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UNDERSTANDING THE HUMAN BODY 1

This activity introduces the beginning concepts about human

anatomy and physiology including the basic life processes,
homeostasis, organization of the human anatomy and the functional
terms used in Anatomy and Physiology.

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Answer briefly.

1. What is anatomy?

2. What is physiology?

3. Why do we need to study anatomy and physiology?

4. The study of human physiology is two-fold. These

are: (a)

(b)

5. What is the importance of studying the human anatomy and

physiology in your profession as a future healthcare practitioner
in general, and a nurse in particular?

6. In what aspect of daily living will you expect to be able to

apply the concepts that you will be learning from anatomy
and physiology?

Adopted from: Understanding Human Anatomy and Physiology and the Mechanisms of Common
Diseases: A Laboratory Manual by Joy N. Bautista, MPH, DRDM, MAN (2009)
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ORGANIZATION OF THE HUMAN BODY

Complete the statement and give appropriate examples.

1. The simplest level of organization is the level.

2. , , , and ,
are examples of organic chemicals.
3. , , , and ,
are examples of inorganic chemicals.
4. The most complex level of the human body organization is the
level.
5. , , , and are
example of the most complex level of organization.
6. When cells with similar structure and function are grouped
together, they form a .
7. A group of tissue that is arranged in a particular way to
accomplish specific functions is .
8. The structure of a tissue or cell or organ is called its .
9. The function of tissue or cell or organ is called its .
10. Match each organ system with its function (a letter) and
an example of an organ in the body (a number):

Muscular system A. Integration and coordination

Endocrine system B. Absorption of nutrients
Nervous System C. Movement and locomotion
Digestive System D. Homeostatic Control

1. Neurohypophysis
2. Jejunum
3. Cerebellum
4. Deltoid

Adopted from: Understanding Human Anatomy and Physiology and the Mechanisms of Common
Diseases: A Laboratory Manual by Joy N. Bautista, MPH, DRDM, MAN (2009)
3

LIFE PROCESSES

Define the following terms.

1. Organization:

2. Metabolism:

3. Responsiveness:

4. Movement:

5. Reproduction:

6. Growth:

7. Differentiation:

8. Respiration:

9. Digestion:

10. Excretion:

BODY PLAN AND TERMINOLOGY

Define each term and provide the opposite term on the blank provided:

1. Proximal 5.Superficial
Opposite Opposite
2. Peripheral 6.Anterior
Opposite Opposite
3. Lateral 7. Internal
Opposite Opposite
4. Inferior 8.Dorsal
Opposite Opposite

Adopted from: Understanding Human Anatomy and Physiology and the Mechanisms of Common
Diseases: A Laboratory Manual by Joy N. Bautista, MPH, DRDM, MAN (2009)
4

Label the following.

1.

2.

3.

Match the following sections and the correct descriptions.

1. Sagittal section A. along the long axis of the body

2. Cross-section B.divides body into right and left
3. Frontal section C. divides body into upper and lower
4. Transverse section D. perpendicular to the long axis of body
5. Longitudinal section E. divides body into front and back

Adopted from: Understanding Human Anatomy and Physiology and the Mechanisms of Common
Diseases: A Laboratory Manual by Joy N. Bautista, MPH, DRDM, MAN (2009)
5

Match each statement with the body cavities it pertains to.

1. Cranial cavity A. lined with parietal pleura

2. Thoracic cavity B.contains spinal cord
3. Spinal cavity C. lined with meninges
4. Pelvic cavity D. contains heart and lungs
5. abdominal cavity E. lined with peritoneum
F. contains internal reproductive organs
G. contains brain
H. inferior boundary is diaphragm
I.superior boundary is diaphragm
J. contains liver and pancreas

Label the following.

1.

8. 2.

7. 3.

4.

6.
5.

Adopted from: Understanding Human Anatomy and Physiology and the Mechanisms of Common
Diseases: A Laboratory Manual by Joy N. Bautista, MPH, DRDM, MAN (2009)
6

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

1. Surgery involving the intestines requires an incision through

the abdominal wall. Name the layers that must be cut to enter
the abdominal cavity.
a.
b.
c.

2. Meningitis is a serious disease caused by a certain bacterium.

Name the membranes affected and the organs they cover.
a. Membranes:
b. Organs:

3. Briefly explain each of the following and include the common

name for each anatomic term.
a. Renal failure
b. Cardiac arrest
c. Pulmonary vein
d. Hepatic coma
e. Gastric ulcer

4. Look at the digestive organs and name the quadrant (s) in

which of these organs are found (Some may be more than
one):
a. Stomach c. Small intestine
b. Liver d. Large intestine

Adopted from: Understanding Human Anatomy and Physiology and the Mechanisms of Common
Diseases: A Laboratory Manual by Joy N. Bautista, MPH, DRDM, MAN (2009)
7

CRITICAL THINKING

1. Describe in as many directional terms as you can the

relationship between your kneecap and your heel.

2. During pregnancy, which would increase more in size, the

mother’s abdominal or pelvic cavity? Explain.

3. Is the sensation of thirst associate with a negative- or a

positive-feedback mechanism? Explain. (Hint: What is being
regulated when one becomes thirsty?)

4. List sex structural levels at which the body can be

studied conceptually.