Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology Overview
Anatomy is the study of the structure and shape of the body and its parts. Observations are used to compare sizes and relationships of parts to one another. Gross anatomy refers to large structures which are easily visible or observable. We use anatomical directions to describe the locations of structures relative to each other. Microscopic anatomy refers to small-scale structures which cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope.
Physiology is the study of how the body and its parts function. We cannot study Anatomy without studying Physiology and vice versa. Structure determines function. If the structure changes, the function will always change.
Physiology is the study of how the body and its parts function. We cannot study Anatomy without studying Physiology and vice versa. Structure determines function. If the structure changes, the function will always change.
Levels of Organization
There are six levels of organization which build upon each other to sustain life.
From smallest to largest, they are:
Each smaller level comes together to make the next largest layer, working towards a common function.
While they are all important, the cellular level is considered the “building block of life” because cells can create new cells.
From smallest to largest, they are:
- Chemical (atoms/molecules)
- Cell
- Tissue
- Organ
- Organ System
- Organism
Each smaller level comes together to make the next largest layer, working towards a common function.
While they are all important, the cellular level is considered the “building block of life” because cells can create new cells.
Having already taken health and biology classes, you are probably already familiar with some of the systems of the body. Before going any deeper into our study, it is good to have general understanding of each system, its organs and their function.
Visit innerbody.com to explore each of the systems we will study this year. You should be familiar with the structures and functions of each system.
Integumentary System Muscular System Skeletal System Nervous System Endocrine System Cardiovascular System Lymphatic/Immune System Respiratory System Digestive System Urinary System Reproductive System |
Survival Skills
In order to survive, there are needs that must be met to keep us alive and keep our species on this planet. Our body systems work together to maintain these necessary life functions.
Movement - This includes not only ambulating ourselves around but also moving substances throughout the body, whether it be blood, food or urine.
Responsiveness - In order to respond properly, we need to be able to detect changes in the environment.
Metabolism - We need to be able to break down food into simple molecules so that we can rebuild the molecules our bodies need to survive, such as producing ATP or replicating DNA and synthesizing proteins.
Excretion - With all of those metabolic processes going on, our body needs a way to be able to get rid of the waste produced.
Growth - As long as cell construction happens faster than cell destruction, an organism will continue to grow.
Reproduction - We reproduce at the cellular level, replacing cells and tissues every day. We also must reproduce as a whole organism to ensure our place on the planet.
Movement - This includes not only ambulating ourselves around but also moving substances throughout the body, whether it be blood, food or urine.
Responsiveness - In order to respond properly, we need to be able to detect changes in the environment.
Metabolism - We need to be able to break down food into simple molecules so that we can rebuild the molecules our bodies need to survive, such as producing ATP or replicating DNA and synthesizing proteins.
Excretion - With all of those metabolic processes going on, our body needs a way to be able to get rid of the waste produced.
Growth - As long as cell construction happens faster than cell destruction, an organism will continue to grow.
Reproduction - We reproduce at the cellular level, replacing cells and tissues every day. We also must reproduce as a whole organism to ensure our place on the planet.