Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Dr. Pragasam Viswanathan

Professor, SBST
Learning Objectives

• Describe the basic functions of organisms.

• Define anatomy and physiology and the various
specialties of each.
• Identify the major levels of organization in
organisms .
• Identify the 11 organ systems of the body and
their major components.
Levels of Organization

A.The human body is the sum of its parts and these

parts can be studied at a variety of levels of
organization.
• Chemicals
a.Atoms are the simplest level.
b.Two or more atoms comprise a molecule.
c.Macromolecules are large, biologically
important molecules inside cells.
• Organelles are aggregates of macromolecules
used to carry out a specific function in the cell.
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Levels of organization, cont

3.Cells are the basic units of structure and

function for living things.
4.Tissues are groups of cells functioning together.
5.Groups of tissues form organs that have
specialized functions.
6.Groups of organs function together as organ
systems.
7.Organ systems functioning together make up an
organism.

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The Specialties of Anatomy

• Anatomy can be divided into gross and microscopic:

• Forms of Gross Anatomy
• Surface anatomy – study of superficial marking
• Regional anatomy – study of specific area
• Systemic anatomy – study of system
• Developmental anatomy – study changes from
conception to physical maturity.
• Microscopic anatomy includes two major subdivisions
• Cytology – study of cell
• Histology – study of tissue
Comparative Anatomy

• All vertebrates
share a basic
pattern of
organization, most
noticeable during
embryology.
The Specialties of Physiology

• Physiology is the study of the normal function of

cell, tissue, organs, systems and organisms
• Physiology can be divided into the following
specialties:
• Cell physiology – study of cell
• Special physiology - study of specific organ
• Systemic physiology – study of system
• Pathological physiology – study of the effect of
disease on cell, tissue, organ and system.
Levels of Organization
 An Introduction to the Organ Systems

• Integumentary system
• Nervous system
• Skeletal system
• Endocrine system
• Muscular system
• Cardiovascular system
• Lymphatic system
• Urinary system
• Respiratory system
• Digestive system
• Reproductive system
 Homeostasis

•Homeostasis is a stable internal environment

•Every organism must maintain homeostasis for survival
•Homeostatic regulation is responsible for keeping
internal environment within certain limits.

Two general points within homeostasis

• Autoregulation or intrinsic regulation – results when
cell, organ or system adjusts its activity automatically.
• Extrinsic regulation - results from activity of nervous
system or endocrine system
Homeostatic regulation involves

• A homeostatic regulatory mechanism consist of :

• A receptor – senses an environmental change
or stimuli.
• A control center –processes information
supplied by receptor and generates a response
(command)
• An effector – an organ or cell that responds to
the command of control center.
• A variation outside the desired range triggers an
automatic response to correct the situation
• Negative feedback
Negative Feedback: The Control of Body
Temperature
Positive Feedback: Blood Clotting

•In positive feedback an initial stimulus produces a response that

enhances the change in the original condition. For instance:
• Damage to blood vessel wall will cause release of chemicals.
•Chemicals will trigger blood clotting
•Clotting process increases release of chemicals
•More chemicals means accelerated clotting
•Accelerated clotting means more chemicals
Body Cavities

• Body cavities are internal chambers holding vital

organs
• Cavities protect vital organs
• Cavities allow organs to change in shape and
size
• Two body cavities
• Dorsal body cavity includes the cranial cavity
and the spinal cavity
• Ventral body cavity includes the thoracic cavity
and the abdominopelvic cavity
Body Cavities
Thoracic Cavities

• The thoracic cavity contains the heart and lungs.

• The thoracic cavity is subdivided into:
• Left and right pleural cavities (each pleural
cavity contains one lung) lined by the visceral
and parietal pleura
• The mediastinum contains the pericardium
(pericardial cavity), another serous membrane
that surrounds the heart

Animation: Heart Dissection (see tutorial)

Abdominopelvic Cavity

• The abdominopelvic cavity is lined by the

peritoneum
• The abdominal cavity extends from the
diaphragm to the superior margins of the pelvis
• liver, stomach, spleen and most of the large
intestine
Abdominopelvic Cavity

• The pelvic cavity is bordered by the pelvis, with

a floor of muscle
• reproductive organs, urinary bladder and the
final portion of the large intestine

Animation: Digestive System Dissection (see tutorial)

Clinical technology allows many different views
of the body

• X-rays
• Computerized tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
• Ultrasound images
• Spiral CT scans
• Digital subtraction angiography images (DSA)
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scans
X-rays
Common scanning techniques
Special Scanning Methods
You should now be familiar with:

• The characteristics of life.

• The sciences of anatomy and physiology and their
various subdivisions.
• The levels of organization in the human body.
• The definition and importance of homeostasis.
• The terminology associated with superficial and
sectional anatomy and the body cavities.