Human Anatomy & Physiology
Chapter 1
Introduction to anatomy
Prepared by:
Ismael zaki Albalishi
Master in critical care nursing
Anatomy
• Gross anatomy: the study of body structures
visible to the naked eye (without a
microscope)
• Microscopic anatomy:
• Cytology: Analysis of the internal structures of
individual cells
• Histology: examination of tissues (groups of
specialized cells that work together to perform
a specific function.
2
Homeostasis
• Homeostasis is the ability to maintain a
relatively stable internal environment in an
ever-changing outside world
• The internal environment of the body is in a
dynamic state of equilibrium
• Chemical, thermal, and neural factors
interact to maintain homeostasis
Anatomical Position
• Anytime you describe structures
relative to one another, you must
assume this standard position:
• Body erect
• Feet slightly apart
• Palms facing forward
• Thumbs point away from body
4
Anterior
Landmarks
5
Posterior
Landmarks
6
Body Orientation
and Direction
• These are relative positions
• Proximal/distal
• Used to describe locations on
the arms and legs
• GI tract
• Medial/lateral
• Medial is closer to the midline
• Farther away from the midline
7
Body Orientation and Direction
• Dorsal: Back
• Ventral: Front
• Superior or Cephalad is
toward the head
• Inferior or Caudal is
toward the feet
• Anterior: most forward
• Posterior: toward the
backside
8
Orientation and Directional
Terms
Table 1.1 (1 of 3)
Directional Terms
Table 1.1
Planes of the Body
11
Dorsal Body Cavity
• Dorsal cavity
protects the nervous
system
• Contains Brain and
Spinal Cord
12
Cavities
• Thoracic Cavity
• Heart & Lungs
• Subdivided into the
mediastinum and plural
cavities
• Lower border is the diaphragm
• Abdominal Cavity
• Stomach, Liver, Intestines
• Pelvic Cavity
• Reproductive organs Bladder,
Rectum
13
Serous Membranes of the Heart
14
Quadrants
• RUQ
• Liver
• LUQ
• Spleen
• RLQ
• Appendix
• LLQ
• Sigmoid colon
15
Abdominopelvic
Regions
16
The Integumentary System
Forms external body
covering
Protects deeper tissues
from injury
Synthesizes vitamin D
Site of cutaneous
receptors (pain, pressure,
etc.) and sweat and oil
glands
The Skeletal System
– Protects and supports
body organs
– Provides a
framework for
muscles
– Blood cells formed
within bones
– Stores minerals
The Muscular System
Allows
manipulation of
environment
Locomotion
Facial expression
Maintains posture
Produces heat
The Nervous System
Fast-acting control
system
Responds to
internal and external
changes
The Endocrine System
Glands secrete
hormones that regulate
Growth
Reproduction
Nutrient use
The Cardiovascular System
Blood vessels transport
blood
Carries oxygen and carbon
dioxide
Also carries nutrients and
wastes
Heart pumps blood through
blood vessels
The Lymphatic System
Picks up fluid leaked from
blood vessels
Disposes of debris in the
lymphatic system
Houses white blood cells
(lymphocytes)
Mounts attack against
foreign substances in the
body
The Respiratory System
Keeps blood supplied
with oxygen
Removes carbon
dioxide
Gas exchange occurs
through walls of air sacs
in the lungs
The Digestive System
Breaks down food into absorbable units
Indigestible foodstuffs eliminated as feces
The Urinary System
Eliminates
nitrogenous wastes
Regulates water,
electrolyte, and acidbase balance
Reproductive System
Overall function is to produce offspring
Testes produce sperm and male sex hormones
Ovaries produce eggs and female sex hormones
Mammary glands produce milk