Anatomy
study of structure and shape of the body and its parts and their relationships with one another
Gross Anatomy
study of large, easily observable structures
Microscopic Anatomy
study of body structures that are too small to be seen with the naked eye
Regional Anatomy
all the structures (muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves, etc.) in particular region of the body, such as the abdomen or leg, are examined at the same time
Systematic Anatomy
body structure is studied system by system
Surface Anatomy
the study of internal structures as they relate to the overlying skin surface
Physiology
concerns the function of the body, how body works
Cytology
study of the cells of the body
Histology
the study of tissues
Developmental Anatomy
traces structural changes that occur in the body throughout the lifespan
Embryology
a subdivision of developmental anatomy, concerns developmental changes that occur before birth
Renal Physiology
concerns kidney function and urine production
Neurophysiology
explains the workings of the nervous system
Cardiovascular Physiology
examines the operation of the heart and blood vessels
Levels of Structural Organization
1. Chemical Level: Atoms combine to form molecules
2. Cellular Level: Cells are made up of molecules
3. Tissue Level: Tissues consist of similar types of cells
4. Organ Level: Organs are made up of different types of tissues
5. Organ System Level: Organ s
Atoms
tiny building blocks of matter, combine to form molecules such as water, sugar, and proteins
Cells
molecules are associated; the smallest units of all living things
Tissue
consist of groups of similar cells that have a common function
Organ
a structure composed of two or more tissue types that performs a specific function for the body
Organ System
a group of organs that work together to accomplish a common purpose
Organism
the living body composed of all 11 organ systems; highest level of structural organization
Integumentary System
the external covering of the body, or the skin
Functions: waterproofs the body, protects deeper tissue, helps regulate body temperature
Skeletal System
consists of bones, cartilages, ligaments, and joints
Functions: supports the body, provides framework, causes movement
Muscular System
the muscles of the body; skeletal muscles for the muscular system
Functions: to contract or shorten, for movement to occur
Nervous System
the body's fast-acting control system. Consists of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory receptors
Functions: sensory receptors detect stimuli from outside and inside the body, and send these messages to the central nervous system (brain, spinal cor
Endocrine System
control body activities; endocrine glands produce chemical molecules called hormones and release them into the blood to travel to relatively distant target organs.
Cardiovascular System
the primary organs of this system are the heart and blood vessels
Functions: carries oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and other substances to and from the tissue cells where exchanges are made
Lymphatic System
complements that of the cardiovascular system
Functions: picks up fluid leaked from blood vessels and returns it to blood, houses white blood cells
Respiratory System
Role is to keep the body supplied with oxygen and to remove carbon dioxide
Digestive System
a tube running through the body from mouth to anus. Organs include oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, and rectum.
Functions: break down food and deliver the products to the blood for dispersal to the body cells
Urinary System
removes the nitrogen containing wastes from the blood and flushes them from the body in urine. This system is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Other Functions: maintains body's water and salt (electrolyte) balance, and regulating th
Reproductive System
exists primarily to produce offspring.
Males: Testes produce sperm. Scrotum, penis, accessory glands, and the duct system
Females: Ovaries produce eggs. Consists of uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina
Homeostasis
the body's ability to maintain relatively stable internal conditions even though the outside world changes continuously; dynamic state of Equilibrium
Variable
all homeostatic control mechanism are processes involving at least 3 components that work together
receptor, control center, effector
Receptor
some type of sensor that monitors the environment and responds to changes called stimuli, by sending information (input) to the control center along the afferent pathway
Control Center
determines the set point, which is the level or range at which a variable is to be maintained, and information (output) then flows from the control center to the effector along the efferent pathway
Effector
provides the means for the control center's response (output) to the stimulus
Negative Feedback Mechanism
the output shuts off the original effect of the stimulus or reduces its intensity
Positive Feedback Mechanism
the result or response enhances the original stimulus so that the response is accelerated
Homeostatic Imbalance
Disturbance of Homeostasis