Human Structure and Function I

Anatomy is the study of the STRUCTURES of

the body, and the relationship among structures.

This is the WHAT and WHERE of the body.

The word itself means “to cut up.”

 Types of anatomy
• Gross anatomy
– Regional anatomy
– Systemic anatomy
– Surface, developmental, clinical and surgical
anatomy
• Microscopic anatomy
– Cytology
– histology
 Physiology is the study of how the body
Functions.

The “how” is often on a chemical level.

Anatomy and Physiology are closely
integrated, both theoretically and practically

All specific functions are performed by specific

structures.
 organism
organ system
organs
tissues
cells – smallest living thing
organelles
molecules
Atoms (elements)
Homeostasis is maintaining a fairly constant
internal environment in spite of a changing
external environment.

All body systems attempt to maintain

homeostasis.

What can upset homeostasis?

Feedback loops:
1. Control center
2. Receptors that monitor changes

3. Effectors receive information from the

control center and produce a response
Negative feedback reverses changes

Positive feedback brings a process to

completion
Disease is a homeostatic imbalance.

Symptoms are subjective changes that are

not apparent to an observer.

Signs are objective changes which can be

observed or measured.
• We can divide the body into two
portions:
– Axial portion
– Appendicular portion
Thoracic and abdominopelvic membranes:

Visceral (guts) refers to the membrane

closest to the organs.

Parietal refers to the membrane that lines

the body walls.
The pleura surround the lungs
The pericardium surrounds the heart
The peritoneum surrounds the abdominal
organs
Directional Terms:
Superior (cephalic or cranial) – toward the
head, upper, or above.
Inferior (caudal) – toward the feet, under or
below
Anterior (ventral) – front, or in front of
Posterior (dorsal) – back or in back of
Medial (mesial) – toward the midline of the
body
Lateral – toward the side of the body or away
from the midline
Intermediate – between two structures

Ipsilateral – on the same side of the body

Contralateral – on the opposite side of the body

Proximal – toward the trunk of the body or the

point of origin of a body part.

Distal – away from the trunk of the body or the

point of origin of a body part.
Superficial – toward the surface of the body

Deep – away from the body surface

 Body Planes and Sections
• Imaginary flat surfaces that divide the body or
organs