Chapter 1: Introduction to the

Human Body

• Anatomy- to “dissect” for study – Structure w/function/organization/development

– Surface anat/anatomical imaging: diagnose disease

• X-ray, MRI

Human spinal cord dissection

by first-year medical student.

• Physiology- processes

– Response to stimulus = homeostasis (balance)

Hemoglobin Gaseous Exchange

• Structural & Functional Organization

– Chemical makeup - determines characteristics

– Cell - basic life unit

– Tissue - cells w/similar structure/function

• epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous

– Organ - 2 or > tissues (skin)

– Organ System (11)- organ groups w/common functn

– Organism- living (single to multicelled)

The Human Body: Systems Working Together

• Characteristics of Life

– Organization - parts relate/interact

– Metabolism – E production

– Responsiveness - adjust to stimuli

– Growth - increase in cell size (musc) & #

– Differentiation - general to specialized cells

– Reproduction - new cells/organism

• Homeostasis

– Maintaining normal range around set point

w/changing variables/conditions

• Negative Feedback

– Regulates “normal range”

– Receptors/control center/effecter ->opposite affect

• Positive Feedback

– Increases deviation

– Harmful (seek medical care)

– Rare (childbirth)

• Terminology/Body Plan (etymology)

– Directional (anatomical position)

• Anterior/Post, Dorsal/Vent, Superior/Inf, Cranial/Caud,

Medial/Lat, Proximal/Dist, Superficial/Deep

– Body Parts

– Regions (9)/quadrants (4)

– Planes

• Sagittal (r/l, m/l), traverse (s/i), coronal/frontal (a/p),

• Sectional - interior (long/cs/ob)

(Longitudinal) Long axis

(Cross section) Rt angle to long

– Cavities- thoracic(mediastinum), abdominal, pelvic

• Serous Membranes- parietal/fluid/visceral

– Thoracic cavity- pericardium, pleura (2)

– Abdominopelvic cavity

• Peritoneum (w/mesentery anchor/BV, nerves)

• Retroperitoneal (parietal only) – behind/w/body wall

– Kidneys, pancreas, bladder

Retroperitoneal Organs