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Anatomy & Physiology Unit I: Introduction and Overview

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  • What is Anatomy?

    Anatomy is the study of the structures of the body.

  • What is Physiology?

    Physiology is the study of body functions and how body parts work.

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

    Functions carried out by any body part depend on its structure.

  • Name two subspecialties of microscopic anatomy.

    Cell biology (cytology) and histology (study of tissues).

  • What are the main levels of body organization from simplest to most complex?

    Chemical, Cellular, Tissue, Organ, Organ system, Organism levels.

  • Define Homeostasis.

    Homeostasis is the maintenance of a relatively constant and healthy internal environment.

  • What are the three components of homeostatic regulatory mechanisms?

    Receptor, Control center, and Effector.

  • How does negative feedback maintain homeostasis?

    The effector negates the original change, returning the condition to its normal set point.

  • Give an example of positive feedback in the body.

    Blood clotting or labor and delivery, where the response enhances the original stimulus.

  • Describe the anatomical position.

    Body stands erect, facing observer, head and eyes forward, feet flat and forward, upper limbs at sides, palms facing forward.

  • What is the axial portion of the body?

    The main axis including the head, neck, and trunk.

  • What cavities are included in the dorsal body cavity?

    Cranial cavity (brain) and vertebral canal (spinal cord).

  • Define the term 'proximal'.

    Closer to the origin of a body part or point of attachment of a limb to the trunk.

  • What does the sagittal plane divide?

    Divides the body into left and right parts.

  • Name the nine regions of the abdominopelvic cavity.

    Right hypochondriac, epigastric, left hypochondriac, right lumbar, umbilical, left lumbar, right iliac, hypogastric, left iliac.

  • What is the function of the integumentary system?

    Protects against hazards, regulates body temperature, and provides sensory information.

  • List the main functions of the skeletal system.

    Support and protection, mineral storage, and blood cell formation.

  • What are the primary functions of the muscular system?

    Movement, protection/support of tissues, and heat generation to maintain body temperature.

  • What organs make up the cardiovascular system and its main functions?

    Heart, blood, blood vessels; distributes blood, nutrients, gases, and heat.

  • What is the role of the lymphatic system?

    Defends against infection, returns tissue fluids to the bloodstream.

  • What organs are involved in the respiratory system and its functions?

    Nasal cavities, sinuses, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs; delivers air, oxygenates blood, removes CO2, produces sound.

  • What are the main functions of the digestive system?

    Processes and digests food, absorbs water and nutrients.

  • Describe the urinary system's functions.

    Excretes waste, controls water balance, regulates blood ion concentrations and pH.

  • What is the function of the male reproductive system?

    Produces male sex cells (sperm) and hormones.

  • What are the functions of the female reproductive system?

    Produces female sex cells (oocytes) and hormones, supports embryo development, provides milk for newborn.

  • What are serous membranes and their layers?

    Double-layered membranes that reduce friction; visceral layer lines organs, parietal layer lines body cavity walls.

  • Name the three serous membranes in the ventral body cavity.

    Pericardial (heart), pleural (lungs), and peritoneal (digestive organs) membranes.