Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Basic Terms to Know:

1. Anatomy- study of the structure and shape of the body and its parts. Comes from the Greek word anatome- meaning to cut up, or dissect.

2. Physiology-study of how the body and its parts work or function

3. Gross anatomy- large structures, easily observable

4. Microanatomy- very small structures, can only be viewed with a microscope

Amazing Body Facts

Cool Science Facts About the Human Body

Did You Know- Interesting Facts about the Human Body

A Little History:

1. The study of the body dates back to ancient cave drawings.

2. Early civilizations forbade desecration (damage) of the body for religious or cultural purposes.

3. Herophilus, an ancient Greek Philosopher is considered the “Father of Anatomy”. He worked on the bodies of convicted criminals! He was one of the founders of the first medical school at Alexandria, in ancient Egypt.

4. Galen was the official physician for the Gladiators of ancient Rome, and he dissected pigs, and other animals (not humans).

5. Vesalius was a Flemish physician who was the first to be granted approval from the church to dissect the bodies of convicted criminals following their deaths. He is considered the “Modern Father of Anatomy”.

Some “ologies” of Human Anatomy:

1. Histology- study of tissues of the body

2. Neurology- study of the nervous system

3. Cytology- study of cells

4. Gastroenterology- study of the digestive system

5. Cardiology- study of the cardiovascular system

6. Dermatology- study of the skin

Can you think of any other “ologies”?

Organization of the Body:

1. Cell- smallest unit of a living thing

2. Tissue- group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function

3. Organ- groups of tissues that join together to do specific job.

4. Organ System- groups of organs that work together to perform a specific function

5. Organism- an entire living unit

Body Systems

1. Integumentary System:

· The outer covering of the body

· including skin, hair, nails, and various glands

· protects the body

· senses changes outside the body

· helps regulate body temperature

· waterproofs, prevents water loss

2. Skeletal and Muscular Systems:

· made up of bones and ligaments

· supports

· protects

· provides frameworks

· stores inorganic salts

· houses blood-forming tissues

· The muscular system consists of the muscles

· provide body movement, posture, and body heat.

3. Nervous and Endocrine Systems:

· consists of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sense organs

· It integrates information incoming from receptors

· sends impulses to muscles and glands

· integration and coordination

· The endocrine system includes all of the glands that secrete hormones

· Hormones circulate in the body fluids

· Hormones act on specific target cells to help to integrate and control metabolic functions

4. Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, and Respiratory Systems:

· made up of the heart and blood vessels

· distributes oxygen and nutrients throughout the body

· removes wastes from the cells.

· The lymphatic system consists of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, thymus, and spleen

· drains excess tissue fluid

· includes cells of immunity

· respiratory system exchanges gases between the blood and air

· made up of the lungs and air passageways

5. Digestive and Excretory Systems:

· digestive system is made up of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines and accessory organs

· receives, breaks down, and absorbs nutrients

· urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra

· removes wastes from the blood

· helps to maintain water and electrolyte balance.

6.Reproduction:

· The reproductive system produces new organisms.

· The male reproductive system consists of the testes, accessory organs, and vessels that conduct sperm to the penis.

· The female reproductive system consists of ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, and external genitalia

· The female reproductive system also houses the developing offspring

Organ System Rap

Organ Systems

Growing Body Parts