrients
c) Oxygen (O2)
d) Heat
e) Atmospheric Pressure
6. Define the term homeostasis
7. Describe the following homeostatic control mechanisms and give an example of
each:
a) Negative feedback mechanism
b) Positive feedback mechanism
8. Describe how negative feedback mechanisms are used to regulate:
a) Body temperature
b) Blood glucose
, Section 2: Body Cavities, Sections and Descriptive Terms
Introduction
To be able to communicate effectively with others about the human body and its
structures, standard anatomical terminology is required. Using the terminology, it is then
possible to locate various components of the body and describe these locations.
Text Reference
Chapter 1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Objectives
1. a) Define anatomical position
b) What is the purpose of this position?
2. For each of the following directional terms
a) Define the term
b) Give an example of each
i. Superior (Cranial) example: the head is superior to the neck
ii. Inferior (Caudal)
iii. Anterior (Ventral)
iv. Posterior (Dorsal)
v. Medial
vi. Lateral
vii. Intermediate
viii. Proximal
ix. Distal
x. Superficial
xi. Deep
3. Define the following terms used to describe body sections or cuts:
a) Sagittal
b) Medial / Mid-sagittal / Midline
c) Frontal / Coronal
d) Transverse / Horizontal / Cross-section
e) Oblique
Section 1: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
Introduction
The human organism is a complex structure composed of many parts. Many structures
and systems work together in a coordinated manner to ensure the proper functioning of
the body. To survive, the human body must also be able to meet its basic requirements
and adapt to changes in its environment (both internal and external).
Text Reference
Chapter 1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Note: Throughout the course it will be helpful to use the Appendix at the back of your
text to help locate some answers
Objectives
1. Define the following terms:
a) Anatomy
b) Physiology
2. The human body is organized in terms of increasing levels of complexity. The
levels of organization, from simplest to most complex are:
i. Chemical (Molecule)
ii. Cell
iii. Tissue
iv. Organ
v. Organ System
vi. Organism
a) Describe the structure of each level
b) Identify the relationship that exists between the levels
3. Describe the BASIC function of each of the following organ systems:
a) Integumentary System
b) Skeletal System
c) Muscular System
d) Nervous System
e) Endocrine System
f) Cardiovascular System
g) Respiratory System
h) Digestive System
i) Urinary System
j) Reproductive System
, k) Lymphatic System
4. The following are functions necessary for maintaining life. For each:
a) Define the function
b) Give an example of each in the human body
i. Movement
ii. Responsiveness
iii. Digestion
iv. Metabolism
v. Excretion
vi. Reproduction
vii. Growth
5. Describe how the human body uses each of the following factors necessary for
life:
a) Water
b) Nutrients
c) Oxygen (O2)
d) Heat
e) Atmospheric Pressure
6. Define the term homeostasis
7. Describe the following homeostatic control mechanisms and give an example of
each:
a) Negative feedback mechanism
b) Positive feedback mechanism
8. Describe how negative feedback mechanisms are used to regulate:
a) Body temperature
b) Blood glucose
, Section 2: Body Cavities, Sections and Descriptive Terms
Introduction
To be able to communicate effectively with others about the human body and its
structures, standard anatomical terminology is required. Using the terminology, it is then
possible to locate various components of the body and describe these locations.
Text Reference
Chapter 1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Objectives
1. a) Define anatomical position
b) What is the purpose of this position?
2. For each of the following directional terms
a) Define the term
b) Give an example of each
i. Superior (Cranial) example: the head is superior to the neck
ii. Inferior (Caudal)
iii. Anterior (Ventral)
iv. Posterior (Dorsal)
v. Medial
vi. Lateral
vii. Intermediate
viii. Proximal
ix. Distal
x. Superficial
xi. Deep
3. Define the following terms used to describe body sections or cuts:
a) Sagittal
b) Medial / Mid-sagittal / Midline
c) Frontal / Coronal
d) Transverse / Horizontal / Cross-section
e) Oblique
