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Unit 1 Introduction To The Human Body (2 Hours LEC/3 Hours LAB)

The document provides an introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It discusses the relationship between anatomy and physiology, the levels of structural organization in the human body from chemical to organism, and the basic characteristics of living things. It also describes homeostasis and feedback mechanisms that maintain equilibrium in the body. Finally, it introduces important anatomical terminology for describing body positions, regions, planes, and cavities.

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64 views

Unit 1 Introduction To The Human Body (2 Hours LEC/3 Hours LAB)

The document provides an introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It discusses the relationship between anatomy and physiology, the levels of structural organization in the human body from chemical to organism, and the basic characteristics of living things. It also describes homeostasis and feedback mechanisms that maintain equilibrium in the body. Finally, it introduces important anatomical terminology for describing body positions, regions, planes, and cavities.

Uploaded by

knkjn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit 1: Introduction to the Human Body

Unit 1

Introduction to the Human Body


(2 hours LEC/3 hours LAB)

Introduction

The human body has many intricate parts with coordinated functions
maintained by a complex system of check and balance. This coordinated
function of all the parts of the human body allows us to detect changes or
stimuli, respond to it and perform many other functions. Learning Human
Aanatomy and Physiology is fascinating and as a significant body of
knowledge, this is designed to provide and develop basic understanding of the
different anatomical structure and function. It explains essential processes by
which the organ-systems work to appreciate the body’s normal state. This
overview helps you understand and have a grasp of the next units of this
module which is directed to the different body systems.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit, you are expected to:


a. differentiate and relate Anatomy with Physiology including
their subspecialties;
b. discuss the structural and functional organization of life;
c. explain the characteristics of life;
d. identify the major body system and relate their function;
e. give example of positive from negative feedback mechanism;
and
f. apply anatomical terminologies and the body plain in
recognizing the different body parts.

Presentation of Contents

Anatomy and Physiology are both medical sciences that are often taught
together. But haven’t you ever wondered what the relationship between
anatomy and physiology actually was?

Anatomy is the science of body structures; it came from the Greek word
“dissection” or to cut apart. Meanwhile, Physiology deals with the
processes or functions of the body. Your study of this two will make
more sense if you continually relate the form of the structures you are
studying to their function. In order to understand physiology it is
necessary to have some knowledge about anatomy, and it is important to
have an equal understanding of both these subjects and it is very
important for both of them to learn and understand alongside each other.

Anatomy has areas of specialization, so too with Physiology. Gross


anatomy is the study of the larger structures of the body, those which are
seen and observable without magnification, it is also referred to as

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Unit 1: Introduction to the Human Body

macroscopic anatomy. In contrast, micro– means “small,” and


microscopic anatomy is the study of structures that can be observed only
with the use of a microscope or other magnification devices. Microscopic
anatomy includes the study of cells (cytology) and tissues (histology). As
to type, anatomy can be studied systemic, regional, surface or anatomical
imaging. Imaging techniques contribute to advancement of anatomical
knowledge.

The subspecialties of anatomy and physiology are summarized in the


book of Tortora & Derrikson (2016) Chapter I. Table 01.01. To
supplement your understanding of anatomy and physiology, complement
your readings with VanPutte, Regan & Russo (2019) Chapetr I p. 2 – 8.

The thin flap of your eyelid can snap down to clear away dust
particles and almost instantly slide back up to allow you to see again. At
the microscopic level, the arrangement and function of the nerves and
muscles that serve the eyelid allow for its quick action and retreat. At a
smaller level of analysis, the function of these nerves and muscles
likewise relies on the interactions of specific molecules and ions.

Imagine the human body is made up of billions of microscopic parts,


each with its own identity, working together in an organized manner for
the benefit of the total being. Before you begin to study the different
structures and functions of the human body, it is helpful to consider its
basic architecture; that is, how its smallest parts are assembled into larger
structures. It is convenient to consider the structures of the body in terms
of fundamental levels of organization that increase in complexity. The six
distinct levels from the chemical level (subatomic particles, atoms,
molecules), cellular level (organelles, cells), tissue level, organ level,
organ system level to a unique human organism.

