Unit 1: Introduction to the Human Body

Unit 1

Introduction to the Human Body

(2 hours LEC/3 hours LAB)

Introduction

The human body has many intricate parts with coordinated

functions maintained by a complex system of check and balance. This
coordinated function of all the parts of the human body allows us to
detect changes or stimuli, respond to it and perform many other
functions. Learning Human Anatomy and Physiology is fascinating and
as a significant body of knowledge, this is designed to provide and
develop basic understanding of the different anatomical structure and
function. It explains essential processes by which the organ-systems
work to appreciate the body’s normal state. This overview helps you
understand and have a grasp of the next units of this module which is
directed to the different body systems.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit, you are expected to:

a. differentiate and relate Anatomy with Physiology including
their subspecialties;
b. discuss the structural and functional organization of life;
c. explain the characteristics of life;
d. identify the major body system and relate their function;
e. give example of positive from negative feedback
mechanism; and
f. apply anatomical terminologies and the body plain in
recognizing the different body parts.

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Presentation of Contents

Anatomy and Physiology are both medical sciences that are often
taught together. But haven’t you ever wondered what the
relationship between anatomy and physiology actually was?

Anatomy is the science of body structures; it came from the Greek

word “dissection” or to cut apart. Meanwhile, Physiology deals with
the processes or functions of the body. Your study of this two will
make more sense if you continually relate the form of the
structures you are studying to their function. In order to understand
physiology it is necessary to have some knowledge about
anatomy, and it is important to have an equal understanding of
both these subjects and it is very important for both of them to
learn and understand alongside each other.

Anatomy has areas of specialization, so too with Physiology.

Gross anatomy is the study of the larger structures of the body,
those which are seen and observable without magnification, it is
also referred to as macroscopic anatomy. In contrast, micro–
means “small,” and microscopic anatomy is the study of structures
that can be observed only with the use of a microscope or other
magnification devices. Microscopic anatomy includes the study
of cells (cytology) and tissues (histology). As to type, anatomy can
be studied systemic, regional, surface or anatomical imaging.
Imaging techniques contribute to advancement of anatomical
knowledge.

The subspecialties of anatomy and physiology are summarized in

the book of Tortora & Derrikson (2016) Chapter I. Table 01.01. To
supplement your understanding of anatomy and physiology,
complement your readings with VanPutte, Regan & Russo (2019)
Chapetr I p. 2 – 8.

Application: Based from your reading and self –

understanding, answer the following items correctly. Please
specify your references completely.

1. Discuss the importance of studying anatomy and

physiology. Relate it with your daily activities.
2. List 5 subspecialties of anatomy and physiology and
describe each.

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The thin flap of your eyelid can snap down to clear away
dust particles and almost instantly slide back up to allow you to
see again. At the microscopic level, the arrangement and function
of the nerves and muscles that serve the eyelid allow for its quick
action and retreat. At a smaller level of analysis, the function of
these nerves and muscles likewise relies on the interactions of
specific molecules and ions.

Imagine the human body is made up of billions of microscopic

parts, each with its own identity, working together in an organized
manner for the benefit of the total being. Before you begin to study
the different structures and functions of the human body, it is
helpful to consider its basic architecture; that is, how its smallest
parts are assembled into larger structures. It is convenient to
consider the structures of the body in terms of fundamental levels
of organization that increase in complexity. The six distinct levels
from the chemical level (subatomic particles, atoms, molecules),
cellular level (organelles, cells), tissue level, organ level, organ
system level to a unique human organism.

1. Enumerate and discuss the six structural and functional

organization of the human body.
2. List and describe the four tissue types. Give examples.
3. In a table form, classify the organs and the organ system.
Relate each of their function.

