Human Anatomy

Chapter 1 The Human Body: An Orientation

I. Definitions
Anatomy is the study of the structure and shape of the body and body parts and their relationships to one another.
Gross anatomy examining large easily observable body structures. Microscope anatomy examining cells and tissues using a microscope.

I. Definitions (cont)
Physiology is the study of how the body and its parts work or function.
Neurophysiology explains how the nervous system works. Cardiac physiology studies the functions of the heart.

Anatomy and physiology are always related. FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION.

II. Levels of Organization

Atoms building blocks of matter. They combine to form: Molecules water, sugars, and proteins. Molecules associate in specific ways to form cells.

 Cells are the smallest units of all living things. Cells that are similar and have a common function are called tissues. An organ is a structure, composed of two or more tissue types, that performs a specific function for the body. A group of organs that cooperate to accomplish a common purpose is called an organ system. All 11 organ systems make up an organism.

II. Levels of Organization (Cont)

II. Levels of Organization

Integumentary System
External covering of the body Waterproofs, cushions and protects Excretes salts and urea in sweat and helps regulate body temperature Sense organ pain and pressure

Skeletal System
Bone, cartilage, ligaments, and joints Support and protection Attachment of the skeletal muscles Hematopoiesis the formation of blood cells Store house of minerals

Muscular System
Only one function contract Movement occurs when muscles contract Three types of muscle tissue
Skeletal muscles - movement Cardial muscles - heart contraction Smooth muscles intestines, internal organs

Nervous System
Fast-acting control system Consists of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory receptors. The body must be able to respond to stimuli. The Central Nervous system assesses the information received and responds.

Endocrine System
Slow acting control system of the body. Produces and releases hormones into the blood. Includes pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, thymus, pancreas, pineal, ovaries, testes, and parathyroid glands.

Cardiovascular System
Made up of the heart and blood vessels. Blood is the transporting fluid Carries oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and other substances to and from the cells where waste is exchanged and removed.

Lymphatic System
Closely related to the cardiovascular system. Includes lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and other organs like the spleen and tonsils. Fluid leaks from the blood vessels and this system returns the fluid back to the circulatory system. Lymph nodes help cleanse the blood and house the cells involved in immunity.

Respiratory System
Keep the body constantly supplied with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Includes nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Lungs have tiny air sacs in which gas exchange occurs

Digestive System
Tube within a tube system running from the mouth to the anus. Includes the oral cavity (mouth), esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and the rectum. Break down food into usable macromolecules. Large intestines job is to reclaim water.

Urinary System
The body produces waste which must be removed. Nitrogenous wastes (urea and uric acid) must be removed. Sometimes called the excretory system Includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Maintains bodys water and salt balance

Reproductive System
Produce offspring Sperm produced by testes Eggs produced by ovaries Fertilization occurs when sperm is deposited into the female by the penis.

HOMEOSTASIS
The key to understanding the interactions of the body systems as well as disease and wellness is understanding homeostasis. Homeostasis is the bodys ability to maintain relatively stable internal conditions even though the outside world is continuously changing.

The Language of Anatomy

To accurately describe body parts and position we have to have a reference point that is accepted universally. This is helpful when the coroner finds a body and must describe the body. Anatomical position The assumption that the body is erect with the feet parallel and the arms hanging at the sides with the palms facing forward.

Directional Terms (pg. 12)

Superior/cranial/cephalad Inferior (caudal) Toward the head or upper part of the body or structure; above Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a body or structure; below Toward the front of the body (belly) Toward the back of the body; behind Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of Between a medial and lateral structure

Anterior (ventral) Posterior (dorsal) Medial Lateral Intermediate

Directional Terms (pg. 12)

Proximal Close to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a lumb to the body truck Toward or at the body surface Away from the body surface; more internal Distal

Superficial Deep

Anterior Body Landmarks

(pg. 13)
Abdominal Antecubital Anterior body trunk inferior to the ribs Anterior surface of the elbow

Axillary Brachial Buccal Carpal Cervical

Armpit Arm Cheek area Wrist Neck region

Anterior Body Landmarks

(pg 13)
Digital Femoral Fingers and toes Thigh

Inguinal Nasal Oral Orbital Patellar

Area where thigh meets the trunk Nose area Mouth Eye area Anterior knee

Anterior Body Landmarks (pg 13)

Peroneal Pubic Lateral part of the leg Genital region

Sternal Tarsal Thoracic Umbilical

Breasbone area Ankle region Chest Navel

Posterior Body Landmarks (pg 13)

Cephalic Deltoid Head Curve of the shoulder

Gluteal Lumbar Occipital Popliteal Scapular Sural Vertebral

Butt Lower back Posterior surface of the head Posterior knee area Shoulder blade region The area of the calf muscle Area of the spine

Body Planes (pg 14)

Body planes and sections can be used to describe either the entire body or any part of the body such as an organ. There are several ways to cut body.

Sagittal section cut down the middle to create left and right sides. (aka midsagittal or median section if the cut makes equal sides) Frontal or coronal section a cut that divides the body into anterior and posterior sides. Transverse or cross sections A cut is made along the horizontal plane dividing the body into superior and inferior parts.