Anatomy and PhysiologyIntroduction

Dr. John M. Bartlett, D.C.Board Eligible Chiropractic Neurologist

Certified Clinical Research Associate

Characteristics of Living

1. Responsiveness – also called irritability1. Simple reflexes – remove hand from hot stove2. Adjustments to environmental changes

1. Adaptability – fur growth in winter, migration, etc.

2. Growth and differentiation1. Grow larger, cells become specialized

3. Reproduction4. Movement5. Metabolism and excretion

• Anatomy – study of internal and external structures and the physical relationships among body parts.

• Physiology – study of how living organisms perform their vital functions.

• All specific functions are performed by specific structures

1. Cytology – analysis of internal structure of individual cells.

2. Histology – examination of tissues3. Gross anatomy – also called macroscopic anatomy.

1. Examination of structures visible to naked eye.2. Surface anatomy – study of general form and

superficial markings3. Regional anatomy – anatomical organization of specifc

areas of the body.4. Systemic anatomy – study of structure of organ

systems.5. Developmental anatomy – study of changes of form

and function from conception to physical maturity.

Homeostasis

• Existence of a stable environment.• Homeostatic regulation – adjustment of

physiological systems to preserve homeostasis.

• Failure of homeostatic regulation leads to illness or death.

Two general mechanisms in homeostasis

1. Autoregulation – the activities of a cell, tissue, organ, or organ system change automatically when faced with environmental regulation.

2. Extrinsic regulation – results from action of nervous system or endocrine system.

1. Exercise = increase heart rate2. Nervous system – crisis management with rapid, short-

term, specific responses.3. Endocrine system – releases chemical messengers

called hormones.1. Response not immediate and effects last days to weeks.

Regulatory mechanism1. Receptor – sensor that is sensitive to a particular

environmental change or stimulus.2. Control center or integration center – receives and

processes information supplied by receptor.3. Effector – cell or organ that responds to commands

of control center

Negative feedback• Effector activated by control center opposes or

eliminates the stimulus.

Positive feedback

• Initial stimulus produces a response that increases or enhances the response.– Not as common– Important for physiological processes that must be

completed quickly.

Anatomical landmarks and directional references

Anatomical position

Supine – lying face up

Prone – lying face down

Abdominopelvic quadrants

Abdominopelvic regions

Planes of body

Directional references

Table 1.1

Body cavities