Chapter 1- Introduction Flashcards
Anatomy
the structures of the body and their relationship to one another- physically attached or location relative to the other.
Gross (macroscopic) anatomy
the study of large body structures that we can see. Examples include the heart and the kidneys.
Regional anatomy
all structures (muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves) in a particular region of the body (abdomen, leg etc) are examined at the same time.
Systemic anatomy
body structure is studied system by system. When studying the cardiovascular system, you would look at the heart and all of the blood vessels in the body.
Surface anatomy
how internal structures relate to the overlying skin surface (can be used to locate blood vessels to feel pulses and draw blood).
Microscopic anatomy
studies smaller structures that would need to be examined with a microscope. Subdivisions include cytology and histology
Cytology
The study of cells
Histology
The study of tissues
Physiology
how body parts work or function on a normal level
Often considered at the cellular/molecular level
For example, cells might secrete substances that help with the organ’s function. The stomach secretes HCl that helps with digestion
Principle of complementarity of structure and function
What an organ can do depends on its form Hard bones (from calcium) are necessary for their function (support)
Structural organization of the body
Chemical-cellular-tissue-organ-organ system-organism
Necessary life functions (8)
- Maintaining boundaries
- Movement
- Responsiveness/excitability
- Digestion
- Metabolism
- Excretion
- Reproduction
- Growth
Maintaining boundaries- life function
On the cellular level, a boundary between organelles and the extracellular fluid is established using the plasma membrane. On the organismal level, the skin establishes a boundary between the organs of the boundary and the external environment
Movement- life function
Skeletal and muscular systems work together to coordinate actions
Can be conscious (skeletal muscle) or unconscious (smooth and cardiac muscle)
Movement also occurs when substances such as blood and food move inside the body.
Responsiveness/excitability- life function
Sensing environmental changes and respond to them, in addition to awareness of internal environment- pain, etc.
All body cells are excitable to an extent and have an electrical charge
Example- withdrawal reflex in response to painful stimuli
Which body system is most important in responding to stimuli?
Central nervous system. The cells of the nervous system are highly excitable and communicate with each other
Digestion- life function
Food is broken down into simple molecules- absorbed in blood, delivered to tissues
Metabolism- life function
Sum of all chemical reactions. Depends on the digestive and respiratory systems to make nutrients and oxygen available to the blood. The cardiovascular system will transport these throughout the body
Types of chemical reactions in the body (3)
- Catabolic
- Anabolic
- Cellular respiration
Catabolic reactions
Breaking down substances into smaller parts
Anabolic reactions
Creating larger substances
Excretion- life function
Removal of waste produced during digestive and metabolic functions- byproducts we don’t want to or can’t have in the body.
Metabolic reactions can produce chemicals that are removed in urine
Reproduction- cellular level
cells must divide for organisms to survive on individual level- cells must be replaced when they die. Cells in the stomach are frequently damaged and must be replaced.
Reproduction- organismal level
production of offspring. Must occur on the population level to prevent extinction
Growth-life function
Increase in the number of body cells or increase in the size of individual cells
Building must occur faster than destruction (breaking down/getting rid of stuff). Anabolic reactions must exceed catabolic reactions
Survival needs (5)
Necessary in order to carry out life functions on an optimal level
- Nutrients
- Oxygen- cells can only survive for a few minutes without oxygen
- Water
- Endothermy
- Atmospheric pressure- breathing and gas exchange occur at an appropriate atmospheric pressure
Which nutrients are necessary for survival?
Include carbs, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals
Lipids necessary for structure- cellular membranes
Minerals are important structurally and chemically
Vitamins are important for multiple reactions like cellular respiration
Why is water important in the body?
Provides an environment for chemical reactions, fluid base for secretion and excretion. Plasma in blood is mostly water as are urine and cerebrospinal fluid
Why is endothermy important in the body?
Body temperature needs to be maintained for chemical processes to occur
Which body system is most important in promoting movement?
The muscular system promotes these activities- includes running and finger movement. Occurs when muscles pull on bones.
Metabolism is regulated by
Hormones secreted by the endocrine system
Homeostasis
The ability of the body to maintain stable internal conditions even though the external world changes continuously. Dynamic state of equilibrium within narrow limits- we make changes constantly
The body is considered to be in homeostasis when its needs are met and it’s functioning smoothly. All of the organ systems work together to accomplish this
How is homeostasis controlled?
Regulated by the nervous system (neural impulses) and the endocrine system (hormones).
The brain sends messages to parts of the body and tells organs how to change activity.
The endocrine system releases hormones that tells individual cells to change their activity
Variable
The event or factor being regulated during homeostasis
3 components of the variable
- Receptor
- Control center
- Effector
Receptor
Receives a message about the state of the variable. Body temp uses a thermoreceptor. Sends the message to the control center along the afferent pathway.