Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Chapter 1
Orientation to the Human Body
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Anatomy: The study of the structures of the body Physiology: The study of how the body functions
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Organization of the body
Arranged in a hierarchy
Ranges from the very simple to the very
complex
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Atoms Molecule Organelle
Organ Cell Tissue
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Organ Systems
The Human Organism
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
The smallest living units that make
up the body’s structure are:
A. molecules.
B. organelles.
C. atoms.
D. cells.
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Correct answer: D
Rationale:
Molecules and atoms come together
to form cells, which are the
smallest living units.
Organelles are metabolic units
within cells but are not living units
on their own.
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Organ systems
The body consists of 11 organ systems.
The organs of each system contribute to
a particular function.
Some organs belong to more than one
system.
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Integumentary system Skin, hair, nails
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Skeletal system Bones, cartilage, and ligaments
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Muscular system Primarily skeletal muscles
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Lymphatic system Lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, lymph, thymus, spleen and tonsils
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Respiratory system Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Urinary system Kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Nervous system Brain, spinal cord, and sense organs
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Endocrine system Pituitary gland, adrenals, pancreas, thyroid,
parathyroids, and other organs
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Circulatory system Heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Digestive system Stomach, small and large intestines, esophagus,
liver, mouth, and pancreas
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Male reproductive system Testes, vas deferens, prostate, seminal vesicles, and penis
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Female reproductive system Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and breasts
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Which organ system supplies the
body with immune cells?
A. Integumentary system
B. Lymphatic system
C. Endocrine system
D. Nervous system
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
The integumentary system offers the body
protection but does not supply immune cells.
The endocrine system consists of a variety of
organs that secrete hormones.
The nervous system consists of the brain,
spinal cord, and nerves. Both the endocrine
and nervous systems influence other systems,
but they do not supply immune cells.
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Anatomic terms
Directional terms: Grouped in pairs of opposites
Midline
Medial
Lateral
Proximal
Distal
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Superior
Inferior
Posterior (Dorsal) Anterior (Ventral)
Superficial
Deep
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Body planes Sagittal plane
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Transverse plane
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Frontal plane
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Body regions
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Rachel has a cut on her leg just
above her ankle. The injured area is:
A. distal to her knee.
B. proximal to her knee.
C. anterior to her knee.
D. medial to her knee.
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Correct answer: A
Rationale:
A cut proximal to the knee would be on the
upper portion of the leg.
A cut anterior to the knee would be on the
front of the knee.
A cut medial to the knee would be on the
inside portion of the knee.
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Body cavities
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
The heart is located in the:
A. ventral cavity.
B. mediastinum.
C. pleural cavity.
D. dorsal cavity.
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
The ventral cavity is a more general
location that includes the mediastinum.
The pleural cavities contain the lungs.
The dorsal cavity is located at the back
of the body; it consists of the cranial
and vertebral cavities.
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Abdominal regions
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Abdominal quadrants
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Homeostasis
Homeostasis is the state of dynamic
equilibrium of the internal
environment of the body.
The body operates within a narrow
range of temperature, fluids, and
chemicals.
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Homeostatic regulation
Involves a:
1. Receptor: Detects change
2. Control center: An area of the body that
receives and processes information from
the receptor
3. Effector: Sends signals (feedback) that
either oppose or enhance the stimulus
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Negative feedback: When the effector
opposes the stimulus and reverses the
direction of change
Positive feedback: When the effector
reinforces the stimulus and amplifies the
direction of change
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Negative feedback
A falling temperature signals the
thermostat.
The thermostat (which has a “set point” of
68°) sends a message to the furnace.
The furnace generates heat, raising the
temperature.
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Negative feedback in the body
Outside temperature falls.
Temperature receptors in the skin send a message
to the brain.
The hypothalamus sends nerve impulses to the
muscles.
The muscles shiver, raising body temperature.
View animation of negative feedback (homeostasis)
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
The body maintains equilibrium
through the process of:
A. homeostasis.
B. negative feedback.
C. positive feedback.
D. shivering.
Understanding Anatomy & Physiology A Visual, Interactive Approach
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
Homeostasis is a state of being, not a
process.
Positive feedback is rarely beneficial to
the body, and therefore does not promote
homeostasis.
Shivering may be used to increase
temperature, but it is not a process for
achieving equilibrium.