An introduction to

the human body

BIO10004
1.1 Unit Introduction
1.2 Introduction to Anatomy
1.3 Introduction to Physiology
 An introduction to
the human body
BIO10004
1.1 Unit Introduction
1.2 Introduction to Anatomy
1.3 Introduction to Physiology
Learning objectives

1.1 define anatomy and physiology, and name several branches

of these sciences
1.2 identify the organ systems and major organs of the human
body and describe their locations and functions
1.3 define the important life processes of the human body
Learning objectives

1.4 understand the importance of homeostatic feedback systems

and how imbalances are related to disorders
1.5 describe the human body using the anatomical position and
specific anatomical terminology
1.6 describe the principles and importance of medical imaging
procedures in the evaluation of organ functions and the diagnosis
of disease
1.1 Anatomy and physiology defined

• Anatomy: the science of body structures and the relationships among them.
• Physiology: the science of body functions — how the body parts work.
1.2 Levels of structural organisation
and body systems
Systems of the human body
Systems of the human body (cont.)

Table 1.2 (cont.)

Systems of the human body (cont.)

Table 1.2 (cont.)

Systems of the human body (cont.)

Table 1.2 (cont.)

Systems of the human body (cont.)

Table 1.2 (cont.)

Systems of the human body (cont.)

Table 1.2 (cont.)

End of part 1
Part 2
1.3 Characteristics of the living
human organism
Basic life processes
• All living things have certain characteristics that distinguish them
from nonliving things.
• Life processes in humans include metabolism, responsiveness,
movement, growth, differentiation and reproduction.
1.4 Homeostasis

• Homeostasis: a condition of equilibrium, or balance, in the body’s

internal environment.
• Homeostasis is maintained by regulatory processes.
Homeostasis and body fluids

• The proper functioning of body cells depends on the precise

regulation of the composition of the interstitial fluid surrounding
them.
• Because of this, interstitial fluid is often called the body’s internal
environment.
Control of homeostasis:
feedback system
Control of homeostasis:
negative feedback
Control of homeostasis:
positive feedback
Homeostatic imbalances

• Should one or more components of the body lose their ability to

contribute to homeostasis, the normal balance among all of the
body’s processes may be disturbed.
• If the homeostatic imbalance is moderate, a disorder or disease may
occur; if it is severe, death may result.
End of part 2
An introduction to the human body
BIO10004
WEEK 1
part 3
1.5 Basic anatomical terminology

• Body positions
• Regional names
• Directional terms
• Planes and sections
• Body cavities
Body positions

• Anatomical position is a standardised method of observing or

imaging the body that allows precise and consistent anatomical
reference.
• Person stands erect, facing the observer, the upper extremities are
placed at the sides, the palms of the hands are turned forward and
the feet are flat on the floor.
• If the body is lying facedown, it is in the prone position. If the body is
lying face up, it is in the supine position.
Regional names

• Regional names are names

given to specific regions of the
body for reference.
Directional terms

• Directional terms are used to

precisely locate one part of the
body relative to another.
 Planes and sections
• Planes are imaginary flat
surfaces that are used to divide
the body.
Body cavities

• Body cavities are spaces

within the body that
help protect, separate
and support internal
organs.
 Abdominopelvic regions and quadrants

• The abdominal cavity can be

divided into nine regions or
four quadrants to easily
describe the location of
organs.
End of part 3
An introduction to the human body
BIO10004
WEEK 1
part 4
1.6 Medical imaging

• Medical imaging involves techniques that allow physicians to view

images of the human body.
• This allows physicians to diagnose anatomical and physiological
abnormalities.
Medical imaging procedures
Medical imaging procedures (cont.)

Table 1.3 (cont.)

Medical imaging procedures (cont.)

Table 1.3 (cont.)

Medical imaging procedures (cont.)

Table 1.3 (cont.)

Medical imaging procedures (cont.)

Table 1.3 (cont.)

Medical imaging procedures (cont.)

Table 1.3 (cont.)

Medical imaging procedures (cont.)

Table 1.3 (cont.)

End of part 4 (LAST PART)