Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

Zereen Meena
BSc., MSc.
Objectives
 Define Anatomy and Physiology.
 The six most important life processes in the human body.
 Levels of structural organization and body systems.
 The four major tissue types in the body.
What are Anatomy and Physiology?

 Anatomy: The word anatomy is derived from a Greek word “Anatome”

meaning to cut up. It is the study of structures that make up the body and
how those structures relate with each other.
What are the types of anatomy?

 Gross anatomy (Macroscopic).

 Microscopic anatomy (Histology).
 Macroscopic anatomy is the study of anatomical features seen by the naked eye.

 Microscopic anatomy (Histology) requires the use of microscope to study tissues

that form the various organs of the body.
Gross Anatomy Microscopic Anatomy
 What is physiology?

Physio + ology
Physio: Nature
Ology: science or study of

Physiology: Is the science of body functions- how the body parts work.

Human physiology: Human physiology is the study of how parts of the body and the
whole body function.
Types of physiology

Cell physiology Systemic physiology

Deals with cell functions.

Deals with body system functions.
 The six most important life processes in the human body

1. Metabolism- is the sum of all chemical processes that occur in the body.

2. Responsiveness- is the body's ability to detect and respond to changes.

3. Movement- includes motion of the whole body, individual organs, single cells,
and even tiny structures inside cells.
4. Differentiation- is the development of a cell from an unspecialized to a specialized state.

5. Reproduction- refers either to (1) the formation of new cells for tissue growth, repair, or
replacement or (2) the production of new individual.

6. Growth- is an increase in body size resulting from an increase in the size of existing cells, an
increase in the number of cells.
 Levels of structural organization and body systems

1. Chemical level: this very basic level, includes

 Atoms: the simplest units of matter that participate in chemical reactions.
 Molecules: two or more atoms joined together.

2. Cellular level
Cell: is the basic, living, structural, and functional unit of the body.
 Levels of structural organization and body system con.

3. Tissue level
Tissues: are groups of cells that have a similar structure and act together to perform a specific function.

4. Organ level
Organ: are structures that are composed of two or more different types of tissues; they have
specific functions and usually have recognizable shape.
 Levels of structural organization and body system con.

5. System level
System: Is a group of organs that work together to perform major functions.

6. Organismal level
Organism: Any living individual. All the parts of the human body functioning together constitute the total
organism.
 Types of tissues
Four types

Epithelial
tissues Connective tissues

It connects, anchors and

support the structures of the body.
•There are many shapes of epithelial cells
It consist of many and diverse
according to the function they need to perform. cell and tissue types, each with its
•Thus, there are many types of epithelial tissue. specific function.

There are shared properties:

-It lines surfaces.
-Offers protection.
-May be involved in secretion and
absorption of ions & organic molecules.
 Types of tissues
Four types

Muscle tissues: Nervous tissues :

Is specialized to Is specialized to initiate ,
generate mechanical integrate , and conduct
force electrical signals to other
cells

Skeletal Muscles Cardiac muscles Smooth muscles These signals may:

-Initiate new electrical signals
in other neurons
-Stimulate a gland to secrete
hormones
-Stimulate muscle contraction