Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology.docx -...

Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
TOPIC 1
Blood Pressure
A proficiency in anatomy and physiology is fundamental to any career in the health
professions.
ANATOMY
- the scientific study of the body’s structures.
- Gk “ ana + temnein ” meaning “to cut” or “dissect”
Gross Anatomy (Macroscopic Anatomy)- The study of the larger structures of the body, those
visible without the aid of magnification (ex: BRAIN, HEART, LUNGS)
Microscopic anatomy
 the study of structures that can be observed only with the use of a microscope or other
magnification devices
Examples:
Cytology -the study of cells
Histology -the study of tissues
Regional anatomy
-The study of the interrelationships of all of the structures in a specific body region, such as the
abdomen.
- Regional anatomy helps us appreciate the interrelationships of body structures, such as how
muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and other structures work together to serve a particular body
region.
Systemic anatomy
-the study of the structures that make up a discrete body system—that is, a group of structures
that work together to perform a unique body function.
Example:
A systemic anatomical study of the muscular system would consider all of the skeletal muscles of
the body.
PHYSIOLOGY
 The scientific study of the chemistry and physics of the structures of the body and the ways
in which they work together to support the functions of life
 The study of physiology certainly includes observation, both with the naked eye and with
microscopes, as well as manipulations and measurements.
Homeostasis
 The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things.
 The body’s ability to maintain relatively stable internal conditions even though the outside
world is constantly changing.

 Homeo (the same) stasis (standing still)
STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION OF THE HUMAN BODY
Levels of Structural Organization of the Human Body
The organization of the body often is discussed in terms of six distinct levels of increasing
complexity, from the smallest chemical building blocks to a unique human organism.

The levels of Organization
Chemical Level
 Atoms are made up of subatomic particles such as the proton, electron and neutron.
 Two or more atoms combine to form a molecule, such as the water molecules, proteins,
and sugars found in living things. Molecules are the chemical building blocks of all body
structures.
Cellular Level
 Cell is the smallest independently functioning unit of a living organism. Even bacteria, which
are extremely small, independently-living organisms, have a cellular structure.
 Each bacterium is a single cell.
 All living structures of human anatomy contain cells, and almost all functions of human
physiology are performed in cells or are initiated by cells.