Understanding the Human Body Anatomy & Physiology: Understanding the Human Body

Definitions Anatomy and physiology are interrelated subjects Anatomy is the study of the structure of an organism. Physiology is the study of the function of an

Levels of structural organization 3

Levels of structural organization Chemical level atoms and molecules Cellular level Cells: smallest living part of the body Tissue level Tissue: group of cells that work together to perform the same task 4 basic tissue types: epithelial, muscle, connective and nervous Organ level Organ: group of 2 or more tissue types that work together to perform a specific function System level Organ system: a group of organs working together to preform one of the body’s major functions sometimes an organ is part of more than one system Organismal level – the organism OR living thing 4

All living organisms are composed of cells THE HUMAN CELL All living organisms are composed of cells The cell is the smallest living part of our body It is the building block of our entire body Cells vary in size, shape and function All cells need food, water, and oxygen to live and function

What is Cell Specialization?

Types of tissues Connective Tissue holds body parts together and connects them. Body parts like bones, ligaments, and tendons are held together by this type of tissue. Epithelial Tissue covers the internal and external body surfaces. Examples of this tissue are the skin and the linings of internal organs. Muscle Tissue expands and contracts, allowing the body to move. Nervous Tissue carries messages from all parts of the body to the central nervous system (CNS).

Organs and Organ Systems have separate and distinct functions, but they rely on one another to perform their tasks made up of organs