Chapter Synopsis
This chapter presents the definitions and subdivisions of anatomy and physiology and the relationship between structure and function. Students are introduced to the six levels of structural organization that comprise the body (chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, system, and organismic); components and functions of the principal body systems are then discussed. The basic life processes are described with descriptive examples. The concept of homeostasis as an underlying principle in the study of living systems is introduced and the body’s external environment is explained in terms of the dynamics of fluid movement between the extracellular and intracellular compartments. The relative stability of homeostasis is contrasted with pathology, the outcome of homeostatic disruption. Aging and its effects on homeostasis are discussed. The roles of the nervous and endocrine systems in maintaining homeostasis are explained. Feedback systems (loops) are defined, using the regulation of blood pressure as an example of negative feedback and the control of labor contractions as an illustration of positive feedback. Disease is discussed as disruption of homeostasis in varying degrees and symptoms of disease are distinguished from clinical signs. Diagnosis is defined; the importance of a medical history and a physical examination in arriving at a diagnosis is explained. The next section orients the student to the human body through topics such as anatomical position, regional names, directional terms, planes and sections, body cavities, and abdominopelvic regions and quadrants. Autopsy is discussed as a tool for gaining postmortem knowledge not only of cause of death, but also of factors previously affecting the living body. The relationship between medical imaging and the diagnosis of disease is explained by comparing conventional radiography with newer imaging techniques.
INTRODUCTION
1. Introduce the basic topics covered in the chapter.
2. Emphasize homeostasis as a major theme in every chapter of the
book.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY DEFINED
- Define anatomy and physiology and their subdivisions.
- Emphasize the inseparable interrelated nature of anatomy and physiology: a chemical cell, tissue, organ, or system possesses a specific structure to perform a specific function.
LEVELS OF BODY ORGANIZATION
- 6. Define each of the following levels of structural organization that make up the human body: chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, system, and organismic.
- 7. Identify the principal systems of the human body, list representative organsof each system, and describe the functions of each system.
- 8. Discuss how body systems influence one another using the integumentary and skeletal systems as an example.
- 9. Describe three noninvasive techniques to assess certain aspects of body structure and function.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LIVING HUMAN ORGANISM
Basic Life Processes
- 9. Describe the processes that distinguish living organisms from nonliving.
10. Discuss the outcome of failure of the processes to occur properly.
11. Explain the information that can be discovered during an autopsy.
Homeostasis
11. Define homeostasis in terms of a limited range of internal conditions in which cells can operate.
Body Fluids
12. Distinguish between intracellular and extracellular fluids and describe the components of extracellular fluid.
13. Describe changes in the internal environment related to substance movement between interstitial fluid and plasma.
CONTROL OF HOMEOSTASIS
14. Explain the effects of disruptions of body functioning on homeostasis.
15. Describe the general mechanism by which the nervous and endocrine systems keep a specific condition near optimum levels.
Feedback Systems
16. Define the major components of a feedback system and explain their role in homeostasis of a few controlled conditions.
17. Describe the difference in purpose and operation of negative versus positive feedback systems.
Negative Feedback Systems
18. Discuss the components of the negative feedback system.
19. Work through the response of the cardiovascular system when blood pressure increases.
Positive Feedback Systems
20. Work through the sequence of interactions of a positive feedback system with respect to uterine contraction, from original stimulus to delivery of the infant.
Homeostatic Imbalances
21. Explain the relationship between homeostasis and disease.
22. List the general ways to describe a disease.
Aging and Homeostasis
23. Describe changes associated with aging.
24. Explain how the changes associated with aging alter the body’s ability to restore homostasis.
BASIC ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY
Body Positions
25. Describe the anatomical position.
26. Define the terms relating to a reclining body.
Regional Names
27. Compare common and anatomical terms used to describe various regions of the human body.
Directional Terms
28. Define several directional terms used in association with the human body.
Planes and Sections
29. Define several anatomical planes and sections used in association with the human body.
BODY CAVITIES
30. Define body cavity and list the two principal body cavities.
Dorsal Body Cavity
31. Name the subdivisions of the dorsal body cavity and list the organs contained within them.
Ventral Body Cavity
32. Name the subdivisions of the ventral body cavity and list the organs contained within them.
Thoracic and Abdominal Cavity Membranes
33. Note the components of the serous membranes, their function, and how they are named in the body cavities.
Abdominopelvic Regions and Quadrants
34. Point out how the region and quadrant grids are different and how the location of an organ can be described by each system.
MEDICAL IMAGING
36. Describe the principle and important uses of selected medical imaging techniques in the diagnosis of disease.
37. Describe the method capable of showing physiological processes occurring in anatomical structures.
