INTRODUCTION

Basic Definitions

• Anatomy: Study of Structure

– Gross Anatomy

• Regional Anatomy

• Systemic Anatomy

• Sectional Anatomy

– CT Scans

– MRI

– Photographs

• Surface Anatomy

– Microscopic Anatomy

• Cytology:

– Study of Cells

• Histology:

– Study of Tissues

• Physiology: Function

– Cell Physiology

– Organ System Physiology

• Cardiovascular physiology

• Neurophysiology

• Immunology

• Etc., etc.

à Structure and Function are Complimentary

Levels of Organization

• Cells: microscopic units of living matter

– Each individual begins as a single cell that is capable of mitosis and differentiation (see animation)

– As a consequence of mitosis and differentiation, four cell groups develop

• Epithelial cells

• Connective tissue cells

• Muscle cells

• Nerve and glial cells

• Tissues

– Epithelial

– Connective

– Muscle

– Nervous

· Organs

· Organ Systems

· The Organism

Additional Concepts:

• The internal environment of the organism: mostly composed of the extracellular fluid

• The ECF includes

–  plasma

– interstitial fluid

How does the organism stay alive?

•   Organ systems work together to maintain a relatively constant internal environment to which the cells are exposed

• In other words, organ systems carry out homeostasis: the maintenance of a relatively constant internal environment

• Examples of homeostasis

– Body temperature over time

– Blood pH over time

– Blood glucose concentrations over time

• Components of a homeostatic mechanism:

Stimulus à Receptor à Control Center à Effectors à Response