An Orientation to Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards
Anatomy
The study of the structure of body parts and their relationship to each other
Gross Anatomy
The study of large (Macroscopic) body structures visible to the naked eye. (e.g. Heart, Digestive System, Bone)
Microscopic Anatomy
The study of body structures too small to be seen without the aid of a microscope. (i.e. Cells and their arrangement in tissues)
Physiology
The study of the function of the body’s structural machinery
The Unity of Form and Function
What a structure can do depends on its specific form
Level of Organization (From Simplest to Most Complex)
a. Subatomic Particles
b. Atoms
c. Molecules
d. Organelles
e. Cells
f. Tissue
g. Organ
h. Organ System
I. Organism (Humans)
Properties that Define Life
a. Composed of Cells
b. Similar Biochemistry (Similarity between living organisms)
c. Metabolism
d. Responsiveness
e. Capable of Reproduction
Cell
Microscopic unit that carries out all the processes of the body
Similar Biochemistry
All living organisms are composed of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.
- These four chemicals are not found in anything of
non-biological origin
Metabolism
- All the chemical reactions happening in the body
- Living organisms build up and break down structures and compound
- Living organisms can assimilate compounds
Responsiveness (Excitability)
Ability to react to changes in the environment
Stimulus/Stimuli
Changes in the environment
Capable of Reproduction
- Make copies of one’s self
- Pass on genes to future generation
Homeostasis
- The state of relative constancy in a body’s internal environment
- Allows the body to work at peak efficiency
Dynamic Equilibrium
- Dynamic = Change
- Things are always changing and the body must adjust to those changes