ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

(PGY)
COURSE CODE: RM 112
TERMINOLOGY AND TERMS
RELATED TO
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Mr. Chisenga
INTRODUCTION
• Anatomy and Physiology equips the student
with knowledge about the structure and
function of the human body as the core area of
nursing care.
• The course has a cross cutting application to
other courses like Medicine and medical
nursing, Surgery and surgical nursing ,
Microbiology, Pharmacology as well as
Psychology
INTRODUCTION
• Anatomy and Physiology starts by defining the
common terminologies used to describe parts,
positions and systems of the human body.
• It continues looking at the structure and
function of the body systems.
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
• At the end of the lecture/discussion, students
should have knowledge on some of the
common anatomical prefixes, suffixes and
roots
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lecture, students should be able
to;
• State common prefixes, suffixes and roots
used in anatomy and physiology
• Define the key terms used in anatomy and
physiology
• Describe the organization of the human body
ANATOMICAL PREFIXES AND
SUFFIXES
• Prefixes are most frequently used elements in
the formation of Greek and Latin words
• They consist of one or more syllables
(prepositions or adverbs) placed before words
to show various kinds of relationships
• They are never used independently but when
added will form verb, adjective or noun.
• A prefix is a word element beginning various
words:
• It is a linguistic element that is not an
independent word, but is attached to the
beginning of a word to modify its meaning.
For example, "un-" is a prefix meaning "not."
• To facilitate this, the common parts of such
terms will be outlined;
• prefixes (beginnings),
• suffixes (endings)
• Meanings are also given, along with some
examples of their uses
PREFIX/SUFFIX/ROOT TO DO WITH EXAMPLES IN THE TEXT

A-/an Lack of Anuria, anaemia, agranulocyte,

asystole

-aemia Of the blood anaemia, hypoxaemia, uraemia,

hypovolaemia

angio- vessel angiotensin, haemangioma

anti- against antidiuretic, anticoagulant, antigen,

antimicrobial

-blast germ, bud reticuloblast, osteoblast

brady- slow bradycardia

card- heart cardiac, myocardium, tachycardia

Prefix/suffix/root To do with Examples in text

cyto-/-cyte Cell erythrocyte, cytosol, cytoplasm, cytotoxic

dys- difficult dysuria, dyspnoea, dysmenorrhoea,

dysplasia

-ema swelling Oedema, emphysema, lymphoedema

exo- outside exocytosis, exophthalmos

extra- outside extracellular, extrapyramidal

-fferent carry afferent, efferent

hypo- below/under hypoglycaemia, hypotension,

hypovolaemia
PREFIX TO DO WITH EXAMPLE IN THE TEXT
/SUFFIX/ROOT
intra- within intracellular, intracranial, intraocular

-itis inflammation appendicitis, hepatitis, cystitis, gastritis

lyso-/-lysis breaking down lysosome, glycolysis, lysozyme

-mega- large megaloblast, acromegaly, splenomegaly,

hepatomegaly

micro small microbe, microtubules, microvilli

myo- muscle myocardium, myoglobin, myopathy,

myosin

neo- new neoplasm, gluconeogenesis, neonate

PREFIX/SUFFIX/ROOT TO DO WITH EXAMPLE IN THE
TEXT
neuro- nerve neurone, neuralgia,
neuropathy

-oid resembling myeloid, sesamoid,

sigmoid

-ophth- eye xerophthalmia,

ophthalmic, exophthalmos

osteo- bone osteocyte, osteoarthritis,

osteoporosis

poly- many polypeptide, polyuria.

polycythaemia

sub- under subphrenic, subarachnoid,

sublingual

-rrhoea discharge dysmenorrhoea, diarrhoea,

rhinorrhoea
 DEFINITION OF TERMS
• Anatomy is the study of the structure of body parts
and their relationships to one another.
• It can be divided into Gross anatomy which is the
study of body structures visible to the naked eye
(without a microscope) and Microscopic anatomy
which is the study of body parts by the use of a
microscope
Forms of Gross Anatomy
• Surface anatomy- study of superficial markings
• Regional anatomy- study of specific area
• Systemic anatomy- study of system
• Developmental anatomy- study of changes from
conception to physical maturity
Microscopic Anatomy
• Microscopic anatomy includes two major
subdivisions
– Cytology: study and analysis of the internal
structures of cells
– Histology: study and examination of tissues
(groups of specialized cells that work
together to perform a specific function).
Physiology
• This is a science that describes the functions of
cells, tissues and organs of the living organisms
• It considers the operation of specific organ
systems and focuses on the functions of the
body e.g.
– Renal – kidney function
– Neurophysiology – workings of the nervous
system
– Cardiovascular – operation of the heart and
blood vessels
• Anatomy and Physiology therefore, refers to
the branch of science that deals with parts of
the body and how these parts function
ANATOMICAL POSITION
• This is a specific body position in which an
individual stands upright with the feet parallel
and flat on the floor.
• The head is level, and the eyes look forward
towards the observer.
• The arms are at either side of the body with the
palms facing forward and the thumbs pointing
away from the body.
Body erect

