1. Chapter 1 The Human Body: An Orientation
Human Anatomy
Chapter 1
The Human Body: An Orientation

2. I. Definitions
Anatomy is the study of the structure and shape of the body and body parts and their relationships to one another.
Gross anatomy – examining large easily observable body structures.
Microscope anatomy – examining cells and tissues using a microscope.

3. I. Definitions (con’t)
Physiology is the study of how the body and its parts work or function.
Neurophysiology – explains how the nervous system works.
Cardiac physiology studies the functions of the heart.
Anatomy and physiology are always related. FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION.

4. II. Levels of Organization
Atoms – building blocks of matter. They combine to form:
Molecules – water, sugars, and proteins.
Molecules associate in specific ways to form cells.

5. II. Levels of Organization (Con’t)
Cells are the smallest units of all living things.
Cells that are similar and have a common function are called tissues.
An organ is a structure, composed of two or more tissue types, that performs a specific function for the body.
A group of organs that cooperate to accomplish a common purpose is called an organ system.
All 11 organ systems make up an organism.

6. II. Levels of Organization

7. Integumentary System External covering of the body
Waterproofs, cushions and protects
Excretes salts and urea in sweat and helps regulate body temperature
Sense organ – pain and pressure

8. Skeletal System Bone, cartilage, ligaments, and joints
Support and protection
Attachment of the skeletal muscles
Hematopoiesis – the formation of blood cells
Store house of minerals

9. Muscular System Only one function – contract
Movement occurs when muscles contract
Three types of muscle tissue
Skeletal muscles - movement
Cardial muscles - heart contraction
Smooth muscles – intestines, internal organs

10. Nervous System Fast-acting control system
Consists of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory receptors.
The body must be able to respond to stimuli.
The Central Nervous system assesses the information received and responds.

11. Endocrine System Slow acting control system of the body.
Produces and releases hormones into the blood.
Includes pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, thymus, pancreas, pineal, ovaries, testes, and parathyroid glands.

12. Cardiovascular System
Made up of the heart and blood vessels.
Blood is the transporting fluid
Carries oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and other substances to and from the cells where waste is exchanged and removed.

13. Lymphatic System Closely related to the cardiovascular system.
Includes lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and other organs like the spleen and tonsils.
Fluid leaks from the blood vessels and this system returns the fluid back to the circulatory system.
Lymph nodes help cleanse the blood and house the cells involved in immunity.

14. Respiratory System
Keep the body constantly supplied with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.
Includes nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.
Lungs have tiny air sacs in which gas exchange occurs

15. Digestive System
Tube within a tube system running from the mouth to the anus.
Includes the oral cavity (mouth), esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and the rectum.
Break down food into usable macromolecules.
Large intestines job is to reclaim water.

16. Urinary System The body produces waste which must be removed.
Nitrogenous wastes (urea and uric acid) must be removed.
Sometimes called the excretory system
Includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Maintains body’s water and salt balance

17. Reproductive System Produce offspring Sperm produced by testes
Eggs produced by ovaries
Fertilization occurs when sperm is deposited into the female by the penis.

18. HOMEOSTASIS
The key to understanding the interactions of the body systems as well as disease and wellness is understanding homeostasis.
Homeostasis is the body’s ability to maintain relatively stable internal conditions even though the outside world is continuously changing.

19. The Language of Anatomy
To accurately describe body parts and position we have to have a reference point that is accepted universally. This is helpful when the coroner finds a body and must describe the body.
Anatomical position – The assumption that the body is erect with the feet parallel and the arms hanging at the sides with the palms facing forward.

20. Directional Terms (pg. 12)
Superior/cranial/cephalad
Toward the head or upper part of the body or structure; above
Inferior (caudal)
Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a body or structure; below
Anterior (ventral)
Toward the front of the body (belly)
Posterior (dorsal)
Toward the back of the body; behind
Medial
Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of
Lateral
Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of
Intermediate
Between a medial and lateral structure

21. Directional Terms (pg. 12)
Proximal
Close to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk
Distal
Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a lumb to the body truck
Superficial
Toward or at the body surface
Deep
Away from the body surface; more internal

22. Anterior Body Landmarks (pg. 13)
Abdominal
Anterior body trunk inferior to the ribs
Antecubital
Anterior surface of the elbow
Axillary
Armpit
Brachial
Arm
Buccal
Cheek area
Carpal
Wrist
Cervical
Neck region

23. Anterior Body Landmarks (pg 13)
Digital
Fingers and toes
Femoral
Thigh
Inguinal
Area where thigh meets the trunk
Nasal
Nose area
Oral
Mouth
Orbital
Eye area
Patellar
Anterior knee

24. Anterior Body Landmarks (pg 13)
Peroneal
Lateral part of the leg
Pubic
Genital region
Sternal
Breasbone area
Tarsal
Ankle region
Thoracic
Chest
Umbilical
Navel

25. Posterior Body Landmarks (pg 13)
Cephalic
Head
Deltoid
Curve of the shoulder
Gluteal
Butt
Lumbar
Lower back
Occipital
Posterior surface of the head
Popliteal
Posterior knee area
Scapular
Shoulder blade region
Sural
The area of the calf muscle
Vertebral
Area of the spine

26. Body Planes (pg 14)
Body planes and sections can be used to describe either the entire body or any part of the body such as an organ.
There are several ways to “cut” body.
Sagittal section – cut down the middle to create left and right sides. (aka midsagittal or median section if the cut makes equal sides)
Frontal or coronal section – a cut that divides the body into anterior and posterior sides.
Transverse or cross sections – A cut is made along the horizontal plane dividing the body into superior and inferior parts.
Oblique section-B/W transverse and sagittal OR between a transverse plane and a frontal plane.