MLS 102- Anatomy and Physiology – First Year

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy – study of the body; Greek word “temnein”
meaning to cut
Human Anatomy – study of parts that make up human
body
HOW IS ANATOMY STUDIED
Systemic Anatomy – all parts of the body that are made
up of the same structure and have related function are
taken up individually and as a group

-Gross Anatomy – study of parts and structures Regional Anatomy – Topographical Anatomy; study of
that are visible to the naked eye; natural vision relationship of all structures found in particular area;
(Macroscopic) Dissection Anatomy

-Histology – study of minute structure of the

body; Microscopic

-Developmental Anatomy – study of various

changes undergone by the body in different stages of
development; from one cell stage throughout natural
life

-Embryology – part of developmental anatomy;

study of body changes occurring while developing inside
uterus; intra-uterine life

Physiology – study of how parts of the body work and

function

LEVELS OF STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION

Chemical Level – simplest level of organization; involves

interactions among atoms and combination to form
atoms

Cellular Level – cell is the smallest unit of all living

organisms

Tissue Level – group of similar cells that perform a

common function

Organ Level – organ is a structure composed of 2 or

more different tissues that perform specific functions in
the body

Organ System Level – group of organs that cooperate

with each other to accomplish a common purpose or
function; complex functions become possible

Organismal Level – highest level of structural

organization; organ systems cooperate and are mutually
dependent on one another