Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy the branch of science that studies the structure of the body. Physiology the branch of science that describes how the body works, or functions Pathophysiology the branch of science that describes the consequences of the improper functioning of the body parts Cells the basic unit of life Tissue group of cells that perform a similar function Organs group of tissues that performs a specialized function, such as the lungs Organ System group of organs that perform a particular function, such as the organs of digestion Integumentary System Consists of the skin and related structures such as hair and nails. The integumentary system forms a covering for the body, helps regulate body temperature, and contains some of the structures necessary for sensation Skeletal System forms the basic framework of the body. It consists primarily of bones, joints, and cartilage. The skeleton protects and supports body organs. Muscular System Has 3 types of muscles. Skeletal muscles attach to the bones and are responsible for movement of the skeleton and maintenance of body posture Nervous System is made up of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and sense organs. Sensory nerves receive information from the environment and bring it to the spinal cord and brain, where it is interpreted. Decisions made by the brain and spinal cord are transmitted along other nerves to various body structures. Print E-mail Endocrine System contains numerous glands that secrete hormones and chemical substances that regulate body activities such as growth, reproduction, metabolism and water balance. Print E-mail 1. Hypothalamus 2. Pituitary Gland 3. Thyroid Glands/Parathyroids 4. Adrenals 5. Pineal Body 6. Reproductive Glands Circulatory System consists of the blood, heart, and blood vessels. This system pumps (heart) and transports (blood vessels) blood throughout the body. Blood carries nutrients and oxygen to all the body's cells and also carries the waste away from the cells to the organs of excretion Print E-mail Lymphatic System is made up of the lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, lymph, and other lymphoid organs. Lymph and lymphoid structures play and important role in fluid balance and in the defense of the body against pathogens and other foreign material. Print E-mail Immune System is an elaborate defense system that protects the body not only from pathogensbut from other allergens, such as pollens, bee venom, and some of our own cells that have gone awry (cancer cells). The immune system is widely diffused throughout the body « Previous | Next » Respiratory System contains the lungs and other structures that conduct air to and from the lungs. Oxygen-rich air moves into the lungs; the oxygen is picked up by the blood and distributed throughout the body. Carbon dioxide-rich air moves out of the lungs, thereby ridding the body of waste. Print E-mail 1. Lungs 2. Bronchi 3. Diaphragm 4. Works closely with your heart and circulatory system. Digestive Systems is comprised of organs designed to ingest food and break it down into substances that can be absorbed by the body. Food that is not absorbed is eliminated as waste. Print E-mail 1. Esophagus 2. Stomach 3. Small Intestine 4. Large Intestine 5. Colon 6. Rectum 7. Liver 8. Pancreas Urinary System Contains the kidneys and other structures that help excrete waste products from the body through the urine. Most importantly the urinary system helps control water and electrolyte balance in the body. Print E-mail 1. Kidney 2. Ureters 3. Bladder 4. Urethra Reproductive System Made up of organ and structures that enable humans to reproduce. Homeostasis Means staying (stasis) the same (homeo). Homeostatic Mechanisms Mechanisms that help maintain homeostasis. Homeostatic Imbalance Results in disease or dysfunction. Anatomical Position The body is standing erect, with the face forward, the arms at the sides, and the toes and palms of the hands directed forward. Superior Means that a part is above another part or is closer to the head. Inferior Means that a part is located below another part or is closer to the feet. Anterior Means toward the front surface (belly button)