BackBSC 2085L Lab 1: Laboratory Safety, Metric System, and Anatomical Terminology
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Laboratory Safety in Anatomy & Physiology
General Laboratory Safety Principles
Laboratory safety is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring a safe learning environment. Students must be familiar with the hazards associated with laboratory work and follow prudent practices at all times.
Hazard Awareness: Understand the risks of chemicals and equipment before starting any experiment.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear splash goggles when working with chemicals. For large quantities or hazardous chemicals, use a face shield and appropriate gloves. Wear chemically resistant lab coats or aprons, and avoid open-toed shoes or woven materials. Confine long hair and loose clothing.
Supervision: Never work alone with hazardous chemicals or processes. An instructor must always be present.
Proper Handling: Use pipette bulbs, not your mouth, for pipetting. Handle sharps carefully and dispose of them in appropriate containers.
Chemical Disposal: Do not pour chemicals down the drain unless instructed. Most chemicals must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Compressed Gases: Secure cylinders to prevent tipping and use safety chains when moving them.
Emergency Procedures
Know the location and use of emergency eyewash stations, showers, and exits.
In case of emergency, pull the nearest alarm, evacuate, and call for help.
Housekeeping and Personal Hygiene
Do not eat, drink, chew gum, or apply cosmetics in the laboratory.
Wash hands and arms thoroughly after removing gloves and before leaving the lab.
Keep workspaces clean and uncluttered. Clean benches after use.
Do not pick up broken glass with your hands; use tongs or a brush and dustpan.
Prohibited Activities
Do not perform unauthorized experiments or horseplay in the lab.
Do not remove materials from the lab without permission.
Report all accidents, spills, or unsafe conditions immediately.
The Metric System and Measurement in Anatomy & Physiology
Metric Units and Conversions
The metric system is the standard system of measurement in science, including anatomy and physiology. Understanding metric units and conversions is essential for accurate data collection and analysis.
Base Units: The metric system uses base units such as meter (m) for length, gram (g) for mass, and liter (L) for volume.
Prefixes: Common prefixes include kilo- (k, 1,000), centi- (c, 0.01), and milli- (m, 0.001).
Conversions: To convert between units, multiply or divide by powers of ten.
Unit | Abbreviation | Metric Equivalent | Conversion Factor (Metric to English) | Conversion Factor (English to Metric) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kilometer | km | 1,000 m | 1 km = 0.62 mile | 1 mile = 1.61 km |
Meter | m | Base unit | 1 m = 1.1 yards | 1 yard = 0.91 m |
Centimeter | cm | 0.01 m | 1 cm = 0.39 inches | 1 inch = 2.54 cm |
Millimeter | mm | 0.001 m | 1 mm = 0.04 inches | 1 inch = 25.4 mm |
Kilogram | kg | 1,000 g | 1 kg = 2.2 pounds | 1 pound = 0.45 kg |
Liter | L | 1,000 mL | 1 L = 1.06 quarts | 1 quart = 0.95 L |
Example: To convert 5 inches to centimeters: cm
Anatomical Position and Directional Terms
Standard Anatomical Position
The anatomical position is a standardized posture used as a reference in anatomy. The body stands upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.
Superior (Cranial): Toward the head or upper part of a structure.
Inferior (Caudal): Away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure.
Anterior (Ventral): Toward the front of the body.
Posterior (Dorsal): Toward the back of the body.
Medial: Toward the midline of the body.
Lateral: Away from the midline of the body.
Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment or origin.
Distal: Farther from the point of attachment or origin.
Superficial: Toward or at the body surface.
Deep: Away from the body surface; more internal.
Term | Definition | Example of Usage |
|---|---|---|
Ventral | Toward the belly | The aorta is ventral to the vertebral column. |
Dorsal | Toward the back | The vertebral column is dorsal to the aorta. |
Anterior | Toward the front | The sternum is anterior to the heart. |
Posterior | Toward the back | The esophagus is posterior to the trachea. |
Superior | Above or toward the head | The heart is superior to the diaphragm. |
Inferior | Below or toward the feet | The liver is inferior to the lungs. |
Medial | Toward the midline | The eyes are medial to the ears. |
Lateral | Away from the midline | The ears are lateral to the nose. |
Proximal | Closer to the point of attachment | The shoulder is proximal to the elbow. |
Distal | Farther from the point of attachment | The fingers are distal to the wrist. |
Superficial | Closer to the body surface | The skin is superficial to the muscles. |
Deep | Farther from the body surface | The bones are deep to the muscles. |
Body Planes and Sections
Major Anatomical Planes
Body planes are imaginary lines used to divide the body into sections for anatomical study and medical imaging.
Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.
Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into right and left portions. The midsagittal plane divides the body into equal right and left halves.
Transverse (Horizontal) Plane: Divides the body into superior and inferior portions.
Movements and Motions
Types of Body Movements
Understanding body movements is essential for describing joint actions and muscle functions.
Flexion: Decreases the angle of a joint (e.g., bending the elbow).
Extension: Increases the angle of a joint (e.g., straightening the knee).
Hyperextension: Extension beyond the normal range of motion.
Abduction: Movement away from the midline (e.g., raising the arm sideways).
Adduction: Movement toward the midline (e.g., lowering the arm to the side).
Elevation: Raising a body part vertically (e.g., shrugging the shoulders).
Depression: Lowering a body part in the same plane (e.g., lowering the shoulders).
Protraction: Moving a body part forward (e.g., jutting the jaw forward).
Retraction: Moving a body part backward (e.g., pulling the jaw back).
Supination: Rotating the forearm so the palm faces anteriorly or upward.
Pronation: Rotating the forearm so the palm faces posteriorly or downward.
Circumduction: Moving a limb in a circular motion, combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.
Rotation: Turning a bone around its longitudinal axis (e.g., turning the head side to side).
Special Movements of the Foot:
Dorsiflexion: Flexing the ankle so the toes point upward.
Plantar Flexion: Extending the ankle so the toes point downward.
Inversion: Turning the soles of the feet medially.
Eversion: Turning the soles of the feet laterally.
Serous Membranes
Structure and Function
Serous membranes line body cavities and cover organs, providing lubrication and reducing friction.
Parietal Layer: Lines the walls of body cavities.
Visceral Layer: Covers the organs within the cavities.
Serous Fluid: Secreted between the layers to reduce friction.
Histology: Composed of a secretory epithelial layer (mesothelium) and underlying connective tissue.
Example: The pleura (lungs), pericardium (heart), and peritoneum (abdominal organs) are all serous membranes.
Additional info: These foundational concepts are essential for understanding more advanced topics in anatomy and physiology, such as organ systems, tissue types, and physiological processes.
