GROSS ANATOMY & HISTOLOGY

Chapter 1 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HUMAN BODY

Dr. mohammad salahat

GROSS ANATOMY & HISTOLOGY
Chapter 1 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HUMAN BODY

Dr. Hikmat Hadoush

 GROSS ANATOMY & HISTOLOGY
Chapter 1 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HUMAN BODY

Outline
1.1 | Overview of Anatomy, Physiology & Histology
1.2 | Structural Organization of the Human Body
1.3 | Functions of Human Life
1.4 | Requirements for Human Life (Self study - Book)
1.5 | Homeostasis
1.6 | Anatomical Terminology
1.1 | Overview of Anatomy, Physiology & Histology
• Anatomy is the scientific study of the body’s structures.
 Gross anatomy is the study of the larger structures of the
body, those visible without the aid of magnification (a).
• Histology is the study of the shape and arrangement of cells in
tissue (b)
1.1 | Overview of Anatomy, Physiology & Histology
• Anatomy is the scientific study of the body’s structures.
• Anatomy study approaches;
1. Regional anatomy is the study of the interrelationships of
all of the structures in a specific body region, such as the
abdomen.
2. Systemic anatomy is the study of a group of structures that
work together to perform a unique body function. For
example, muscular system
1.1 | Overview of Anatomy, Physiology & Histology
• Physiology
 is the body structures’ Function or the chemistry and physics of
the structures of the body and the ways in which they work
together to support the functions of life.

1.2 | Structural Organization of the Human Body

The organization of the body often is discussed in terms of six
distinct levels; Chemical Cell  Tissue Organ  Organ system
 Organism
1.2 | Structural Organization of
the Human Body

Cell is the smallest independently functioning

unit of a living organism.

Tissue is a group of many similar cells that

work together to perform a specific function

Organ is an anatomically distinct structure of

the body composed of two or more tissue
types

Organ system
 is a group of organs that work together
 Comprises 12 organ system
1.3 | Functions of Human Life
1. Organization: Maintenance of essential body boundaries
2. Metabolism: Sum of all anabolic and catabolic reactions
 Anabolic reactions are building reactions
 Catabolic reactions break materials down and release energy
 Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a unit to store & release energy

3. Responsiveness: Ability of an organism to adjust to changes in its

internal & external environments
4. Movement: Motion of organs & cells
5. Growth: Increase in size
6. Reproduction: Formation of a new organism from parent
organisms
1.5 | Homeostasis

 Homeostasis is the activity of cells throughout the body to

maintain the physiological state within a narrow range that is
compatible with life.
 Homeostasis is regulated by
1. Negative feedback loops (most common)
2. Positive feedback loops (less frequent)
 Both have the same components of a stimulus, sensor, control
center, and effector; however, negative feedback loops work to
prevent an excessive response to the stimulus, whereas positive
feedback loops intensify the response until an endpoint is reached.
1.5 | Homeostasis
Negative Feedback Loop
A stimulus is resisted through a
physiological process that returns the
body to homeostasis.

Positive Feedback Loop

Normal childbirth is driven by
a positive feedback loop.
positive feedback loop results
in a change in the body’s
status, rather than a return to
homeostasis.
1.6 | Anatomical Terminology
 Anatomical position, is that of the body standing upright, with the feet at
shoulder width and parallel, toes forward.
1.6 | Anatomical Terminology
 Directional Terms

 Anterior (or ventral)

 Posterior (or dorsal)
 Superior (or cranial)
 Inferior (or caudal)
 Lateral
 Medial
 Proximal
 Distal
 Superficial
 Deep
1.6 | Anatomical Terminology
 Body Planes

1. Sagittal plane divides the body or an

organ vertically into right & left
sides. If this vertical
2. Frontal plane (Coronal plane)
divides the body or an organ into
anterior (front) & posterior (rear)
portions.
3. Transverse plane (Cross sectional
plane) divides the body or organ
horizontally into upper & lower
portions

End 