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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES

College of Nursing

Anatomy
and
Physiology
Module 1
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Module Description
The Anatomy and Physiology module introduces you to the structure and
function of the human body. You will gain insights about the cells and tissues, organs and
systems that make up your bodies and how these systems coordinate with one another to
function normally and stay healthy.

Learning Outcomes
1. Introduce knowledge of physical,social,natural and health sciences and humanities in
the practice of nursing.
2. Introduce safe,appropriate and holistic care when assessing clients body parts
3. Identify guidelines and principles of evidence-based practice in the delivery of care.
4. Identify nursing ethics in accordance with existence laws,legal,ethical,and moral principles.
5. Articulate ideas effectively in class concerning the human body.
6. Report up-to-date client care accurately and comprehensively.
7. Maintain a harmonious relationship among group members inside the classroom given an
individual/group activity.
8. Identify management and leadership skills to be used when given responsibility for a certain
activity.
9. Appreciate research outputs concerning functions of the human body.
10. Appreciate the need to address alterations in the functioning human body.
11. Recognize the need to act as a Filipino nurse in health care delivery
12. Identify techno-intelligent care systems and processes in health care delivery.
13. Recognize the nursing core values in the practice of the profession.

Instructions: Read the following questions and circle your answer.

1. It is the study of the functions of body parts, what they do, and how they do, it is called_______.
a. Anatomy b. Physiology c. Morphology d. Histology
2. This system is composed of the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenal and pineal gland that
produces hormones that chemically regulate the body’s function.
a. Lymphatic System b.Endocrine System c. Circulatory System d. Integumentary
System
3. An English scientist who first described cells in 1665 and built one of the primitive microscopes.
a. Antonie Leewenhoek b.Matthias Schleiden c.Theodor Schwann d. Robert
Hooke
4. The structure that plays the biggest role in cellular functions is the:
a. Nucleus b. Golgi apparatus c. Ribosome d. Mitochondrion
5. The components of the central nervous system include:
a. The spinal & cranial nerves
b. The brain & spinal cord
c. The sympathetic & parasympathetic nervous systems
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d. The cranial nerves & spinal nerves

6. Pituitary hormones are controlled by the:

a. Pancreas b. Hypothalamus c. Thyroid gland d. Parathyroid gland
7. The layer of the heart responsible for contraction is the;
a. Myocardium b. pericardium c. endocardium d. epicardium
8. Blood cells form and develop in the:
a. Platelet b. Liver c. Pancreas d. Bone marrow
9. The component of blood that triggers defense and immune responses is the:
a. White blood cells b. Red blood cells c. Hemoglobin d. Platelet
10. During external gas exchange, oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion occurs In the:
a. Venules b. Alveoli c. Red blood cells d. Body tissues
11. The type of joint that permits free movement is classified as:
a. Synarthrosis b. cartilaginous c. Diarthrosis d. Fibrous
12. One of the functions of the liver is:
a. Regulating gastrin secretion
b. Storing vitamins A,C, and E.
c. Storing vitamins K, D, and B12
d. Detoxifying endogenous and exogenous toxins in plasma
13. Which hormones decreases the blood glucose level?
a. Epinephrine b. Cortisol c. Insulin d. Glycogen
14. Urination results from an involuntary and voluntary process. This process is called:
a. Kidney process b. Glomerular filtration rate c. Prostate reflex d. Micturition reflex
15. The primary function of the scrotum is to:
a. Provide storage for newly developed sperm
b. Maintain a cool temperature for the testes
c. Deposit sperm in the female reproductive tract
d. Secrete prostatic fluid
SCORE: _____________

Topics for Week 1

1 - The Human Organism
☺ 1.1 Anatomy—The Structural Basis of Human Function
☺ 1.2 Physiology—The Functional Relevance of Human Structure
☺ 1.3 The Human Body Plan
2 - The Chemical Basis of Life
☺ 2.1 Basic Chemistry
☺ 2.2 Chemical Reactions
☺ 2.3 Acids and Bases
☺ 2.4 Molecules

1- The Human Organism

This chapter introduces and emphasizes the important relationship between structure
(anatomy) and function (physiology), integrating the six levels of organization and their
characteristics. The body plan and basic anatomical terminology are presented with directional
terms, planes of section, and general body regions. The major trunk cavities and the serous
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membranes associated with each are presented. The concept of homeostasis is described, and
negative-feedback mechanisms are stressed as the normal means for maintaining homeostasis.
The relationship between structure and function and the concept of homeostasis can be powerful
organizing themes for an entire course.

