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Anatomy & Physiology Core Concepts

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  • Define Anatomy and Physiology

    Anatomy is the study of body structure. Physiology is the study of body function and how the parts work together.

  • Difference between Gross Anatomy and its forms

    Gross anatomy studies structures visible to the naked eye. Forms include surface anatomy, regional anatomy, systemic anatomy, and clinical anatomy.

  • Define Microscopic Anatomy, Cytology, and Histology

    Microscopic anatomy studies structures too small to see without a microscope. Cytology is the study of cells. Histology is the study of tissues.

  • Basic levels of organization in the human body

    Levels include chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism.

  • List the organ systems and their main functions

    Examples: Integumentary (protection), skeletal (support), muscular (movement), nervous (control), cardiovascular (transport), respiratory (gas exchange), digestive (nutrient absorption), urinary (waste removal), endocrine (hormone regulation), lymphatic (immunity), reproductive (reproduction).

  • Explain homeostasis and feedback mechanisms

    Homeostasis maintains stable internal conditions. Negative feedback reverses changes; positive feedback amplifies changes. Regulatory mechanisms include receptors, control centers, and effectors.

  • Define superficial anatomy

    Superficial anatomy studies external body features and landmarks visible on the surface.

  • Describe the anatomical position and landmarks

    Body stands upright, feet forward, arms at sides, palms forward. Landmarks include head, neck, thorax, abdomen, limbs, etc.

  • List the four abdominopelvic quadrants

    Right upper, left upper, right lower, left lower quadrants, used to locate organs clinically.

  • List the nine abdominopelvic regions and organs found

    Regions: right hypochondriac, epigastric, left hypochondriac, right lumbar, umbilical, left lumbar, right iliac, hypogastric, left iliac. Each contains specific organs like liver, stomach, intestines.

  • List and define anatomical directions

    Terms include superior (above), inferior (below), anterior (front), posterior (back), medial (toward midline), lateral (away from midline), proximal (near trunk), distal (far from trunk).

  • Describe the three sectional planes

    Sagittal plane divides left and right, frontal (coronal) plane divides front and back, transverse plane divides top and bottom.

  • Identify major body cavities and serous membranes

    Major cavities: dorsal (cranial, spinal), ventral (thoracic, abdominopelvic). Serous membranes line cavities and reduce friction.

  • Four major tissue types and their roles

    Epithelial (covering), connective (support), muscle (movement), nervous (control).

  • Characteristics and functions of epithelial tissue

    Cells tightly packed, polarity, avascular, high regeneration. Functions: protection, absorption, secretion. Specializations include cilia and microvilli.

  • Types and functions of connective tissue

    Includes loose, dense, cartilage, bone, blood. Functions: support, protection, transport, energy storage.

  • Compare bone and cartilage structure and function

    Bone is rigid with mineralized matrix; supports and protects. Cartilage is flexible with chondrocytes; cushions joints. Types: hyaline, elastic, fibrocartilage.

  • Describe the four types of tissue membranes

    Mucous, serous, cutaneous, and synovial membranes combine epithelial and connective tissues for protection and lubrication.

  • Three types of fascia and their roles

    Superficial fascia stores fat, deep fascia surrounds muscles, subserous fascia lies under serous membranes, providing structural framework.

  • Specialized structure and function of muscle types

    Skeletal muscle voluntary movement, striated; cardiac muscle involuntary, striated, heart; smooth muscle involuntary, non-striated, walls of organs.

  • Basic structure and roles of neurons and neuroglia

    Neurons transmit signals; neuroglia support and protect neurons in nervous tissue.

  • Physiological changes in inflamed tissues

    Swelling, redness, pain, heat due to increased blood flow and immune response. Regeneration repairs tissue damage.

  • Effects of aging on tissue structure and function

    Aging reduces epithelial renewal, bone density, muscle mass, and neural function. Cancer risk increases due to environmental factors and accumulated damage.

  • Functions and layers of the integumentary system

    Protects body, regulates temperature, sensation. Layers: epidermis, dermis, hypodermis. Accessory structures include hair, nails, glands.

  • Skin color factors and melanin's role

    Skin color influenced by melanin, carotene, and blood flow. Melanin protects against UV damage; melanocytes increase melanin with sunlight exposure.

  • Vitamin D3 production and its importance

    Sunlight converts skin cholesterol to vitamin D3, then to calcitriol in kidneys, aiding calcium absorption. Deficiency causes rickets.

  • Structure and function of the dermis

    Contains connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, and sensory receptors. Cleavage lines indicate collagen fiber orientation important for surgery.

  • Compare sweat and sebaceous glands

    Eccrine sweat glands regulate temperature; apocrine glands produce scent; sebaceous glands secrete oil; mammary and ceruminous glands have specialized functions.

  • Structure and formation of nails

    Nails are keratinized plates protecting fingertips. Formed by nail matrix cells dividing and hardening.

  • Steps in skin repair and scar formation

    Includes inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases. Scar tissue forms from collagen deposition during healing.