W1 - Terminology and Orientation Flashcards
LO1: What is anatomy/two subdisciplines
Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body. The word “anatomy” is derived from the Greek word meaning ”to cut apart”.
- Microscopic - concerned with structures not visible to the naked eye
- Gross/Macroscopic - concerned with structures visible to the naked eye
LO1: Subdivisions of microscopic anatomy
Cytology: the study of cells
Histology: the study of tissues
LO1: Subdivisions of macroscopic anatomy
Embryology: examines the developmental changes that occur prior to birth
Systemic anatomy: the gross anatomy of the bodily systems (e.g. cardiovascular system, respiratory system etc)
Regional anatomy: the gross anatomy of the regions of the body (e.g. head, neck, thorax, upper limb etc)
Surface anatomy: the surface landmarks of structures deep to the skin (e.g. bony landmarks, pulse points etc)
Comparative anatomy: examines the similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species
LO2: Describe the levels of structural organisation in the body
Chemical Level - The simplest level, involving atoms and the molecules they form (e.g. water)
Cellular Level - The level involving cells, formed from the combination of atoms and molecules
Tissue Level - The level involving tissues, groups of cells that are similar in structure and function (4 types of tissues are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous)
Organ Level - The level involving organs (e.g. small intestine), which are formed from the combination of two or more different tissues.
Organ System Level - The level involving body systems formed from groups of organs that work together to perform a common function.
Organism Level - This is the most complex level of organisation. It involves the combination of all body systems which work together to form a single living organism, such as a human.
LO3: Describe anatomical position
- head held straight and eyes looking directly forward (anteriorly)
- upper limbs held straight adjacent to the sides of their body, with the palms of their hands facing forward (anteriorly)
- lower limbs straight and close together, with their feet parallel on the floor and their toes directed forward (anteriorly)
LO4: Describe the directional terms
LO4: Describe the body planes
LO5: Name the major body regions
LO5: Name the major body cavities
LO5: Name the major body systems
Integumentary system consists of the skin and its associated structures (e.g. hair, nails etc.). It provides protection, regulates body temperature, prevents water loss, produces vitamin D and is rich in sensory receptors.
Skeletal system consists of bones, ligaments, cartilages and joints. It provides support and protection, facilitates movement, provides sites for muscle attachment, stores minerals and growth factors and is the site of blood cell formation.
Muscular system consists of the skeletal muscles that attach to the bones of the skeleton. It produces body movement and generates heat through muscle contraction.
Nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and associated structures. It is the fact-acting control system of the body, responding to external and internal stimuli to regulate the body’s functions.
Endocrine system consists of endocrine glands, hormones and clusters of endocrine cells in other body organs. It is the slow-acting control system of the body, working closely with the nervous system to regulate the body’s functions and maintain homeostasis.
Cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels and blood. It delivers nutrients, oxygen and other substances to the body’s tissues and removes waste products from the tissues.
Lymphatic system consists of lymph, lymphatic vessels and lymphoid tissues and organs. It helps to maintain blood volume, transports dietary lipids and generates an immune response.
Respiratory system consists of the respiratory tract and the lungs. It is responsible for gas exchange between the air in the lungs and the blood and is also involved in sound production and olfaction (smell).
Digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory digestive organs. It digests ingested material, absorbs nutrients and expels waste products.
Urinary system consists of the kidneys and the urinary tract. It removes waste products from the blood, stores and expels urine and regulates blood volume, ion levels and acid-base balance.
Reproductive system consists of the gonads (testes in male and ovaries in female) and accessory reproductive structures. It produces gametes (sperm in male and oocytes in female) and sex hormones (androgens in male and oestrogen and progesterone in female) and facilitates fertilisation to produce offspring. The female reproductive system additionally supports foetal growth, development and delivery.