TERMINOLOGIES:

ꙭ Anatomy - study of the structure and shape of the body and its parts
ꙭ Physiology - study of how the body and its parts work or function
ꙭ Gross Anatomy - studying / observing large body structures with your naked eye
ꙭ Microscopic Anatomy - studying/ observing minute body structures with the aid of
microscope
ꙭ Systemic Physiology - studies body organ-systems
ꙭ Cellular Physiology - studies body cells

Human anatomy and physiology is the study of the structure and function of the human
body. The human body has many intricate parts with coordinated functions maintained by a
complex system of checks and balances. The coordinated function of all the parts of the human
body allows us to interact with our surroundings by adjusting how the body responds to changes in
environmental information. This information comes from inside and outside the body. The changes
serve as stimuli.
Knowing human anatomy and physiology also provides the basis for understanding disease.
The study of human anatomy and physiology is important for students who plan a career in the
health sciences because health professionals need a sound knowledge of structure and function in
order to perform their duties. In addition, understanding anatomy and physiology help us to be well
prepared to make a decision about our own health care or that of loved one. It also can allow us
to distinguish between useful medical treatments and those that may be harmful.

Importance of Anatomy and Physiology

Understand how the body:
ꙭ responds to stimuli
ꙭ responds to environmental changes
ꙭ responds to environmental cues
ꙭ responds to diseases
ꙭ responds to injury

Types of Anatomy:
ꙭ Systemic - studies body organ-systems
ꙭ Regional - studies body regions (medical schools)
ꙭ Surface - studies external features, for example, bone projections
ꙭ Anatomical imaging - using technologies (x-rays, ultrasound, MRI)

Structural and Functional Organization

Six levels from chemical to organism:

1. Chemical - smallest level
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- atoms, chemical bonds, molecules

2. Cellular - cells: basic units of life
3. Tissues - group of cells with similar structure and function plus
extracellular substances they release
*four broad types:
Epithelial
Connective
Muscular
Nervous
4. Organs - two or more tissue types acting together to perform
function(s)
Examples: stomach, heart, liver, ovary, bladder, kidney
5. Organ-System - group of organs contributing to some function
6. Organism - all organ systems working together
- includes associated microorganisms such
as intestinal bacteria

Figure I.I Levels of Organization for the Human Body

LIFE
1. Organization - functional interrelationships between parts
2. Metabolism - sum of all chemical and physical changes sustaining an organism
- ability to acquire and use energy in support of these changes
3. Responsiveness - ability to sense and respond to environmental changes
- includes both internal and external environments
4. Growth - can increase in size; size of cells, groups of cells, extracellular materials
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5. Development - changes in form and size

6. Reproduction - formation of new cells or new organisms

ꙭ Nutrients - Chemicals for energy and cell building

- Includes carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals
ꙭ Oxygen - Required for chemical reaction
ꙭ Water - 60–80% of body weight
- Provides for metabolic reaction
ꙭ Stable body temperature
ꙭ Atmospheric pressure must be appropriate

ORGAN SYSTEM OVERVIEW

ORGAN SYSTEM
Integumentary
 Forms the external body covering
 Protects deeper tissue from injury and
drying out
 Synthesizes Vitamin D
 Location of cutaneous nerve receptors
Skeletal
 Protects and supports body organs
 Provides muscle attachment for movement
 Site of blood cell formation
 Stores minerals
Muscular
 Allows locomotion
 Maintains posture
 Produces heat
Nervous
 Fast-acting control system
 Responds to internal and external change
 Activates muscles and glands
Endocrine
 Secretes regulatory hormones
 Growth
 Reproduction
 Metabolism
Cardiovascular
 Transports materials in body via blood
pumped by heart
 Oxygen
 Carbon dioxide
 Nutrients
 Wastes
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Lymphatic
 Returns fluids to blood vessels
 Disposes of debris
 Involved in immunity- destroys bacteria and
tumor cells
Respiratory
 Keeps blood supplied with oxygen
 Removes carbon dioxide
Digestive
 Breaks down food
 Allows for nutrient absorption into blood
 Eliminates indigestible material
Urinary
 Eliminates nitrogenous wastes
 Maintains acid – base balance
 Regulation of materials
 Water
 Electrolytes
Reproductive
 Production of offspring

Table 1.1 Body System

Homeostasis is the existence and maintenance of a relatively constant environment within

the body despite fluctuations in either the external environment or the internal environment. Most
body cells are surrounded by a small amount of fluid, and normal cell functions depend on the
maintenance of the cells’ fluid environment within a narrow range of conditions, including
temperature, volume and chemical content.

