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BIO 201 - A and P Intro – Handouts
Overview of Anatomy and Physiology
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Anatomy: The study of structure

Subdivisions:
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Gross or macroscopic (e.g., regional, surface, and systemic anatomy)
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Microscopic (e.g., cytology and histology)

Developmental (e.g., embryology)
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Essential tools for the study of anatomy:
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Mastery of anatomical terminology
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Observation
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Manipulation
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Palpation
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Physiology: The study of function at
many levels

Subdivisions are based on organ
systems (e.g., renal or
cardiovascular physiology)

Essential tools for the study of
physiology:

Ability to focus at many levels
(from systemic to cellular and
molecular)

Basic physical principles (e.g.,
electrical currents, pressure, and
movement)
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Basic chemical principles
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Anatomy and physiology are
inseparable

Function always reflects structure
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What a structure can do depends
on its specific form
Homeostasis
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Maintenance of a relatively stable
internal environment despite continuous outside changes
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A dynamic state of equilibrium
Negative Feedback Mechanism
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Receptor (sensor)
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Monitors the environment
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Responds to stimuli (changes in controlled variables)
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Control center
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Determines the set point at which the variable is maintained

Receives input from receptor
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Determines appropriate response
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Effector
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Receives output from control center
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Provides the means to respond

Response acts to reduce or enhance the stimulus (feedback)
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Regional Terms
Directional Terms
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Body Planes and Sections

A sagittal section divides the body (or
organ) into left and right parts

A median, or midsagittal, section divides
the body (or organ) into equal left and
right parts
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A frontal section divides the body (or
organ) into anterior and posterior parts
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A transverse, or cross, section divides
the body (or organ) into superior and
inferior parts
Body Cavities
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Dorsal body cavity
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Cranial cavity houses the brain
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Spinal cavity houses the spinal cord
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Ventral body cavity
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Thoracic cavity houses heart, lungs and others
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Abdominopelvic cavity houses digestive system
and most urinary system organs
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Thoracic cavity subdivisions:
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Two pleural cavities
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Each houses a lung
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Mediastinum
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Contains pericardial cavity
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Surrounds thoracic organs
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Pericardial cavity
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Encloses heart
Serous Membranes
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Thin, double-layered membrane separated by
serous fluid
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Parietal serosa lines internal body walls
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Visceral serosa covers the internal organs
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Abdominopelvic Major Organs
Abdominopelvic Regions