What is Anatomy and Physiology

What is Anatomy & Physiology?Big Ideas:

1. How does the body maintain homeostasis?2. How are structure and function

interdependent?

Introduction"Modern medicine began with long-ago observations on the function, and malfunction of

the human body. The study of the human body probably began with our earliest ancestors, who must have been curious about how their bodies worked, as we are today. At first, their interest most likely concerned injuries and illnesses, because healthy bodies demand little attention from their owners. Their healers relied heavily on superstitions and notions about magic. However, as healers tried to help the sick, they began to discover useful ways of examining and treating the human body. They observed injuries, noticed how wounds healed, and examined cadavers to determine causes of death. They also found that certain herbs and potions could sometimes be used to treat coughs, headaches, fevers, and other common signs of illness.

Over time, people began to believe that humans could understand forces that caused natural events. They began observing the world around them more closely, asking questions and seeking answers. This set the stage for the development of modern medical science.

As techniques for making accurate observations and performing careful experiments evolved, knowledge of the human body expanded rapidly. At the same time, early medical providers coined new terms to name body parts, describe their locations, and explain their functions and interactions. These terms, most of which originate from Greek or Latin words, formed the basis for the language of anatomy and physiology that persists today."

-Hole's Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy & Physiology• anatomy - study of the structure of body parts and

how they are organized> anatomy = structure

• physiology - study of the functions of body parts; what they do and how they do it> physiology = function

• ANATOMY is to STRUCTURE, what PHYSIOLOGY is to FUNCTION.

• a body part's function depends on the organization of its structure

• all physiological functions are performed by anatomical structures

• anatomy and physiology are interdependent and influence on each other

Levels of Organization• chemical cellular tissues organs

organ systems organisms• complexity increases with each level• each level relies on the structure and function of

the level below it

;K:BGLMHKF7With a partner, try constructing a flow chart demonstrating how a different system of the body is organized.

Necessary Life Functions• maintain boundaries• movement• responsiveness (irritability)• digestion• metabolism• excretion• reproduction• growth

Survival Needs• being alive requires certain environmental factors

> water - most abundant chemical in the body> nutrients - chemical substances used for energy and

cell building> oxygen, normal body temperature, and appropriate

atmospheric pressure> vital signs - observable body functions that reflect

essential metabolic activities– body temperature, blood pressure

What is Anatomy and Physiology

Homeostasis• homeostasis - stable internal environment

> dynamic process because physiological variables are constantly changing

• to survive, every living organism must maintain homeostasis> HOW?> homeostatic regulation

*like staying on a balance board...always making adjustments

Homeostatic Regulation• adjustments in physiological systems to

maintain a stable internal environment• requires a receptor, control center, effector

> receptor - sensitive to a specific stimulus> control center - receives and processes info> effector - responds (corrects or reinforces)

* or reinforced

Negative Feedback• negative feedback - when a stimulus rises or falls

outside normal, the receptor triggers an automatic response that CORRECTS the initial stimulus> negative feedback CORRECTS the stimulus

• ex. thermostat> normal room temp temp

rises (stimulus) registers with thermometer (receptor) send info to thermostat (control center) turns on air conditioner (effector) room temp drops normal room temp

• ex. body temperature;gV^chidgb7On your own or with a partner, can you come up with another example of negative feedback in the body.

Positive Feedback• positive feedback - initial stimulus produces a

response that REINFORCES the stimulus> positive feedback REINFORCES the stimulus> accelerates processes that need to be

completed quickly (blood clotting or child birth)

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