Feet slightly apart

Palms facing forward

Thumbs point away

from body

ANATOMICAL
POSITION
Anatomical Position
 DIRECTIONAL TERMS OF THE BODY

• Directional terms are precise and brief, and for

most of them there is a correlative term that
means just the opposite.
SUPERIOR
• Toward the head, or the upper part of a
structure. The heart is superior to the liver.
INFERIOR
• Away from the head, or the lower part of a
structure. The stomach is inferior to the lungs.
ANTERIOR
Nearer to or at the front of the body. The sternum
is anterior to the heart.
POSTERIOR
Nearer to or at the back of the body. The
esophagus is posterior to the trachea.
MEDIAL
Nearer to the midline.† The ulna is medial to the
radius.
LATERAL
Farther from the midline. The lungs are lateral to
the heart.
INTERMEDIATE
Between two structures. The transverse colon is
intermediate between the ascending and
descending colons.
PROXIMAL
Nearer to the attachment of a limb to the trunk;
The humerus is proximal to the radius.
DISTAL
Farther from the attachment of a limb to the trunk;
The phalanges are distal to the carpals from the
origination of a structure.
 …
SUPERFICIAL
• Toward or on the surface of the body. The ribs
are superficial to the lungs.
DEEP
• Away from the body surface, more internal.
The lungs are deep to the skin
ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY

• A plane is an imaginary surface that slices the

body into specific sections.
• The three major anatomic planes of reference
are the coronal, transverse, and sagittal
planes.
A coronal plane,
also called a
frontal plane, is a
vertical plane that
divides the body
into anterior (front)
and posterior
(back) parts
A transverse plane,
also called a cross-
sectional plane or
horizontal plane,
cuts perpendicularly
along the long axis
of the body or organ
separating it into
both superior
(upper) and inferior
(lower) parts.
A sagittal plane or
median plane,
extends through
the body or organ
vertically and
divides the
structure into right
and left halves
BODY REGIONS
• The human body is partitioned into two main
regions, called the axial and appendicular
regions.
– The axial region includes the head, neck, and
trunk which comprise the main vertical axis
of our body
– The limbs, or appendages, attach to the
body’s axis and make up the appendicular
region
 ANATOMICAL LOCATIONS
• Abdominal: abdominal region
• Acromial: the point of the shoulder
• Antebrachial: forearm
• Antecubital: anterior surface of the elbow
• Axillary: armpit
• Brachial: upper arm
• Buccal: cheek of the face
• Calcaneal: heel of the foot
• Carpal: wrist
• Cephalic: head
• Cervical: neck
• Deltoid: round part of the shoulder
• Digital: fingers and toes
• Dorsum: back
• Femoral: thigh
• Frontal: forehead
• Gluteal: buttocks
• Hallux: big toe
• Inguinal: groin
• Lumbar: lower back
• Mammary: breast
• Mental: chin
• Nasal: Nose
• Occipital: base of the skull
• Olecranal: elbow
• Oral: mouth
• Orbital: bony eye socket
• Otic: ear
• Palmar: palm of hand
• Patellar: Kneecap
• Pedal: Foot
• Pelvic: pelvis region
• Perineal: area between anus and external
genitals
• Plantar: sole of foot
• Pollex: thumb
• Popliteal: behind the knee
• Pubic: genital region
• Sacral: lower back between the hips
• Scapular: shoulder blade
• Tarsal: ankle
• Thoracic: chest
• Vertebral: spine
BODY CAVITIES
• The body cavities house and protect the
internal organs.
• The two main body cavities are: ventral and
dorsal.
THE VENTRAL (ANTERIOR) BODY
CAVITY
• The ventral (anterior) body cavity is located in
the front aspect of the body and divided into:
(A)THORACIC CAVITY (upper cavity). it is
composed of:
1. Pericardial Cavity: contains the heart. it is
lined by the pericardium (serous membrane).
2.Pleural Cavities (2): contain the lungs. They
are lined by the pleura (serous membrane).
3.The Mediastinum: region or space between
the lungs, the thoracic inlet, and the
diaphragm.
• It contains the esophagus, trachea, primary
bronchi, thymus gland, heart (pericardial
cavity), large blood vessels and lymphatic
vessels.
(B) ABDOMINOPELVIC CAVITY (LOWER
VENTRAL CAVITY).
• It is lined by a serous membrane called the
peritoneum. It is subdivided into two portions:
1. The Abdominal Cavity: It is separated from
the thoracic cavity by the diaphragm muscle.
• It contains stomach, spleen, liver, gallbladder,
pancreas, most of the small intestine, most of the
large intestine, kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters,
and many major blood vessels.
Contents Of The Abdominal Cavity
`
The abdomino-
pelvic cavity is
partitioned into 9
smaller, imaginary
compartments.
2.The Pelvic Cavity:
• Contains urinary bladder, the remainder of the
small and large intestines, remainder of the
ureters, vermiform appendix, and internal portions
of the reproductive organs of the male and
female;
• Male reproductive organs (seminal vesicles,
prostate) and
• Female reproductive organs (ovaries, fallopian
tubes, uterus, cervix, upper vagina).
THE DORSAL (POSTERIOR CAVITY)