- measures of body properties that may change in value

Examples of variables:
 body temperature
 heart rate
 blood pressure
 blood glucose levels

ꙭ The body communicates through neural and hormonal control systems

 - Responds to changes in the environment (stimuli)
- Sends information to control center
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 - Determines set point

- Analyzes information
- Determines appropriate response
 - Provides a means for response to the stimulus

Figure 1.2 Homeostasis

ꙭ Negative Feedback
 Includes most homeostatic control mechanisms
 Shuts off the original stimulus, or reduces its intensity
 Works like a household thermostat
ꙭ Positive Feedback
 Increases the original stimulus to push the variable farther
 In the body this only occurs in blood clotting and birth of a baby

TERMINOLOGY and The Body Plan

When you begin to study anatomy and physiology, the

number of new words may seem overwhelming. Learning is
easier and more interesting if you pay attention to the origin, or
etymology of new words. Most of the terms are derived from
Latin or Greek. For example, anterior in Latin means “to go
before”.
The Language of Anatomy
- Special terminology is used to prevent
misunderstanding
Exact terms are used for:
 Position
 Direction
 Regions
 Structures
Figure 1.3 Anatomical Position
- person standing erect with face and palms forward
- all relational descriptions based on the anatomical position,
regardless of body orientation
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Orientation and Terms

Figure 1.4 Directional Terms

Figure 1.5 Directional Terms

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The term “anterior” is used for front and the term “posterior” is used for back. Health
professionals use a number of terms when referring to different regions or parts of the body.

Figure 1.6 Directional Terms

At times, it is conceptually useful to discuss the body in reference to a series of planes

passing through it. Sectioning the body is a way to “look inside” and observe the body’s structures.

Sagittal plane - separates the body into right

and left parts
Median plane - a sagittal plane along the
midline that divides body into equal left and
right halves
Transverse plane - a horizontal plane that
separates the body into
superior and inferior parts.
Frontal plane - a vertical plane that separates

Figure 1.7 Body Planes 1

Figure 1.8 Body Planes 2

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ABDOMINAL REGIONS AND QUADRANTS

To promote clear communication, for instance about the location of a patient’s
abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, health care providers typically divide up the cavity into either
nine regions or four quadrants.
The more detailed regional approach subdivides the cavity with one horizontal line
immediately inferior to the ribs and one immediately superior to the pelvis, and two vertical lines
drawn as if dropped from the midpoint of each clavicle (collarbone). There are nine resulting
regions. The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides
the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersect at the patient’s umbilicus (navel).

Figure 1.9 Abdominal Regin

Thoracic cavity - space within chest wall and diaphragm

contains heart, lungs, thymus gland, esophagus, trachea
Mediastinum - space between lungs
contains heart, thymus gland, esophagus, trachea
Abdominal cavity - space between diaphragm and pelvis
contains stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys
Pelvic cavity - space within pelvis contains urinary bladder,
reproductive organs, part of large intestine

Figure 1.10 Body Cavities

 Serous membranes line the trunk
cavities and cover the organs of these
cavities. To understand the relationship
between serous membranes and an organ,
imagine your first as an organ. Now imagine
pushing your fist into an inflated balloon
which represents the cavity membranes. The
part of the balloon in contact with your fist
(the inner balloon wall) represents the Figure 1.11 Serous Membranes
visceral serous membrane, and the outer part of the balloon wall represents the parietal serous
membrane. The cavity or space between the visceral and parietal serous membranes is
noramlly filled with a thin, lubricating film of serous fluid produced by the membranes. As an
organ rubs against another organ or against the body wall, the serous fluid and smooth serous
membranes reduce friction.
The thoracic cavity contains three serous membranes-lined cavities: a a pericardial
cavity and two pleural cavities. The pericardial cavity surrounds the heart. The visceral
pericardium covers the heart. The parietal pericardium forms the outer layer of the sac around
the heart.
A pleural cavity surrounds each lung. Each lung is covered by visceral pleura. Parietal
pleura lines the inner surface of the thoracic wall, the lateral surfaces of the mediastinum, and
the superior surface of the diaphragm. The pleural cavity is located between the visceral pleura
and the parietal pleura and contains pleural fluid.
The abdominopelvic cavity contains a serous membrane-lined cavity called the
peritoneal cavity. Visceral peritoneum covers many of the organs of the abdominopelvic cavity
and the inferior surface of the diaphragm. The peritoneal cavity is located between the visceral
peritoneum and the parietal peritoneum and contains peritoneal fluid.

