The Science of Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy• the study of internal
and external structures and the physical relationship between body parts
• Greek – a cutting open
Physiology• the study of how living
things perform their vital functions
These two subjects are interrelated because “structure determines function”
Anatomy can be categorized based on the degree of structural detail under consideration:
Microscopic anatomy:• considers structures
that can NOT be seen without magnification
• the boundaries are established by the limits of the equipment used (BAT)
Macroscopic anatomy:• considers the
structures that can be seen without magnification
• aka gross anatomy
Which is which?
• Classify each as either anatomy or physiology– mass of a liver– The cross section of a brain– The pumping of blood through an artery– The size of a female tarsal bone– The exchanging of oxygen in the lungs– How a muscle contracts
Review…
• Anatomy or Physiology?– Stomach acids
digesting food– The gray matter of the
brain– Pigmentation of the
skin– Blinking of the eyes
• Macroscopic or microscopic– Diseased lung– Bones– Hair root bulb– Sense receptors on
the tongue
Levels of organization:
There are 6 different levels, each increasing in complexity
Chemical or Molecular Level
• atoms combine to form molecules [i.e. proteins, DNA, enzymes, etc..] with complex shapes
• the shape of the molecules determines its function
• different molecules interact to form organelles
• each types of organelle has a specific function
• organelles perform vital functions that keep the cell alive
• cells represent this level
Cellular Level
Tissue Level
tissue is composed of similar cells working together to perform a specific function
Organ Level
organs consist of two or more different tissues that work together to perform a specific function
Organ System Level
when different organs work together to perform a specific function
Organism Level
all of the organ systems of the body working together to maintain life and health
Each level of organization depends on the others, and damage at the cellular, tissue, or organ level can affect the entire system
Because all parts of a system are interdependent, damage to one component will ultimately affect the system as a whole
Your summary of Levels of Organization
• For your summary please make a flow chart molecules to organism– Off of each level give examples
Bell Ringer…1. What level(s) of organization would be
considered microscopic anatomy? Gross anatomy?
2. Give an example for each level of organization
Bell Ringer…
• Anatomy or Physiology?– Stomach acids
digesting food– The gray matter of the
brain– Pigmentation of the
skin– Blinking of the eyes
• Macroscopic or microscopic– Diseased lung– Bones– Hair root bulb– Sense receptors on
the tongue
Bell Ringer…Tell if anatomy of physiology…
– Measuring an organ’s size, shape, and weight
– Chemistry principles– Measuring the acid
content of the stomach– Observing a heart in
action– Dynamic– Dissections
– Experimentation– Observation– Can be studied in
dead specimens– Often studied in living
things– Principle of physics– static
Necessary Life Functions…
• All highly complex living things must:– Maintain boundaries– Move– Respond to environmental changes– Carry out metabolism
• Take in and digest nutrients
– Dispose of wastes– Grow– Reproduce themselves
Requirements of Organisms…
• Human life depends upon the following environmental factors:– Water– Food– Oxygen– Heat– pressure
Water…
• The most abundant substance in the body (60 – 80% of our body weight)
• It is required for a variety of metabolic processes, and it provides the environment in which most of them take place
• Transports substances within the organisms• Important in regulating body temperature
Food (nutrients)…
• Any substance that provides organisms with necessary chemicals (nutrients) in addition to water
• Supply energy and raw materials for building new living matter
Oxygen…
• A gas that makes up about one-fifth of the air
• It is used in the process of releasing energy from nutrients
• The released energy is used to drive metabolic processes
Heat…
• A form of energy that is present in our environment
• If varies in either direction, can cause problems• It can be a product of metabolic reactions and it
partly controls the rate at which these reactions occur– In general – the more heat, the more rapid the
reactions will take place• Remember: temperature is a measure of the
amount of heat present
Pressure…
• Is the application of forces on an object or substance
• It plays an important role in breathing
• It also plays an important role in hydrostatic pressure (the pressure exerted by a liquid)– Blood pressure – which keeps blood flowing
through blood vessels
Which is which?• Includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and minerals• Essential for normal operation of the respiratory system
and breathing• Single substance accounting for over 60% of body
weight• Required for the release of energy from foodstuffs• Provides the basis for body fluids of all types• When too high or too low, physiological activities cease,
primarily because molecules are destroyed or become nonfunctional