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You already have an idea of how an organism is organized

at different levels, and to note further, all living organisms have
certain characteristics that distinguish them from non-living form
which include the basic life processes. Since we humans represents
the most complex form of life, the following are our characteristics,
specifically, organization, metabolism, responsiveness, growth,
development and differentiation as well as reproduction. All of
these are interrelated and none of the body parts works in isolation.
Together, all function in a fine-tuned balance for the wellbeing of the
individual and to maintain life. With this you are made to understand
that the body’s most important is survival. And, survival depends on
the body's maintaining or restoring homeostasis, a condition of
equilibrium (balance) in the body’s internal environment.

Homeostasis is a dynamic state of equilibrium and this is necessary

for normal body functioning and to sustain life. However, this
balance is constantly being disrupted that may come from the
external environment in the form of physical insults; changes in the
internal environment; physiological stress and disruptions. And to
bring the internal environment back to balance, the body has
regulating systems in the form of a negative feedback mechanism
and a positive feedback mechanism. Most negative feedback
mechanisms have three components namely, the receptor, the
control center and an effector.

For this topic read and analyze the figures presented in VanPutte,
Regan & Russo (2019); Marieb E. & Keller (2019) or Rizzo D.
(2016).

1. Distinguish between metabolism, anabolism, and catabolism.

2. Provide at least two examples of human responsiveness and
human movement.
3. Compare and contrast growth, differentiation, and reproduction.
4. Describe the negative and positive feedback mechanism. Give an
example for each.
5. Using a diagram, discuss the three components of a negative
feedback mechanism to maintain homeostasis.

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Scientist & health care professionals use a common

language of special terms when referring to body structures and
their functions. Anatomists use standard anatomical position and
special vocabulary in relating body parts. Special terminology is
used to prevent misunderstanding, to precision and reduce
medical errors. And did you know that anatomical terms were
derived from ancient Greek and Latin words because these
languages are no longer used in everyday conversation and the
meaning of their words no longer change. As beginners and soon
to be part of the allied health workforce you should be familiar
with these terms. The exact terms are used for positions,
directions, regions and structures.

To be precise, you should have a knowledge of the standardize

way in which you can view the body. Just as maps are normally
oriented with north at the top, the standard “body map”, or
anatomical position refers to a person standing upright with the
face directed forward, the upper limbs hanging to the sides, and
the palms of the hands facing forward. Directional terms describe
parts of the body relative to each other and all of these are in
relation to the body in anatomical position.

The human body’s numerous regions also have specific terms to

help increase precision. This describes the major regions that can
be identified externally in the body. The body regions are consists
of their corresponding parts and the specific body parts are
described using anatomical terms.

Moreover, body parts are studied relative to planes which are

indicated by “glass sheets” or imaginary flat surfaces that pass
through the different parts of the body. Sections are exposed
surfaces produces by the body planes. Sectioning of the body is a
way to look inside and observe the body’s structures.

Lastly, some organs or body structures are contained in body

cavities. Body cavities have two essential functions; to protect
organs from accidental shocks and to permit changes in size and
shape of internal organs. In particular, serous membrane is a thin
slippery membrane that covers the viscera (organ) within the
thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

To understand and appreciate anatomical terminologies and the

body plan read VanPutte, Regan & Russo (2019); Marieb E. &
Keller (2019) or Rizzo D. (2016).

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1. Explain the importance of the anatomical position.

2. Define in terms of etymology and location of the following
directional terms. Then give examples of each. Right; Left;
Inferior; Superior; Anterior; Posterior; Dorsal; Ventral;
Proximal; Distal; Lateral; Medial; Superficial; Deep
3. Enumerate the subdivisions of the Head; Trunk; Upper
Limb and Lower Limb. Specify the structures and describe
each using anatomical terminologies.
4. Illustrate and describe the four quadrants and the nine
regions of the abdomen. Discuss the purpose of knowing
these subdivisions.
5. Differentiate the sagittal, transverse, frontal planes of the
body.
6. Describe longitudinal, transverse and oblique and sections
of an organ and identify the following using directional
arrows
7. Describe the different ventral and dorsal body cavities and
specify the organs found within those cavities.
8. Define the mediastinum and the specific organs found
within it.
9. Compare and contrast the visceral and parietal layers of a
serous membrane.
10. Name the serous membranes that line the heart, the lungs
and abdominopelvic organs.

