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Foundations of Human Anatomy & Physiology

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  • What is anatomy?

    Anatomy is the study of external and internal structures of the body and the relationships between body parts.

  • What is physiology?

    Physiology is the study of how the body functions and the mechanisms within the body.

  • What is microscopic anatomy?

    The study of structures that cannot be seen without magnification, including cytology (cells) and histology (tissues).

  • What is gross anatomy?

    The study of structures visible without magnification, including surface anatomy, regional anatomy, and systemic anatomy.

  • Name other types of anatomical studies.

    Developmental anatomy, embryology, comparative anatomy, clinical anatomy, surgical anatomy, radiographic anatomy, and cross-sectional anatomy.

  • What is the basic vertebrate body plan?

    All vertebrates share a basic anatomical pattern including a braincase, vertebrae, limb buds, and body cavities like thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

  • What are the levels of organization in the human body?

    Chemical/molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism levels.

  • Which four elements make up 99% of the human body?

    Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon, and Nitrogen.

  • What are the major classes of compounds in the body?

    Water (66%), Proteins (20%), Lipids (10%), Carbohydrates (3%).

  • What is the smallest living unit in the body?

    The cell, which consists of organelles.

  • What is an organ system?

    A combination of various organs working together to perform specific functions, e.g., digestive or cardiovascular systems.

  • List the 11 organ systems of the human body.

    Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Reproductive.

  • What is the function of the integumentary system?

    Protects against environmental hazards and helps control body temperature.

  • What is the function of the skeletal system?

    Supports and protects tissues, stores minerals, and forms blood cells.

  • What is the function of the muscular system?

    Allows locomotion, provides support, and produces heat.

  • What is the function of the nervous system?

    Directs immediate responses to stimuli and coordinates activities of other organ systems.

  • What is the function of the endocrine system?

    Directs long-term changes in activities of other organ systems through hormones.

  • What is the function of the cardiovascular system?

    Transports cells and dissolved materials including nutrients, wastes, and gases.

  • What is the function of the lymphatic system?

    Defends against infection and disease; returns tissue fluid to the bloodstream.

  • What is the function of the respiratory system?

    Delivers air to sites of gas exchange and produces sound.

  • What is the function of the digestive system?

    Processes food and absorbs nutrients.

  • What is the function of the urinary system?

    Eliminates excess water, salts, and wastes.

  • What is the function of the reproductive system?

    Produces sex cells and hormones; supports embryonic and fetal development (female).

  • What is the anatomical position?

    Standing with feet flat, hands at sides, palms facing forward; reference for all anatomical descriptions.

  • Define supine and prone positions.

    Supine: lying face up; Prone: lying face down, both in anatomical position.

  • What are the four abdominopelvic quadrants?

    Right upper quadrant (RUQ), Left upper quadrant (LUQ), Right lower quadrant (RLQ), Left lower quadrant (LLQ).

  • What are the directional terms superior and inferior?

    Superior: toward the head; Inferior: toward the feet.

  • What are the directional terms anterior and posterior?

    Anterior (ventral): front; Posterior (dorsal): back.

  • What are the three main sectional planes?

    Sagittal (left/right), Transverse (top/bottom), Frontal (front/back).

  • What are the major body cavities?

    Posterior (cranial and spinal) and Anterior (thoracic, abdominal, pelvic) cavities.