1. Foundations of Anatomy & Physiology

Definitions

Anatomy and physiology are foundational sciences in understanding the human body. Anatomy focuses on structure, while physiology explores function.

• Anatomy: Study of body structure (e.g., bones, muscles).

• Physiology: Study of body function (e.g., how muscles contract).

Sub-disciplines of Anatomy

• Gross Anatomy: Structures visible to the naked eye.

• Microscopic Anatomy: Includes cytology (study of cells) and histology (study of tissues).

• Developmental Anatomy: Changes from conception to adulthood.

Analogy: Anatomy is like the blueprint of a house; physiology is how the plumbing and electricity work.

2. Body Regions & Organization

Regional Terms

• Brachial: Arm

• Lumbar: Lower back

• Carpal: Wrist

Axial vs. Appendicular

• Axial: Head, neck, trunk

• Appendicular: Limbs and girdles

Structural Organization

The human body is organized in a hierarchy from smallest to largest:

• Atom → Molecule → Organelle → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism

Analogy: Like building a car from bolts to engine to full vehicle.

3. Anatomical Position & Directional Terms

Anatomical Position

The standard reference position for the body:

• Standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms forward.

Directional Terms

• Superior: Above

• Inferior: Below

• Anterior (ventral): Front

• Posterior (dorsal): Back

• Medial: Toward midline

• Lateral: Away from midline

• Proximal: Closer to origin

• Distal: Farther from origin

Example: The elbow is proximal to the wrist.

4. Body Planes

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

• Frontal (Coronal): Divides front/back

• Transverse: Divides top/bottom

5. Serous Membranes & Cavities

Membranes

• Parietal: Lines cavity wall

• Visceral: Covers organ

• Serous fluid: Lubricates between layers

Examples:

• Pericardium: Heart

• Pleura: Lungs

• Peritoneum: Abdominal organs

Body Cavities

• Posterior (Dorsal): Cranial, vertebral

• Anterior (Ventral): Thoracic (pleural, pericardial), abdominopelvic

Images of body regions, cavities, and abdominal quadrants are referenced in the original notes for further study.

6. Organ Systems Overview

The human body is organized into systems, each with specific functions and key organs.