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Anatomy & Physiology: Chapter 1 - The Human Body: An Orientation

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  • What is the difference between anatomy and physiology?

    Anatomy is the study of the body’s structure.

    Physiology is the study of the body’s function.

  • What is the principle of complementarity of structure and function?

    Structure exists to perform a function; to understand why an organ is shaped a certain way, you must understand what it does. Function is determined by structure; to understand how an organ performs its job, you must understand how it is built.

  • List the levels of organization in the human body from smallest to largest.

    Atomic and molecular level, cellular level, tissue level, organ level, organ system level, organism level.

  • What is homeostasis?

    Maintenance of a stable internal environment within a narrow range or set point.

  • What are the two main types of feedback loops that control homeostasis?

    Negative feedback loops oppose the original stimulus to maintain homeostasis.

    Positive feedback loops amplify the original stimulus and are less common.

  • Give an example of a negative feedback loop.

    Thermoregulation: When body temperature rises, sweating cools the body; when it falls, shivering generates heat.

  • Give an example of a positive feedback loop.

    Labor contractions: Oxytocin release causes contractions, which increase pressure on the cervix, stimulating more oxytocin release until delivery.

  • What are the three components of a negative feedback loop?

    1. Receptor: detects change in internal environment.

    2. Control center: processes information and signals a response.

    3. Effector: carries out action to restore set point.

  • What is anatomical position and why is it important?

    Body upright, face forward, feet shoulder-width apart, palms facing forward. It provides a standard reference for anatomical terminology and communication.

  • Define the directional terms: superior and inferior.

    Superior: toward the head or upper part of a structure.

    Inferior: away from the head or lower part of a structure.

  • Define the directional terms: anterior and posterior.

    Anterior: toward the front of the body.

    Posterior: toward the back of the body.

  • What do the terms medial and lateral mean?

    Medial: toward the midline of the body.

    Lateral: away from the midline of the body.

  • What is the difference between proximal and distal?

    Proximal: closer to the point of attachment of a limb to the trunk.

    Distal: farther from the point of attachment.

  • What are the main organ systems involved in protection and support?

    Integumentary system (skin, hair, nails), skeletal system (bones, cartilage), and muscular system (muscles).

  • Which organ systems are primarily responsible for communication and integration?

    Nervous system (electrical signals) and endocrine system (chemical messengers/hormones).

  • Which organ systems are involved in transport and immunity?

    Circulatory (cardiovascular) system and lymphatic & immune system.

  • What organ systems are responsible for gas, nutrient, and waste exchange?

    Respiratory system (gas exchange), digestive system (nutrient absorption), and urinary system (waste removal).

  • What is the function of serous membranes?

    They form double-layered membranes that surround organs, producing serous fluid to lubricate and reduce friction during organ movement.

  • Name the four main serous membranes and the cavities they surround.

    Pleurae: surround lungs.

    Pericardium: surrounds heart.

    Peritoneum: surrounds most abdominal organs.

  • What are the major body cavities and what do they contain?

    Posterior (dorsal) cavity: cranial cavity (brain) and vertebral cavity (spinal cord).

    Anterior (ventral) cavity: thoracic cavity (heart, lungs), abdominopelvic cavity (digestive organs, kidneys, bladder, reproductive organs).