ANATOMY – is the scientific discipline that investigates the structure of the body.

- Means to dissect, or cut apart and separate the parts of the body for study.

Two basic approaches to the study of anatomy:

Systemic Anatomy – study of the body by system, such as the cardiovascular, nervous, skeletal, and
muscular systems.

Regional Anatomy – study of organization of the body by areas. Within each region, such as the head,
abdomen, or arm, all systems are studied simultaneously.

Anatomists have 2 general ways to examine the internal structures of a living person:

Surface Anatomy – study of external features, such as bony projections, which serve as landmarks for
locating deeper structures.

Anatomical Imaging – involves the uses of x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance (MRI) , and other
technologies to create pictures of internal structures, such as when determining if a bone is broken or a
ligament is torn.

PHYSIOLOGY – scientific discipline that deals with the process of functions of living things.

Human Physiology – is the study of a specific organism, the human, whereas cellular physiology and
systemic physiology are subdivisions that emphasize specific organizational levels.

STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION OF THE HUMAN BODY

- The body can be studied at six (6) structural levels; CHEMICAL, CELL, TISSUE, ORGAN, ORGAN
SYSTEM, AND ORGANISM.

Chemical Level

- Involves how atoms, such as hydrogen and carbon, interact and combine into molecules.
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Cell Level

- Are the basis of organisms, such as plants and animals. Molecules can combine to form
organelles, which are the small structures that make up cells.

Tissue Level

- Is a group of similar cells and the materials surrounding them. The characteristics of the cells
surrounding materials determine the functions of the tissue. The many tissues that make up
body are classified into 4 primary types: EPITHELIAL, CONNECTIVE, MUSCLE, AND NERVOUS.

Organ Level

- Is composed of two or more tissue types that together perform one or more common functions.
Organ System Level

- A group of organ classified as a unit because of a common function or set of functions.