Anatomy

is the study of the FORM of living things

Gross anatomy

science of macroscopic anatomy; studying large body structures visible with the naked eye.

Surface anatomy

the study of internal structures as they relate to the overlying skin surface

Regional anatomy

considers the regions of the body, such as the head and extremities, and all the systems in each region.

Systemic anatomy

gives attention to all the structures of a particular system in the body, regardless of location.

Microscopic anatomy

concerned with structures too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Cytology

study of cells, their components, and their functions.

Histology

study of tissues and their functions.

Physiology

the study of the FUNCTION of the parts that make up living things.

Cell physiology

study of the individual cells themselves as they live out all the activities that characterize the larger organism.

Immunology

study of how the cells of the body fight off and defend against disease.

Renal physiology

study of the function of the kidney in the production of urine.

Cardiovascular physiology

examines the operation of the heart and blood vessels.

Chemical level

the least complex level; composed of atoms, the smallest stable units of matter arranged to form molecules and compounds that possess specific functional properties and unique three-dimensional shapes. Examples: water molecules, glucose, proteins, etc.

Cellular level

Interactions between molecules and compounds form the organelles of cells. Cells are the structural building block of all plants and animals, can be produced only from pre-existing cells, and are the smallest units capable of performing all vital life functions. Examples of cells: muscle cells, blood cells, nerve cells, etc.

Tissue level

specialized groups of cells and cell products that work together to perform one or more specific functions. Examples: muscle tissue, nerve tissue, connective tissue, and epithelial tissues.

Organ level

organs interact to form organ systems. Organs and the organ systems they compose perform vital life functions of the body

Integumentary system

composed of skin, hair, and nails; external support and protection of the body and temperature regulation.

Skeletal system

composed of bones; internal support and flexible framework for body movement, forms blood cells, and stores minerals.

Muscular system

composed of muscles attached to the skeleton; locomotion, support, and body heat production.

Respiratory system

composed of the lungs, trachea, larynx and nasal passages; exchange of respiratory gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, between the air and circulating blood.

Nervous system

composed of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves; directs immediate response to stimuli, usually by coordinating the activities of other organ systems.

Circulatory system

composed of heart and blood vessels; internal transport of nutrients and oxygen to body cells while wastes and carbon dioxide are transported away from body cells.

Lymphatic/Immune system

composed of the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, bone marrow, and tonsils; houses the immune system cells of the body, provides protection against infection and disease, transports tissue fluid (called lymph) and absorbs fats

Endocrine system

composed of hormone secreting glands such as the thyroid, pituitary, adrenal gland, pancreas, pineal, etc.; secretion of hormones that direct long-term changes in the activities of other organ systems.

Urinary system

composed of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra; filters the blood to remove nitrogenous wastes, eliminates excess water, salts, and waste products, and controls pH and electrolyte balance.

Digestive system

composed of the salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, and gallbladder. Intake, breakdown, and absorption of food in order to acquire nutrients, minerals, vitamins and water and the elimination of feces.

Reproductive system

composed of ovaries, uterus, vagina, and mammary glands in females AND the testes, scrotum, prostate gland, seminal vesicles and penis in the male; production of sperm and egg as well as secretion of sex hormones and copulation.

Homeostasis

is a state of equilibrium or balance

Receptor

detects changes in either the internal or external environment, or stimulus.

Control center

receives and process the information supplies by the receptor and sends out commands.

Effector

responds to the commands by opposing the stimulus

Negative feedback mechanisms

Helps to stabilize situation; essential for maintaining homeostasis. Examples: body temperature, heart rate, breathing rate and depth, and blood-glucose levels.

Positive feedback mechanisms

Amplify and reinforce a change brought on by the stimulus; not typically used for homeostasis. Examples: blood clotting and labor contractions.