An Introduction to

Anatomy and Physiology

Chapter 1
 The Sciences of Anatomy and
Physiology
 Anatomy is the study of the internal and
external structure and the physical
relationship between body parts
 Gross anatomy
 Microscopic Anatomy – Histology

 Physiology is the study of how living

things perform their vital functions
 Form Follows Function

 All physiological functions are performed

by anatomical structures. These functions
follow the same physical and mechanical
principles that can be seen in the world at
large.
Levels of Organization
The Organ Systems
 Homeostasis
 The maintenance of a stable internal
environment within the cell
 Adjustments must be made in the
physiologic systems of the cell
 Receptor senses the change or stimulus
 Control center receives and processes
information
 Effector responds and adapts to the stimulus
 Negative Feedback
 This is a corrective mechanism involving
an action that directly opposes a variation
from normal limits
 Regulation usually involves a receptor
sensitive to a particular stimulus and an
effector whose activity affects the same
stimulus
Negative Feedback
Negative Feedback
 Positive Feedback
 The initial stimulus produces a response
that reinforces the stimulus
 The “cycle” escalates, this is sometimes
called a positive feedback loop
 Usually involved in the regulation of a
potentially dangerous or stressful process
that must be completed quickly
Positive Feedback
The Language of Anatomy

 Surface Anatomy
 Anatomical Position
 Anatomical Direction
 Sectional Anatomy
 Body Cavities
 Anatomical Position

 The viewer sees the specimen from the

front = “head on”
 The specimen has hands to the sides with
the palms facing forward
Anatomical position
Anatomical Landmarks
Abdominopelvic Regions
Anatomical Directions

PAGE 19 of the textbook

 Planes of Section

Page 20 of the textbook

Body Cavities
Body Cavities
Scanning Techniques – CT

Page 23 of textbook