Unit Summary

Here is what you have learned from Introduction to the Human

Body:
1. Anatomy is the science of body structures and Physiology
deals with the processes or functions.
2. The six distinct structural and functional organization of the
human body includes the chemical, cellular, tissue, organ,
organ system and organism.
3. The eleven major systems include the integumentary,
skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular,
lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and the
reproductive system.
4. Humans represents the most complex form of life, the
following are our characteristics, specifically, organization,
metabolism, responsiveness, growth, development and
differentiation as well as reproduction
5. Survival of the body depends on the body's maintaining or
restoring homeostasis.
6. Useful terms for describing body parts and activities include:
Anatomical position, Directional terms; Body Regions, Terms
describing planes of the body and Terms describing body
cavities

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Feedback

Part 1: Test for Critical Thinking. Read and analyze the

problems carefully. From your readings and understanding answer
the questions concisely and in no more than 300 words.
1. A 20 year-old male from Barangay Caritan Sur was visiting
his cousins and friends in Carig, when he became a victim
of a stabbing. This all began when the victim confronted an
old friend about a personal conflict which occurred between
them years ago. What started out as a verbal argument
eventually resulted in physical violence. The victim
sustained a single stab wound to the left chest in the mid
axillary line, just below the level of the nipple. The pointed
weapon passes through the left lung and lodges to the
heart. He was transported to our emergency department of
CVMC. He was noted to be bleeding but eventually
stopped. Though the bleeding stopped, he was observed to
have low blood pressure and an increase heart rate. Upon
blood transfusion his blood pressure increases and his
heart rate lowered.
a. Suggest an explanation for the following observation in
his blood pressure and heart rate during bleeding and
after blood transfusion.
b. In an orderly manner, list the serous membrane and the
body cavities through which the pointed weapon passes
and name the organs which may be affected within
those cavities.
2. You made early morning run as part of your daily routine
exercise during the quarantine period. After your physical
activity you always feel that your heart pounds faster, your
breathing intensifies, you sweat rigorously and you feel
thirsty too. Relate these sensations with the specific
feedback mechanism.
3. Describe which characteristic of life is missing in cancer
cells which are characterized as “generic” cells that perform
no specialized body function.
4. Provide as much directional terms as you can in identifying
the relationship between the following:
a. The forehead and the nape
b. The palm of the hand and the olecranon
c. The kneecap and the heel
d. The clavicle and the spine
5. Specify in which abdominal quadrant and region each of
the following organs is located:
a. pancreas
b. bladder
c. ovaries
d. bile duct

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e. appendix

Part 2: Labelling Exercise. Write your answers legibly.

I. Label appropriately the body landmarks as

indicated.

II. Identify the following directional terms illustrated

below:
11 12 13

14 15 16

III. Label the following: Anatomical planes and section.

17 18 19

IV. Mark the body cavity with the following:

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V. Illustrate the anatomical position and present the

nine abdominal regions. (8 points)

Reflection
1. Discuss your learning in this unit.
2. Describe the particular concept that struck you the most.
3. State the impact of any of the topics to your everyday life.

References:
Textbook/Manual:
1. Tortora & Derrikson (2016). Principles of Anatomy and
Physiology, 15th Edition.
2. VanPutte C., Regan J., Russo A. (2019). Seeley’s
Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology 10th Edition
3. Gunstream S. (2003), Anatomy & Physiology, 3 rd Ed.
McGraw Hill
4. Marieb E. & Keller S., (2019). Essentials of Human Anatomy
& Physiology,12th Ed, Pearson
5. Rizzo D. (2016). Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology, 4 th
Ed. Pearson
6. Hapan M.F., Domingo J., Sadang M.G. (2015). Human
Physiology and Anatomy Laboratory Manual 2nd Edition C&E
Publishing
Online Sources:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-ap1/
https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/