Big Picture

Week 6-9: Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO): At the end of the unit, you are
expected to

a. Illustrate the human body and its complex functions which helps us
live.
b. Differentiate the types of cells, which contributes in a specific way
to keep the body functioning normally.
c. Explain the body system, group of organs and other structures that
are adapted to perform specific body functions.

Big Picture in Focus: ULOa a.Illustrate the human body and its
complex functions which helps us live. b. Differentiate the types
of cells, which contributes in a specific way to keep the body
functioning normally. c. Explain the body system, group of
organs and other structures that are adapted to perform specific
body functions.

Metalanguage
The following are terms to be remembered as we go through in
studying this unit. Please refer to these definitions as supplement in case you
will encounter difficulty in understanding the basic concepts of First Aid and
Water Survival.

• Respiratory System – supplies the body with oxygen through

breathing.
• Circulatory System – is a complex arrangement of connected
tubes, including the arteries, arterioles, capillaries and veins.
• Human Heart – it is an involuntary muscles, it is under the control
of the automatic nervous system.
• Musculoskeletal system – it consists of the bones, muscles,
ligaments and tendons.
• Human Skin – is in fact a complex of organ that plays a crucial
role in maintaining the constancy of the internal environment.
• Human Brain – is the most important organ in the human body,
the organ ultimately responsible for all vital functions as well as
for who we are.
• Skull
Essential Knowledge

The following are the body group of organs and other structures that
perform specify body functions. The said concepts might be confusing or
difficult as a beginner but at the later part of this unit would be of great help for
you to understand the nature of its existence. Please note that you are not
limited to exclusively refer to these resources. Thus, you are expected to utilize
other books, research articles and other resources that are available in the
university’s library e.g. ebrary, search.proquest.com etc., and even online
tutorial websites.

1. The human body is miraculous machine. It performs many complex

functions, each of which helps us live. The body is made up of billions of
cells that are microscopic in size. A cell is the basic unit of all living tissue.
There are many different types of cells, each of which contributes in a
specific way to keep the body functioning normally. A collection of similar
cells is a tissue.

The Body Syst

2. Different cells and tissues working together make up organs. Organs have
 specialized functions. Vital organs are those function is essential for life.
They include the brain, heart and lungs.
3. A body system is a group of organs and other structures that are especially
adapted to perform specific body functions. They work together to carry out
a function needed for life. For the body to work properly, all the different
systems must work well together.
4. Respiratory system – the body must have a constant supply of oxygen to
stay alive. The respiratory system supplies the body oxygen through
breathing. When we inhale, air fills the lungs and oxygen in the air
transferred from the blood. As we exhale. Air is force from the lungs,
expelling carbon dioxide and other gases. This breathing process is called
respiration.

The Respiratory System includes the airway and the lungs.

5. The airway begins at the nose and mouth, which form the upper airway.
Air passes through the mouth and nose then through the trachea, on its
way the lungs. The trachea is also called the windpipe. Behind the trachea
is the esophagus. The esophagus carries food and liquids form the mouth
to the stomach. A small flap of tissue called the epiglottis covers the
trachea when you swallow to keep food and liquids out of the lungs.

5a. Fig 6.

Air reaches the lungs through two tubes called bronchi. The bronchi
branch into increasingly smaller tube like tree branches. These
eventually end in millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli. Oxygen and
carbon dioxide pass into and out of the blood through the thin cell walls
of the alveoli and capillaries. Adult breathes about 1 pint of air (500ml)
per breath. This ongoing process is involuntary and is controlled by the
brain.

6. The Circulatory system is a complex arrangement of connected tubes,

including the arteries, arterioles, capillaries and veins. The circulatory
system is entirely closed, with capillaries connecting arterioles and
venules. There are two circuits in the body, the systematic circulation in the
body and the pulmonary circulation in the lungs.
7. The systemic circulation, the circuit in the body that carries oxygen rich
blood from the left ventricle through the body and back to the right atrium.
In the systematic, as a blood passes through the tissues and organs, it
gives up oxygen and nutrients and absorbs cellular wastes and carbon
 dioxide. The cellular wastes are eliminated in passages through the liver
and the kidneys.
8. The pulomonary circulation, the circuit in the lungs carries oxygen poor
blood from the right ventricle through the lings and back to the left atrium.
In the pulmonary circulation, as blood passes through the lungs, it is
refreshed with oxy gen and give up carbon dioxide.

Figure 7 The Circulatory System

9. The Heart is a hollow muscular organ about the size of an adult clenched
fist, right above the diaphragm, posterior to and slightly to the left of the
lower sternum and weighs only about 250-500gm. It is made of a unique
adapted tissue called cardiac muscle or myocardium. It actually works as
two paired pumps, the one on the left side being more muscular.