Figure 1.12 Pericardial Cavity Figure 1.13 Pleural Cavity Figure 1.14 Peritoneal Cavity

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 Key Points

This is one of the integrating themes that is easy to come back to throughout a course.
One advantage to using this theme is that the relationships between structure and function
are natural points for helping students think about what they are learning. Knowledge of the
anatomy aids in recall and understanding of what physiological processes may be at work (i.e.,
muscle cells allow contraction while secretory cells do not). Especially emphasize the
relationship between the shape of a molecule and its function. Likewise understanding of the
physiology helps organize the anatomical structures into meaningful units.
The basic terminology presented in this chapter provides the essential language for
precise description of anatomical structures and their locations in the body. There is no need
for functional interrelationship among parts unless the body is composed of separate
specialized parts.

Homeostasis is another of the organizing themes that can be returned to throughout

the course. Look for examples of homeostasis and negative feedback for each organ system
as it is studied. What is the “need” for the maintenance of homeostasis? So, as a result, you
could slip into teleological explanations (the heart must beat to keep us alive) rather than the
mechanistic explanations (the heartbeat is established as a result of spontaneous electrical
activity in the pacemaker cells) that are favored by physiologists. In this first chapter it will
be easier if the concept of homeostasis can be tied to something with which you are already
familiar: thermostats and temperature regulation within a house, the ball float and filling of
toilet tanks, photoelectric cells and dusk-to-dawn lights. The other common
misunderstanding is, thinking that positive feedback happens when a process is stimulated,
such as sweating. This is the tendency to think of positive and negative in a colloquial
sense—positive means to start, or good, rather than being a self-propagating process that
eventually ends.

The time dimension has two separate ramifications for anatomy and physiology: 1)
short-term changes through time as exemplified by the positive and negative feedback loops
of neural and hormonal reflexes, and 2) long-term changes associated with aging. Paying
attention to stimulus and response sequences of events is necessary for mastery of
physiological mechanisms. As the population ages, there will be increased attention in the
mass media to issues of aging. Research for articles that speaks on growth and development
for this is a life-long process. A change in structure and function normally occurs even after
adult physiology is established.

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1) The scientific discipline that deals with the processes or functions of living organisms is ________.
A) physiology D) surface anatomy
B) anatomic imaging E) systemic anatomy
C) regional anatomy
2) Which of the following statements is TRUE?
A) The coordinated activity of the organ systems is necessary for normal function.
B) Because organ systems are so interrelated, dysfunction in one organ system can have profound
effects on other systems.
C) An organism is any living thing considered as a whole whether composed of one cell such as a
bacterium or trillions of cells such as a human.
D) Living things are highly organized, and disruption of this organized state can lead to loss of
function and death.
E) All of the choices are correct.
3) Which of these characteristics of life means "The ability to use energy to perform vital functions"?
A) Organization D) Growth
B) Metabolism E) Differentiation
C) Responsiveness
4) Which of these statements is true of negative feedback?
A) Negative feedback is important for maintaining homeostasis in the body.
B) Negative feedback makes any deviation from a normal value larger.
C) Negative feedback occurs when the uterus contracts during childbirth.
D) Negative feedback is a very unusual control mechanism in the human body.
E) Negative feedback will usually result in illness or other disturbance of normal systems.
5) Which of these is an example of a positive-feedback mechanism?
A) An increase in blood pressure activates mechanisms that decrease blood pressure.
B) Increased amounts of a hormone in the blood cause a decrease in the secretion of that hormone.
C) Increased carbon dioxide in the blood increases breathing rate, which decreases carbon dioxide in
the blood.
D) Increased amounts of fluid in the blood result in increased quantities of urine, which decreases
6) The study of the body's organization by areas (the approach used in most medical schools) is
called ________.
A) systemic anatomy D) physiology
B) regional anatomy E) anatomic imaging
7) In which quadrant of the abdomen is most of the liver usually located?
A) LLQ C) LUQ
B) RLQ D) RUQ
8) In which quadrant of the abdomen would the pain of acute appendicitis be felt?
A) LLQ C) LUQ
B) RLQ D) RUQ
9) The thoracic cavity is separated from the abdominal cavity by the ________.
A) diaphragm D) lungs
B) mediastinum E) pelvic muscles
C) liver
10) Which of the following cavities contains the liver, stomach, kidneys, and spleen?
A) Thoracic cavity D) pericardial cavity
B) Pelvic cavity E) pleural cavity
C) Abdominal cavity

