What Is Life? 1. The Human Body Flashcards
Anatomy
The branch of sciences that deals with the structure of organisms & their parts.
Levels of Anatomy
Gross
Surface
Microscopic
Developmental
Gross Anatomy (Macroscopic)
Structures examined without the aid of a microscope.
Systemic: studying the body system by system.
Regional: studying the body area by area.
Surface Anatomy (Macroscopic)
The study of the external form of the body.
Relation to deeper structures.
Microscopic Anatomy
The study of structures with the aid of a microscope.
Cytology (cells).
Histology (tissues).
Developmental Anatomy
The study of the structural changes that occur in the body throughout the lifespan.
Fertilisation to death.
Greatest developmental changes occur before birth.
Physiology
The branch of science that deals with the normal function of living organisms & their parts.
The way in which an organism/its parts function.
Levels of Physiology
Molecular
Cellular
Systemic
Structural & Functional Organisation of the Body (Levels of Organisation)
Chemical level
Cellular level
Tissue level
Organ level
Organ system level
Organism level
Chemical level
How atoms interact & combine into molecules.
Cellular level
How molecules interact & combine to form organelles.
Tissue level
Numerous similar cells & the tissue around them, joined to form a tissue type.
Organ level
Two or more tissue types forming an organ that performs one or more function/s.
Organ system level
A group of organs performing a common function, making up a system.
Organism level
Anything living considered as a whole.
Characteristics of an Organism
Organisation
Metabolism
Responsiveness
Growth
Development
Reproduction
Organisation
The specific relationships/interactions among parts of an organism - how they perform their functions.
Metabolism
The ability to use energy & perform vital functions.
Responsiveness
The ability to sense & adjust/react to changes in the environment.
Growth
An increase in the size or number of cells - overall enlargement of the organism.
Development
The changes an organism undergoes through time.
Reproduction
The formation of new cells & new organisms. All living organisms pass on their genes to their offspring.
Homeostasis
The maintenance of a relatively constant environment inside the body.
