Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards
Define anatomy
Study of the structure and form of living organisms
Define physiology
Study of the functions and processes that occur within living organisms.
Anatomy subdivisions (gross and microscopic)
Gross anatomy is the examination of the human body just by using your eyesight.
Microscopic anatomy deals with structures that are too small to be seen with a human eye.
Hierarchy of structure (order)
Comprised of biochemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, organism levels
Hierarchy of structure (biochemical)
e.g. water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids
function; vital for the maintenance of the internal equilibrium i.e. homeostasis
Hierarchy of structure (cellular level)
Cellular - basic unit of life
Hierarchy of structure (tissue level)
A collection of cells with similar or related functions
Types of tissues (ECMN)
Epithelial tissue: cover the surfaces of the body and line the body cavities and passages.
Connective tissues: support and protect the body and attach one part to another.
Muscle tissue: contracting, providing the function of movement.
Nervous tissue: form and conduct the impulses that control the working of the body.
Hierarchy of organisation (organ system level)
Consists of 2+ organs working together to perform a function e.g. cardiovascular system, nervous system, digestive system etc.
Hierarchy of organisation (organism level)
Consists of many organ systems, representing the sum total of structural levels
Human organisms are made up of many organ systems.
Homeostasis
The maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment, within narrow limits, in the face of external change.
Function of body cavities
provide a framework for organs, allowing them to be organized and protected while also permitting movement.
lined with membranes that secrete a lubricating fluid to reduce friction between organs, allowing them to move smoothly.
Loop of feedback
Regulated variable / stimulus - e.g. electrolyte levels, temperature
Receptor - the sensing component that monitors and responds to changes in the environment
Control Centre - information sent to the control centre, the component that sets the range at which a variable is maintained. The control centre determines an appropriate response to the stimulus.
Effector - The result of that response feeds to the effector either enhancing it with positive feedback or depressing it with negative feedback.
Negative feedback loop
(Brings the regulated variable back to the set point) eg.high body temperature
Stimulus - body temperature rises
Receptors - temperature sensitive cells in the skin and brain
Control centre - thermoregulatory centre in the brain
Effector - sweat glands. Response is to cause evaporation of sweat. Body temp falls.
Positive feedback loop (Shifts the regulated variable away from the set point up or down; response enhances or exaggerates original stimulus - e.g. labour contractions)
Stimulus - Stretching of the uterine wall by baby’s head
Receptors in uterine wall detect stretching
Control centre - hypothalamus stimulates secretion of oxytocin from pituitary gland.
Effector - oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, pushes baby further into birth canal, further stretching the uterus.