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11) A cavity containing the lungs, but not the heart is the ________ cavity.
A) thoracic D) pericardial
B) pelvic E) pleural
C) abdominal
12) When you scratch a cat's back along its spine, which of the following terms would apply to the skin
you are scratching?
A) Dorsal, superior, posterior, lateral
B) Ventral, inferior, anterior, medial, deep
C) Dorsal, superior, medial, superficial
D) Ventral, superior, medial, deep
E) Ventral, inferior, posterior, lateral
13) Anatomical position refers to individuals that are
A) standing erect, upper limbs at their sides, and palms facing inward.
B) standing erect, upper limbs at their sides, and palms facing anterior.
C) laying supine, upper limbs at their sides, and palms facing inward.
D) laying supine, upper limbs at their sides, and palms facing anterior.
E) laying supine, upper limbs extended over their head.
14) Which of the sections below separates the body into superior and inferior parts?
A) Frontal section D) Transverse section
B) Sagittal section E) Oblique section
C) Longitudinal section
15) Which of the sections below separates the body into dorsal and ventral parts?
A) Frontal section D) Transverse section
B) Sagittal section E) Oblique section
C) Longitudinal section
16) When a person is in anatomical position, the wrist is ________ to the elbow.
A) proximal D) ventral
B) dorsal E) superior
C) distal
17) A cut across the long axis of an organ at an angle other than a right angle is described as a(n) ________ section.
A) longitudinal D) cross
B) oblique E) horizontal
C) transverse________.
18) The basic structural and functional unit of an organism, such as plant or animal, is the ________.
A) organ D) organ system
B) cell E) tissue
C) organelle
19) The spleen, thymus, and tonsils are all part of the ________ system.
A) digestive D) reproductive
B) endocrine E) respiratory
C) lymphatic
20) Understanding the relationship between structure and function allows us to
A) investigate and understand disease.
B) pursue a career in the health sciences.
C) evaluate recommendations from our own medical professionals.
D) evaluate the validity of advertisements and reports concerning health.
E) All of the choices are correct.

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A. Circle all the terms and phrases that correctly relate to the study of . Use a
highlighter or colored pen to identify those terms or phrases that pertain to the study of
.

A. Measuring an organ’s B.Can be studied in C. Often studied

size, shape, and weight. dead specimens. in living objects.

E. Chemistry D.Measuring the acid F. Principles of physics.

principles. content of the stomach.

H.Observing a G. Dynamic i. Experimentation

heart in action.
K. Directional Terms M. Dissection L. Static
j. Observation

Chemicals ______________ ________________ ________________

_________________ Organism

The abdominopelvic and thoracic cavities are subdivisions of the __________________

body cavity; the cranial and spinal cavities are parts of the _____________________ body
cavity. The ___________________ body cavity is totally surrounded by bone and provides
very good protection to the structures it contains.

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1. Transverse Distal Frontal Sagittal

2. Lumbar Thoracic Antecubital Abdominal

3. Sural Brachial Femoral

Popliteal

4. Epigastric Hypogastric Right Iliac Left Upper

Quadrant

Burke, S.R. (1992). Human anatomy and physiology in health and diseases: laboratory manual. New York:
Delmar Publishers Inc.

Ho, H. et al. (Eds.) (2008). Human anatomy and phsiology: workbook and laboratory manual. Philippines: C & E
Publishing, Inc.

Martini, F.H. & Bartholome E.F. (Eds.) (2007). Essentials of anatomy and physiology. Fourth edition. San
Francisco: Pearson Education, Inc.

Regan, J., Russo, A. and VanPutte, C., (2019). Seeley’s Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology.
Mc-Graw-Hill Education, 2 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10121.

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