10. The heart is an involuntary muscle. As such, it is under the control of the
automatic nervous system. However, it has its own electrical system and
continues its function even without its central nervous system control.
11. The heart must function continuously from birth to death and develop
special adaptations to meet the needs of this continuous function. It is
strong enough to more about 7,000 to 9, 000 liters of blood around the
body every single of lives. It ac tolerate a serious interruption of its own
blood supply for only a very few seconds before signs of heart attack
develop.
 Pathway of Blood through the heart

12. Blood. Is the circulating fluid of the cardio vascular system, blood is red
sticky fluid through the blood vessels, has a peculiar faint odor, salty in
taste and varies in color from bright scarlet red to a bluish red and it variety
of functions;
12a. Respiratory function – it transport oxygen from the lungs
to the tissues and carbon dioxide form the tissues to the lungs.
12b. Nutritional function – it carries nutrients from the
digestive tract to cells throughout the body.
12c. Excretory function – it ferries wastes products of
metabolism from the cells where they are produced to excretory
organs.
12d. Regulatory functions – brings hormones to their target
organs and transmit excess internal heat to the surface of the
body to be dissipated.
12e. Defensive function – it carries defensive cells and
antibodies which protects the bodies against foreign organisms.
13. Composition of Blood
Blood consist of formed elements (cells) and the fluids (plasma)
in which the elements are suspended.
13a. Red Blood Cells (RBC) or Erythrocytes, RBC accounts
forty five percent of blood by volume. The most important constituent of
RBC is a molecule called hemoglobin an iron containing protein that has
the ability to unite with oxygen, in doing so hemoglobin acquired a bright
red color. The color associated with arterial blood.
13b. White blood cells (WBC) play a role in the body’s immune
defense mechanisms against infection by producing anti bodies.
13c. Plasma it is a sticky yellow fluid, that constitute 55% of the
blood b volume and is a complex fluid.
13d. Platelets they are tiny, disk-shaped elements that are
much smaller than the cells. They are essential in the initial formation of a
blood clot, the mechanism that stops bleeding and stealing leaks in injured
vessels.

The Blood Vessels

14. Musculoskeletal System. It consists often bones, muscles, ligaments

and tendons. This system performs several functions :
• Supporting the body
• Protecting internal organs
• Allowing movement
• Storing minerals and producing blood cells
• Producing heat
 The Skeleton

15. Bones and Ligaments. The body has 206 bones. Bones is hard, dense
tissue that forms the skeleton. It consists of both organic and inorganic
materials. The bones protect the brain. The spine is made of bones called
vertebrate that protect the spinal cord. The ribs attach to the spine and to
the breastbone, forming a protective shell for vital organs such as the heart
and lungs.
16. In addition to the supporting and protecting the body, bones aid in
movement. The bones of the arms and legs work like a system of levers
and pulleys to position the hands and feet so they can function. Bones of
the wrist, hand, and fingers are progressively smaller to allow for fine
movements like writing.
17. Cartilage. Is another form of connective tissue which provides connecting
and supporting structure that is widespread through the body, it forms the
smooth surface over bone ends where they articulate. Provides cushioning
between vertebrae gives structure to the nose and external ear and forms
the framework and forms the framework of the larynx and trachea.

17a. Bones are classified according to shape and structure on the

basis shape; bones are categorized as follows:

Ball and socket joint

Ball and Socket Joints like those in the shoulders or hips, which permit a
wide range of motion
 Hinge Joint

Hinge Joints such as those of the fingers which permits flexion and
extension

Pivot Joint
Pivot Joint that of between the radius and ulna, which enable
pronation and supination at the wrist.
 Gliding Joint

Gliding joints, such of those between the bones of the hand which
allow very subtle and delicate movements.

Saddle joints, such as joint between the carpals and radius which permits
movements in two planes at right angles to each other.

18. The three types of muscles

19. Muscles and Tendons

Muscles are made of special tissue that can lengthen and
shorten, resulting in movement. Tendons tissues that attach muscles to
 bones. Muscles band together to form muscle groups. Muscle groups
work together to produce movement. Working muscles produce heat.
Muscles also protect underlying structures such as bones, nerves and
blood vessels.
20. Muscle action is controlled by the nervous system. Nerves carry
information from the muscle to the brain. The brain processes this
information and directs muscles to move by way of the nerves. Muscle
actions may be involuntary or voluntary. Involuntary muscles, such as the
heart, diaphragm and intestines are automatically controlled by the brain.
Voluntary muscles, such as the leg and arm muscles are under your
conscious control.

Muscles are divided into three types on the basis of structure and
function.

21. Smooth or Involuntary muscle

Mostly constitute the muscles of the internal organs, it is found
in the walls of the digestive tract, trachea and bronchi, urinary bladder and
blood vessels. Smooth muscles are innervated by nerves of the Automatic
Nervous System.
22. Cardiac Muscles is a highly specialized from of muscle found only in the
heart. Like smooth muscles, cardiac muscles receive innervations from the
Autonomic Nervous System.
23. Skeletal Muscle compress all muscles attached to the skeleton. It also
constitutes the muscle of the tongue, soft plate, scalp, pharynx, upper
esophagus and eyes. Skeletal muscles ae also called voluntary muscles.

