Introduction & Definitions of Anatomy

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 Definitions :
These two are intimately linked –
structures designed for
particular functions.
Physiology:
The branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.
OR
The way in which a living organism or bodily part functions.
Anatomy:
The branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living
organisms, especially as revealed by dissection and the separation of parts.
OR
A study of the structure or internal workings of something.
Anatomy desciplines
~Kinds:
◦ Gross Anatomy
◦ Microscopic Anatomy
◦ Developmental Anatomy
◦ Comparative Anatomy
◦ Surface Anatomy
◦ Applied Anatomy
◦ Genetics
 Disciplines of anatomy
Gross (macroscopic) anatomy:
The study of structures large enough to be seen with the naked eye

Regional anatomy:
The body is studied in parts.
◦ E.G., Upper limb, lower limb, head, neck, brain, muscles, blood vessels, etc.

Or
All the body structures (muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves, etc.)
In a given body region , such as the abdomen or leg, are examined at the same time.
Systemic anatomy:
The body is studied in systems.
Such as : Digestive, nervous, endocrine, etc.

Example: when studying the cardiovascular system, you would examine the heart and the blood
vessels of the entire body
Microscopic anatomy:
Definition: The study of structures that are too small to be seen with the naked
eye
Kinds:
Cytology:
○ The study of individual cells
Histology:
○ The study of tissues
Organology:
○ The study of organs
Developmental anatomy
Definition:
The study of anatomical changes in a life cycle.
Kinds:
Embryology:
○ The study of prenatal development or it concerns with developmental changes that occur
before birth.
Postnatal development:
○ The study of structures after birth.
Ontogeny:
o Total development of an individual or developmental history.
Comparative anatomy:
Definition:
Comparison of structures between organisms
Kinds:
Vertebrate:
○ Comparison of structures among the vertebrate classes
Phylogeny:
○ The study of phyla, and their relationships or The evolutionary history.
Surface anatomy / Topographic anatomy:
 Internal body structures as they relate to the overlying skin.
Applied anatomy/ clinical anatomy:
Deals with the application of the anatomical knowledge to the medical and surgical
practice.
Genetics:
Deals with the study of information present in the chromosome.
Specialized branches of anatomy
Pathological anatomy:
Study of structural changes associated with disease
Radiographic anatomy:
Study of internal structures using specialized visualization techniques (x-rays or
special scanning devices)
The Chemistry of Life:

The Human Body

 Organization of the Human Body
Chemicals: combine to form cell

Cell: similar cells combine to form tissues

Tissues : two or more tissues combine to form an organ

Organ : two or more organ work together as an system

Organ system : all organ system work together to support the organism

Organism :a system or organization consisting of interdependent parts, compared to a living being.

Chemicals
Simplest chemical is an element, 20 are found in the human body.
Each element is composed of unique atoms.
Atoms combine to form molecules and compounds:
Inorganic
Organic
Molecules & compounds combine to form macromolecules.
 Most important element in human body
Oxygen (65%) and hydrogen (10%), in water
Carbon (18%) is synonymous with life.
Nitrogen (3%) is found in many organic molecules.
Calcium (1.5%) is the most common mineral in the human body — nearly all of it found in bones and teeth.
Phosphorus (1%) is found predominantly in bone but also in the molecule ATP.
Potassium (0.25%) is an important electrolyte (meaning it carries a charge in solution). It helps regulate the
heartbeat.
Sulfur (0.25%) is found in two amino acids that are important for giving proteins their shape.
Sodium (0.15%) is another electrolyte that is vital for electrical signaling in nerves. It also regulates the
amount of water in the body.
 Most important element in human body

Chlorine (0.15%) This electrolyte is important for maintaining a normal balance of fluids.
Magnesium (0.05%) plays an important role in the structure of the skeleton and muscles.
Iron (0.006%) It is found in hemoglobin, which is the oxygen carrier in red blood cells.
Fluorine (0.0037%) is found in teeth and bones.
Zinc (0.0032%) Several proteins contain structures called "zinc fingers" help to regulate genes.
Zinc deficiency has been known to lead to dwarfism in developing countries.
Copper (0.0001%) is important as an electron donor in various biological reactions. Without
enough copper, iron won't work properly in the body.
 Most important element in human body
Iodine (0.000016%) is required for making of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolic rate
and other functions
Selenium (0.000019%) is essential for certain enzymes, including several anti-oxidants.
Chromium (0.0000024%) helps regulate sugar levels by interacting with insulin.
Manganese (0.000017%) is essential for certain enzymes, in particular those that protect
mitochondria from dangerous oxidants.
Molybdenum (0.000013%) is essential to virtually all life forms. In humans, it is important for
transforming sulfur into a usable form. In nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Cobalt (0.0000021%) is contained in vitamin B12, which is important in protein formation and
DNA regulation.
Cells
Smallest living structural and functional units.
Composed of organic macromolecules.

The smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, which is typically microscopic and
consists of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane.
Tissues
Groups of cells with similar structure and function.
4 basic groups:

◦ Epithelial tissue
◦ Connective tissue
◦ Muscle tissue
◦ Nerve tissue
Organs
Two or more tissues that combine to form a structure that performs a particular function.
Part of a living thing, distinct from the other parts, that is adapted for a specific function. 
Organs are made up of tissues and are grouped into systems, such as the digestive system.
Examples -
◦ Heart
◦ Lungs
◦ ????
Organ System
Group of organs that all contribute to a certain body function.
◦ Cardiovascular system
◦ ?????

11 organ systems
Organ System
Integumentary system: skin; protects us from chemicals, sun, and pathogens.
Skeletal system: bones and ligaments; protects internal organs, provides framework for
muscles, supports the body.
Muscular system: muscles and tendons; moves the skeleton, produces heat, moves blood and
food.
Nervous system: brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, sensory organs; collects and interprets
sensory information, regulates body functions.
Endocrine system: glands, produce hormones that regulate body functions.
Organ System
Circulatory system: heart, blood vessels and blood; transports oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
Lymphatic system: lymph glands and vessels; destroys pathogens and returns tissue fluid to
circulatory system.
Respiratory system: lungs, trachea, etc.; exchanges O2 and CO2 between the body and the
atmosphere.
Digestive system: stomach, intestines, liver, etc.; breaks down food into nutrients and absorbs
them into the blood stream.
Urinary System: kidneys, urinary bladder, urethra; removes waste products from the blood.
Reproductive system: ovaries, testes, uterus, prostate gland; produces eggs or sperm, female
provides site for developing offspring.
Metabolism
Sum of all chemical reactions and processes in the body.
◦ Anabolism –
◦ Catabolism –

Causes changes internally and externally.

Ex. Digestion can cause an increase in blood glucose, etc.
Homeostasis
A state of relative stability within the body despite changes in the external and internal
environment.
Maintenance Mechanisms:
◦ Negative feedback – temperature regulation.
◦ Positive feedback – fever, blood clotting.