Anatomy & Physiology Study Guide: Body Organization, Tissues, Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, and Respiratory Systems

Chapter 1: Body Organization and Terminology

Body Regions

The human body is divided into specific regions to aid in anatomical study and clinical reference.

• Inguinal: Groin area, where the thigh meets the trunk.

• Lumbar: Lower back region between the ribs and pelvis.

• Axillary: Armpit region.

• Buccal: Cheek area.

• Additional info: Other regions include cervical (neck), brachial (arm), and femoral (thigh).

Directional Terms

Directional terms describe the positions of structures relative to other structures or locations in the body.

• Posterior (dorsal): Toward the back of the body.

• Anterior (ventral): Toward the front of the body.

• Distal: Farther from the point of attachment to the trunk.

• Inferior: Below or lower in position.

• Superior: Above or higher in position.

Body Planes

Body planes are imaginary lines used to divide the body into sections for anatomical study.

• Coronal (frontal) plane: Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

• Sagittal plane: Divides the body into right and left parts. The midsagittal plane divides the body into equal halves.

• Transverse (horizontal) plane: Divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Body Cavities and Their Contents

The body contains several major cavities that house organs.

• Cranial cavity: Contains the brain.

• Thoracic cavity: Contains the heart and lungs.

• Abdominal cavity: Contains digestive organs.

• Pelvic cavity: Contains reproductive and some excretory organs.

Abdominal Quadrants and Their Contents

The abdomen is divided into four quadrants for clinical reference:

• Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ): Contains liver, gallbladder, part of the pancreas.

• Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ): Contains stomach, spleen, part of the pancreas.

• Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ): Contains appendix, right ovary.

• Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ): Contains left ovary, sigmoid colon.

Chapter 6: Tissues and Membranes

Types of Epithelium and Their Functions

Epithelium is classified by cell shape and number of layers, each with specific functions.

• Simple squamous: Single layer of flat cells; allows diffusion and filtration (e.g., alveoli of lungs).

• Transitional epithelium: Multiple layers that can stretch; found in the urinary bladder.

• Additional info: Other types include simple cuboidal (secretion/absorption) and simple columnar (absorption/secretion in GI tract).

Membranes and Their Location/Function

Membranes are thin layers of tissue covering surfaces or lining cavities.

• Parietal membranes: Line the walls of body cavities.

• Visceral membranes: Cover the organs within the cavities.

• Peritoneal membrane: Lines the abdominal cavity and covers abdominal organs.

Types of Tissue Membranes

• Serous membranes: Line body cavities not open to the outside; secrete serous fluid (e.g., pleura, pericardium, peritoneum).

• Synovial membranes: Line joint cavities and secrete synovial fluid for lubrication.

Functions of Simple Squamous Tissues

• Facilitate rapid diffusion and filtration due to thinness.

• Found in alveoli (lungs), glomeruli (kidneys), and capillaries.

Chapter 7: Integumentary System

Temperature Regulation

The skin helps regulate body temperature through various mechanisms.

• Vasodilation: Blood vessels widen to release heat.

• Vasoconstriction: Blood vessels narrow to conserve heat.

• Sweating: Evaporation of sweat cools the body.

Pigments Found in Skin

• Melanin: Brown-black pigment produced by melanocytes; protects against UV radiation.

• Carotene: Yellow-orange pigment from diet; stored in skin.

• Additional info: Hemoglobin also contributes to skin color (redness).

Sebaceous Glands

• Produce sebum (oil) to lubricate and waterproof skin and hair.

• Associated with hair follicles.

Eccrine Glands

• Type of sweat gland found all over the body.

• Secrete watery sweat for temperature regulation.

Classifying Burns

• First-degree: Affects only the epidermis; redness and pain.

• Second-degree: Involves epidermis and part of dermis; blisters.

• Third-degree: Destroys entire skin layer; may appear white or charred.

Chapter 8: Skeletal System

Appendicular & Axillary Skeleton

• Appendicular skeleton: Bones of the limbs and girdles (shoulder and pelvic girdles).

• Axial skeleton: Skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

Functions of the Pelvic Girdle

• Supports the weight of the upper body.

• Protects pelvic organs.

• Provides attachment for lower limbs.

Coxal Bones

• Also called hip bones; form the pelvic girdle.

• Each coxal bone is made of three fused bones: ilium, ischium, and pubis.

Bone Cells

• Osteoblasts: Build new bone matrix.

• Osteocytes: Mature bone cells maintaining bone tissue.

• Osteoclasts: Break down bone matrix.

Flexion, Extension, Abduction, Adduction

• Flexion: Decreases the angle between two bones.

• Extension: Increases the angle between two bones.

• Abduction: Movement away from the midline.

• Adduction: Movement toward the midline.

Chapter 9: Joints, Muscles, and Respiratory System

Types of Joints and Their Function

• Ball and socket: Allow movement in all directions (e.g., shoulder, hip).

• Hinge: Allow movement in one plane (e.g., elbow, knee).

• Additional info: Other types include pivot, saddle, and gliding joints.

Characteristics of Cardiac Muscle

• Striated, involuntary muscle found only in the heart.

• Cells are branched and connected by intercalated discs.

• Responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.

Major Muscles of the Respiratory System

• Diaphragm: Main muscle of respiration; contracts to allow inhalation.

• Intercostal muscles: Located between ribs; assist with breathing.

Definitions: Atrophy, Hypertrophy, Myasthenia, Myopathy, Tetany

• Atrophy: Decrease in muscle size due to disuse or disease.

• Hypertrophy: Increase in muscle size due to increased use.

• Myasthenia: General term for muscle weakness; often refers to myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder.

• Myopathy: Disease of muscle tissue.

• Tetany: Sustained muscle contraction due to low calcium or other causes.