Name:

____________________________ Date: _________________________

Themes in Anatomy Part 1

Learning Targets:
■ Students will be able to define some important themes that unify our study of anatomy throughout this
class, including:
● anatomy
● physiology
● form-fits-function
● homeostasis
● negative & positive feedback systems
● hierarchy (also called levels of biological organization)

■ Students will also gain a brief overview of content that will be studied in more depth through the course,
including:
● levels of biological organization
● primary tissue types
● main organ systems in the body

Directions:
Watch the video in this section. Use the video to help you answer the following questions. The questions are
arranged in the order that content appears in the video. Additionally, you will find your virtual textbook helpful. .
Part A: Form Fits Function
1. Our class covers human anatomy and physiology. It is important that you understand these two terms.

a. Define the word anatomy. (2pts):

Anatomy is the study of the structure and organization of living organisms

b. Define the word physiology. (2pts):

Physiology is the branch of biology that studies the functions and processes of living organisms and their parts.

3. Mr. Anderson (from the video) uses a crescent wrench to talk about the concept “form fits function.” Form fits
function is one of the themes we follow through our whole class. It is important that you understand what this
concept means.

a. Explain what Mr. Anderson means when he says “form fits function. (2pts)”

When Mr. Anderson says "form fits function," he means that the shape and structure of something are designed to
suit its purpose or role.

b. Explain how this concept that “form fits function” is appropriate for the study of anatomy and
physiology (2pts).

The concept "form fits function" is essential in anatomy and physiology because it highlights how the structure of body parts is intricately
designed to perform specific functions effectively.

4. Mr. Anderson then shows a hand as an example of form fits function.

a. Name at least three examples of the form of the hand (3pts):
1. Opposable thumb: Allows for gripping and manipulating objects.

2. Flexible fingers: Enable precise movements and dexterity.

3. Curved palm: Helps in holding and supporting objects securely.

 b. Name at least three examples of the function of the hand (3pts):
Example 1: grasping objects
Example 2: manipulating tools

Example 3: performing precise movements like writing or typing

c. Now discuss how the form (design of the hand; the shape, length, position of the bones, muscles, tendons,
structures in the hand) of the hand helps the hand accomplish its functions (2pts):

The hand's structure, with opposable thumbs, allows for a strong grip and the ability to manipulate objects with precision. The arrangement of
bones and joints provides flexibility and a wide range of motion, enabling tasks like grasping and pinching. Muscles and tendons in the hand
work together to produce fine motor skills, essential for detailed activities such as writing or threading a needle.

Part B: Homeostasis & Negative Feedback Systems

1. The important theme of homeostasis runs through our class. The body’s systems work together to maintain
homeostasis in the body. It is important that you understand this concept. Define the term homeostasis
(2pts):

Homeostasis is the process by which an organism maintains a stable internal environment despite external changes.

2. Mr. Anderson uses a house as an analogy of the body. Name the device inside a house that regulates the
temperature so the inside temperature of the house stays about the same (a comfortable temperature for
humans to live in), regardless of whether the outside temperature is hot or cold. What is the device that
regulates this temperature (1 pts)?

The device is a thermostat.

8. The house uses a negative feedback system to keep the internal temperature the same inside a house.
Define what a negative feedback system is (2pts):

A negative feedback system is a mechanism that reverses a change to maintain stability by counteracting
deviations from a set point.

9. What is the name of the structure in the brain that acts similar to a “thermostat” to regulate our body
temperature (this structure is mentioned in the video, and we will also talk about this again in Unit 4, when we
cover the Nervous System) (2pts)?

The structure is the hypothalamus.

10. The human body needs to be kept at about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit for cells to work properly. Therefore,
several processes work together in negative feedback loops to keep body temperature stable, even if
conditions outside the body are hotter or colder than 98.6 degrees F.

a. In simple terms, explain the steps our body takes to lower body temperature if conditions are hotter
than 98.6 (2pts)?
If the body is too hot, it sweats and increases blood flow to the skin to cool down through evaporation and heat
release.

b. In simple terms, explain the steps the body takes to increase body temperature (or prevent it from
dropping too low) if conditions are colder than 98.6 degrees F (2pts).
If the body is too cold, it shivers to generate heat and reduces blood flow to the skin to conserve warmth.
11. The process you described above is a negative feedback system. Temperature is not the only condition that

needs to be kept stable in the body. The body uses negative feedback systems to keep many other important
conditions inside the body at within a narrow, stable range. Conditions that are managed through negative
feedback loops include:
● the body’s moisture content
● blood glucose (sugar) levels
● pH
● salinity (salt concentration)
● blood calcium levels
● and more
Why do conditions need to be kept so constant inside the body? Because cells are very picky; cells only work

well when conditions are “just right.” The job of homeostasis is to keep cells happy by keeping their
surrounding conditions “just right.” The body mostly uses negative feedback systems to keep conditions
in homeostatic balance.

However, there are a few examples of positive feedback systems in the body. Look online to provide two
examples of positive feedback systems in the body (4pts):

a. childbirth
b. blood clotting

12. Explain the difference between negative and positive feedback systems. It will be helpful in your explanation
to explain why the words “negative” and “positive” are used. What is “negative” about negative feedback
systems? What is “positive” about positive feedback systems (4pts)?

Negative feedback systems reverse changes to maintain stability, with “negative” reflecting the reduction of
deviation from a set point. Positive feedback systems amplify changes to drive processes to completion, with
“positive” reflecting the increase in deviation to achieve a specific outcome.
(Go to next page)

Part C: Hierarchy / Levels of Biological Organization

1. Mr. Anderson introduces you to the concept of hierarchy of organization in the human body. This is a big
theme unifying the study of anatomy. Describe what the word hierarchy means (2pts):

Hierarchy refers to a system of organization where elements are ranked according to levels of importance or
authority.

2. In our class, we use the term Levels of Biological Organization instead of “hierarchy.” You will be
completing a more detailed assignment on Levels of Organization later. For now, use the information in the
video to help you arrange the words below (appearing in yellow) into the proper order, with the smallest level
of organization listed first, and the largest listed last. (8pts)

Arrange the following terms in proper order in the boxes below, starting with the smallest level, and ending with the
largest level in the body. Find information in the video, in your textbook on p. 2, and on your Vocabulary list.

■ Organ ■ Tissue ■ Cell ■ Organ System ■ Molecule ■ Organism ■ Atom ■ Organelle

smallest at this end largest at this end

a. Atom b. Mole c. Org d. Cell e. Tissue f. Orga g. Orga h. Organi

cule anel n n sm
le Syst
em