An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

The basic functions of organisms

• Organization

• Responsiveness

• Growth and differentiation

• Reproduction

• Movement

• Metabolism and excretion

The Specialties of Anatomy

• Gross Anatomy

• Surface anatomy

• Regional anatomy

• Systemic anatomy

• Developmental anatomy

• Microscopic anatomy

• Cytology

• Histology

Comparative Anatomy

• All vertebrates share a basic pattern of organization, most noticeable during embryology.

The Specialties of Physiology

• Cell physiology

• Special physiology

• Systemic physiology

• Pathological physiology

Levels of Organization

• Integumentary system

• Nervous system

• Skeletal system

• Endocrine system

• Muscular system

• Cardiovascular system

• Lymphatic system

• Urinary system

• Respiratory system

• Digestive system

• Reproductive system

Homeostasis:

Two general points within homeostasis

• Autoregulation

• Extrinsic regulation

Homeostatic regulation involves

• A receptor

• A control center

• An effector

Negative Feedback: Example--The Control of Body Temperature

Positive Feedback: Example--Blood Clotting

Language of Anatomy

Anatomical position – standing upright with palms facing forward : A frame of reference for anatomical studies

• Superficial anatomy breaks the body into anatomical landmarks and regions

• Sectional anatomy provides directional references

Anatomical Landmarks

Abdominopelvic Quadrants and Regions

Directional References

Planes and Sections are important in visualizing structures

• Transverse plane divides the body into superior and inferior

• Frontal (coronal) plane divides the body into anterior and posterior

• Sagittal plane divides the body into left and right

• Midsagittal divides the body exactly down the middle

Body Cavities

• Body cavities are internal chambers holding vital organs

• Cavities protect vital organs

• Cavities allow organs to change in shape and size

• Two body cavities

• Dorsal body cavity includes the cranial cavity and the spinal cavity

• Ventral body cavity includes the thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity

Thoracic Cavities

• The thoracic cavity contains the heart and lungs.

• It is subdivided into the left and right pleural cavities and the mediastinum

• Each pleural cavity contains one lung lined by the visceral and parietal pleura

• The mediastinum contains the pericardium, another serous membrane that surrounds the heart

Abdominopelvic Cavity

• The abdominopelvic cavity is lined by the peritoneum

• The abdominal cavity extends from the diaphragm to the superior margins of the pelvis

• liver, stomach, spleen and most of the large intestine

Abdominopelvic Cavity

• The pelvic cavity is bordered by the pelvis, with a floor of muscle

• reproductive organs, urinary bladder and the final portion of the large intestine

Clinical technology allows many different views of the body

• X-rays

• Computerized tomography (CT) scans

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans

• Ultrasound images

• Spiral CT scans

• Digital subtraction angiography images (DSA)

• Positron emission tomography (PET) scans