Anatomy and Physiology

This section introduces the language of body systems. It starts with a brief
introduction to terms used to describe the anatomy and physiology of the human body
on the level of the cell, body cavities, body systems, and the whole organism. It then
explores the human skeleton and muscles. Opportunities to build language skills
include labeling, explaining, telling, and describing.
Reading Selection 2-1
Read the following in its entirety. Many words may be new to you. The exercises that
follow will help teach their meaning.
ORGANIZATION OF THE BODY
The body is organized into cells, tissues, organs, and systems. A cell is an aggregate
(a collection) of protoplasm: organic material and fluid. It contains a nucleus or nuclear
material. A cell is the smallest unit of life for all plants and animals. Groups, or aggregates, of
similar cells acting together to perform specific functions make up tissues. Primary tissues in
the body are the epithelial, connective, skeletal, muscular, and nervous tissues. Organs are
parts of the body that have specific functions. They are made up of specific types of tissues.
Some organs like the lungs and kidneys are in pairs, but for the most part, organs are single
entities. They are organized into body systems. Some examples of organ systems are the
cardiovascular system, the musculoskeletal system, and the digestive system.
READING EXERCISES
The following exercises will help you understand the general meaning of what you have just
read as well as build vocabulary.
Understanding the General Meaning
Read the text again. Think about it. Do you understand it? What is the general meaning of the
text? What is its focus?

Building Vocabulary
Take a moment now to review what you have just read. Have you noticed a lot of scientific or
technical language? Write those words down here and then proceed through the exercises to
discover their meaning. If you do not find all of the words that challenge you in the exercises,
please refer to your dictionary before beginning the next section
Determining Meaning from Context. Discover all you can about these words by
looking at them in context. Choose the correct meaning. Finally, take a look at how these
words or terms expand in English—for example, how a noun like function can be expanded
to an adjective—functional, to another noun—functionary, to a verb—function, and still yet
to another adjective—dysfunctional (by adding the prefix dys [not])
1. Cavities (noun, plural)
In context:
a) I have to go to the dentist. I have a couple of cavities in my teeth.
b) The intestines are located in the abdominal cavity.
Meaning: The word cavity can best be described as meaning
a) painful b) old c) rotten d) a hollow space
Word expansion:
a) The abdominal cavity is also known as the cavum abdominis (noun).
b) The process of forming a cavity is known as cavitation. (noun)
c) The structure started to cave in. (verb, infinitive)

2. Functions (noun, plural)

In context:
a) How many functions does your computer keyboard have?
b) My function as a nurse is to care for people and help them achieve a positive
state of well-being.
Meaning: Function can best be described as meaning
a) job or responsibility; duty or performance
b) utilization
c) mechanical technique
d) useful
Word expansion:
a) Replacing the patient’s right hip has returned her ability to function
independently. (verb, infinitive)
b) I’m sorry. I’m not functioning very well today. I have not had enough sleep
this week. (verb, present continuous)
c) Dr. Anderson is the functionary here. He is the Chief Executive Officer of the
hospital: an official. (noun)
d) This equipment is dysfunctional. Please have it repaired. (adjective)
3. Primary (adjective)
In context:
a) The primary focus of care for a fractured bone is to set it.
b) Primary care requires the nurse to take direct responsibility for all care for
each assigned patient only.
Meaning: The word primary can best be described as
a) first in time or order
b) last in time or order
c) not very important
Word expansion:
a) The treatment team is primarily concerned with the patient’s emotional health
rather than physical health. (adverb)
b) Primary care occurs when the patient makes his or her first contact with the
health-care system. (adjective)
c) A primary hemorrhage occurs at the time of the injury. (adjective)
d) People are said to be in their prime at their period of greatest health and
strength. (noun)

4. Epithelial (adjective)
In context:
a) The epithelium is made up of epithelial cells.
b) Epithelial cells are irregular in shape and have a single nucleus.
Meaning: The word epithelial can best be described as
a) a Latin term for skin
b) a description of the makeup of epithelium
c) carcinoma
d) none of the above
Word expansion:
a) Epithelial tissue forms the outer surface of the body and lines the body
cavities, tubes, and passageways that lead to the exterior of the body.
(adjective)
b) A malignant tumor consisting of epithelial cells is known as an epithelioma.
(noun)
c) The skin is composed of a layer of epithelial cells called epithelium. (noun)
 5. Connective (adjective)
In context:
a) Things that connect or bind together and provide support are connective.
b) Connective tissues are the most abundant of all tissue types in the body.
Meaning: The description of connective can best be explained as meaning
a) joining or associating
b) being similar and matching
c) passing an electrical impulse or wave
d) all of the above
Word expansion:
a) Connective tissue consists of just a relatively few cells, but it contains a
great deal of intracellular substance. (adjective)

Mix and Match. To test your knowledge of English, see if you can draw meaning
from the examples provided in this exercise. Use the following three mix-and-match
exercises in Boxes 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 to help you. Work with a partner, if you like.