The Skin
24. The Integumentary System
25. The human skin is much more than just a pretty wrapping that keeps the
inside of the body from falling out. The skin or integument is in fact a
complex of organ that plays a crucial role in maintaining the constancy of
the internal environment.

25a. Two principal layers of the skin :

• Epidermis is the body’s first line of defense, it itself
composed of several layers. An outermost layer
(stratum corneum ) of hardened , non-living cells,
which continuously shed through a process called
desquamation and three inner layers of living cells
that constantly divide to three.
• Dermis is a tough and highly elastic layer of
connective tissues. It is a complex material
composed chiefly of collagen fibers, elastic fibers
and mucopolysacchiride gel

26. Nervous System

The Brain
27. The human brain is the most important organ in the human body, the organ
ultimately responsible for all vital functions as well as for who we are, what
we do, what we say and what we feel. The brain is also an organ that unlike
skin or bone or other tissues, cannot repair itself.
28. Immediate beneath the scalp is the skull, the head, inflexible box that
enclose the brain. The skull consists of 29 bones which can be categorized
as either cranial bone or facial bone.

The Sutures

The Skull

29. Among the facial bones, the most important to us in case of emergency
include the upper jaw or maxilla, the lower jaw or mandible and the cheek
bone or zygomata. The skull is not completely close. It does have an
opening at the base. The foramen magnum, where the brainstem is
continous with the beginning of the spinal cord.
30. Continuing inward from the skull. We next encounter three layers of fibrous
covering of the brain, known as the meninges.
• Durameter – it is the outermost meningeal layer, which is a
strong fibrous wrapping. It covers the entire brain folding in to
for the tentirium, a structure that separates the cerebral
hemispheres form the cerebellum and brainstem.
• Arachnoid – the second meningeal layer, is a delicate
transparent membrane.
• Pia mater – the third meningeal layer is a thin highly vascular

membrane firmly adherent to the surface of the brain.

The Vertebrae
The vertebrae each consist of a body or solid portion and vertebral arch, which
surrounded the opening (foramen) through which the spinal cord passes. The
vertebrae are separated from one another by intervertebral discs, flexible, elastic
connections of cartilage that cushion the vertebrae and permit degree of motion in
the spine.

The Vertebral Opening

31. The vertebral opening ( formina ) are lined up one on top of another to form a
vertical canal through which the spinal cord passes. Like the brain, the spinal
cord is further protected by three layers of meningeal layers and a CSF shock
absorber. The spinal cord itself consists of numerous nerve tracts connecting
with all other organs in the body.
32. Three of the most important functions of these tracts are :
• The posterior column – it mediate position and vibratory sense.
• The lateral spinothalmic tracts – it mediate pain and temperature
sense
• The corticospinal tract – it control movement
33. Referencing Parts of the Body. The surface of the body has many definite
visible features that serve as guides or landmarks to the structures that lie
beneath them. A standard posture, the anatomical position is always kept in
when using terms of direction and its importance cannot be overemphasized.
 The anatomical plane and The Anatomical position

34. The Planes of the Body. The anatomic planes of the body are imaginary
straight lines that divide the body. These planes help identify the location of
internal structures and understand the relationships between and among the
organs in the abdominal cavity.
35a. Anterior and posterior – refers to the front surface of
the body, the side facing you
35b. Midline – an imaginary vertical line drawn from the
middle of the forehead through the nose and the umbilicus to
the floor called the midline of the body.
35c. Midclavicular line – is an imaginary line drawn vertically
through the middle portion of the clavicle and parallel to the
middle.
35d. Midaxillary line – it is an imaginary vertical line drawn
through the middle of the axilla.
 The abdomen is divided into four Quadrants

35. The Body Regions. The body can first divided in head and neck, trunk and
extremities or limbs. The trunk is the body minus the head, neck and extremities.
The chest is known as the thorax or throracic region, while the portion of the
trunk below it on the front of the body called the abdomen or abdominal region.
The upper back is the portion the back between and just below the shoulder
blades. The lower back is the lumbar region. The front wall of the thorax, made
up of the large chest muscles, breastbone and portions of the ribs, nerves blood
and lymph vessels and connective tissue is called the pectoral region.
The Regions of the Body Anatomic Position

Prone

Supine
 Fowler’s position

Lateral Recumbent

36. Words describing motion of a joint.

37a. Flexion – the act of blending the parts of an extremity or limb.

37b. Extension – the movement that brings the parts of a limb toward
s straight condition.
37c. Abduction – movement towards the midline
37d. Supination – external rotation of the arm so that the palm faces
forward.

37e. Pronation – internal rotation of the arm so that the hand

is forward.