You already have an idea of how an organism is organized at


different levels, and to note further, all living organisms have certain
characteristics that distinguish them from non-living form which include
the basic life processes. Since we humans represents the most complex
form of life, the following are our characteristics, specifically,
organization, metabolism, responsiveness, growth, development and
differentiation as well as reproduction. All of these are interrelated and
none of the body parts works in isolation. Together, all function in a fine-
tuned balance for the wellbeing of the individual and to maintain life. With
this you are made to understand that the body’s most important is survival.
And, survival depends on the body's maintaining or restoring homeostasis,
a condition of equilibrium (balance) in the body’s internal environment.

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Unit 1: Introduction to the Human Body

Homeostasis is a dynamic state of equilibrium and this is necessary for


normal body functioning and to sustain life. However, this balance is
constantly being disrupted that may come from the external environment in
the form of physical insults; changes in the internal environment;
physiological stress and disruptions. And to bring the internal environment
back to balance, the body has regulating systems in the form of a negative
feedback mechanism and a positive feedback mechanism. Most negative
feedback mechanisms have three components namely, the receptor, the
control center and an effector.

For this topic read and analyze the figures presented in VanPutte, Regan &
Russo (2019); Marieb E. & Keller (2019) or Rizzo D. (2016).

Scientist & health care professionals use a common language


of special terms when referring to body structures and their functions.
Anatomists use standard anatomical position and special vocabulary in
relating body parts. Special terminology is used to prevent
misunderstanding, to precision and reduce medical errors. And did you
know that anatomical terms were derived from ancient Greek and Latin
words because these languages are no longer used in everyday
conversation and the meaning of their words no longer change. As
beginners and soon to be part of the allied health workforce you should
be familiar with these terms. The exact terms are used for positions,
directions, regions and structures.

To be precise, you should have a knowledge of the standardize way in


which you can view the body. Just as maps are normally oriented with
north at the top, the standard “body map”, or anatomical position refers
to a person standing upright with the face directed forward, the upper
limbs hanging to the sides, and the palms of the hands facing forward.
Directional terms describe parts of the body relative to each other and all
of these are in relation to the body in anatomical position.

The human body’s numerous regions also have specific terms to help
increase precision. This describes the major regions that can be
identified externally in the body. The body regions are consists of their
corresponding parts and the specific body parts are described using
anatomical terms.

Moreover, body parts are studied relative to planes which are indicated
by “glass sheets” or imaginary flat surfaces that pass through the
different parts of the body. Sections are exposed surfaces produces by
the body planes. Sectioning of the body is a way to look inside and
observe the body’s structures.

Lastly, some organs or body structures are contained in body cavities.


Body cavities have two essential functions; to protect organs from

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Unit 1: Introduction to the Human Body

accidental shocks and to permit changes in size and shape of internal


organs. In particular, serous membrane is a thin slippery membrane that
covers the viscera (organ) within the thoracic and abdominopelvic
cavities.

To understand and appreciate anatomical terminologies and the body


plan read VanPutte, Regan & Russo (2019); Marieb E. & Keller (2019)
or Rizzo D. (2016).

Unit Summary

Here is what you have learned from Introduction to the Human Body:
1. Anatomy is the science of body structures and Physiology deals
with the processes or functions.
2. The six distinct structural and functional organization of the human
body includes the chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system
and organism.
3. The eleven major systems include the integumentary, skeletal,
muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic,
respiratory, digestive, urinary, and the reproductive system.
4. Humans represents the most complex form of life, the following
are our characteristics, specifically, organization, metabolism,
responsiveness, growth, development and differentiation as well as
reproduction
5. Survival of the body depends on the body's maintaining or
restoring homeostasis.
6. Useful terms for describing body parts and activities include:
Anatomical position, Directional terms; Body Regions, Terms
describing planes of the body and Terms describing body cavities

References:
Textbook/Manual:
1. Tortora & Derrikson (2016). Principles of Anatomy and
Physiology, 15th Edition.
2. VanPutte C., Regan J., Russo A. (2019). Seeley’s Essentials of
Anatomy and Physiology 10th Edition
3. Gunstream S. (2003), Anatomy & Physiology, 3rd Ed. McGraw
Hill
4. Marieb E. & Keller S., (2019). Essentials of Human Anatomy &
Physiology,12th Ed, Pearson
5. Rizzo D. (2016). Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology, 4th Ed.
Pearson
6. Hapan M.F., Domingo J., Sadang M.G. (2015). Human
Physiology and Anatomy Laboratory Manual 2nd Edition C&E
Publishing
Online Sources:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-ap1/
https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/

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