• The dorsal (posterior) body cavity: is located

near the back of the body. it is divided into
two cavities:
• Cranial Cavity: formed by the cranial bones;
it houses the brain.
• Vertebral (Spinal) Cavity: formed by
vertebrae of the backbone, it contains spinal
cord, and roots of spinal nerves
 ORGANISATION OF THE BODY
• The human body is organized into structural
and functional levels of increasing complexity.
• Each higher level incorporates the structures
and functions of the previous level.
• The simplest level is the chemical level, and
proceed to cells, tissues, organs, and organ
systems.
 ORGANISATION OF THE BODY

• The simplest level of organization within the

body is the chemical level, which is composed
of atoms and molecules.
– Atoms are the smallest units of matter.
• MOLECULES
– Two or more atoms combine to form a
molecule, such as a protein, a water
molecule, or a vitamin.
CELLS
• Large molecules join in specific ways to form
cells, the basic units of structure and function
in organisms.
• The cell is the smallest structural unit that
exhibits the characteristics of living things
(organisms), and it is the smallest living
portion of the human body.
TISSUES
• Groups of similar cells with a common function
form tissue.
• Tissues are precise organizations of similar cells
that perform specialized functions
ORGANS
• Different tissue types that work together to
perform specific, complex functions form an organ
 ..
ORGAN SYSTEMS
• The organ system level consists of related
organs that work together to coordinate
activities and achieve a common function.
• There are 11 organ systems in the human
body.
ORGANISM
– All body systems function interdependently in
a single living human being, the organism.
SYSTEM LEVEL
The Integumentary System
Major Organs
• Skin
• Hair
• Sweat glands
• Nails
Function
• Protects against environmental hazards
• Helps regulate body temperature
• Provides sensory information
 The Digestive System
Major organs
• Teeth
• Tongue
• Pharynx
• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small intestines
• Liver
• Gall bladder
• Pancreas
Functions
• Delivers air to alveoli (sites in lungs where gas
exchange occurs)
• Provides oxygen to bloodstream
• Removes carbon dioxide from bloodstream
• Produces sounds for communication
The Digestive System
 The Urinary System
Major Organs
• Kidneys
• Ureters
• Urinary bladder
• Urethra
Functions
• Excretes waste products from the bladder
• Controls water balance by regulating volume of
urine produced
• Stores urine prior to voluntary elimination
• Regulates blood ion concentrations and pH
The Urinary System
 The Respiratory System
Major Organs
• Nasal cavities
• Sinuses
• Larynx
• Trachea
• Bronchi
• Lungs
• Alveoli
Functions

• Delivers air to alveoli (sites in lungs where

gaseous exchange occurs)
• Provides oxygen to bloodstream
• Removes carbon dioxide from bloodstream
• Produces sound for communication)
The Respiratory System
The Cardio vascular System

Major Organs
• Heart
• Blood
• Blood vessels
Functions
• Distributes blood cells, water, and dissolved
materials, including nutrients, waste products,
oxygen and carbon dioxide
• Distributes heat and assists in control of body
temperature
The Cardiovascular System
The Nervous System

Major Organs
• Brain
• Spinal cord
• Peripheral nerves
• Sense organs
Functions
• Directs immediate response to stimuli
• Coordinates or moderates activities of other organ
systems
• Provides and interprets sensory information about
external conditions
Diagram of a Nerve Cell
The Endocrine System

• Major Organs
• Pituitary gland
• Thyroid gland
• Adrenal glands
• Gonads (testes
and ovaries
• Endocrine tissues
in other systems
Functions
• Directs long term changes in the activities of
other organs of other organ systems
• Adjusts metabolic activity and energy use by
the body
• Controls many structural and functional
changes during development
The Skeletal System

Major organs
• Bones
• Cartilages
• Associated ligaments
• Bone marrow
Functions
• Provides support and protection for other tissues
• Stores calcium and other minerals
• Forms blood cells
 The Muscular System

Major Organs
• Skeletal muscles and associated tendons and
aponeuroses (tendinous sheets)
Functions
• Provides movement
• Provides protection and support to other tissues
• Generates heat that maintains body temperature
The Lymphatic System

Major Organs
• Spleen
• Thymus
• Lymphatic vessels
• Lymph nodes
• Tonsils
Functions
• Defends against infection and disease
• Returns tissue fluid to the blood stream
The Female Reproductive System
Major Organs
• Ovaries
• Uterus
• Vagina
• Labia
• Clitoris
• Mammary glands
Functions
• Produces female sex cells (oocytes) and hormones
• Supports developing embryo from conception to delivery
• Provides milk to nourish newborn infant
The Male Reproductive System
Major organs
• Testes
• Epididymis
• Ductus deferens
• Seminal vesicles
• Prostate gland
• Penis
• Scrotum
Functions
• Produces male sex cells (sperms) and hormones
WE END
HERE