Advanced Biology
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Anatomy is the classification or the study of
structures of an organism
 Can also be the organization of the structure
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Morphology is the study of shape (older
name of anatomy)
 Can have many sub-specialties
▪ Gross anatomy (large structures), histology (structure
and function of tissues),
applied/comparative/evolutionary anatomy
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Physiology is the study of how a living
organism can accomplish various functions
 Can also have sub-specialites, such as
pathophysiology (disease processes),
comparative/evolutionary/exercise/environmental
physiology
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Form refers to anatomy; function refers to
physiology
 Function will depend on how structure is
constructed (how its parts are organized)
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Exhibit high degree of organization and
complexity
Composed of one or more cells
Acquire energy (through cellular respiration)
Reproduce offspring that are similar to
themselves
Contain DNA in form of genes or
chromosomes
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Grow and develop
 Growth refers to growing in size; development
refers to complexity and ability growth
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Responsive to internal and external
environment
Metabolically active
Exhibit movement (internally and/or
externally)
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Anatomical positions
 Anterior
 Posterior
 Dorsal
 Ventral
 Proximal
 Distal
 Superior
 Inferior
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Planes-imaginary lines drawn through the body that
separate it
 Transverse plane horizontal line drawn through middle
of body (cross section); have superior (upper) and inferior
(lower) portions
 Sagittal plane vertical line drawn through the center of
the body; divides body into right and left sides
 Frontal plane  vertical line drawn through the center of
the body; divides the front (ventral) from the back (dorsal)
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Hierarchy-levels of organzation; higher levels
built on lower levels
Body
Systems
Organs
Tissues
Cells
Organelles
Macromolecules
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Four major spaces or cavities filled with fluid
that help protect vital organs
 Cranial: protects brain
 Spinal: protects spinal cord
 Thoracic: protects heart
and lungs
 Abdominopelvic: protects
digestive and reproductive
organs
▪ Abdominal and pelvic cavities
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Cavities contain thin membranes that
surround the organs (found in between the
cavity and the organs)
Thoracic cavity contains a sub-cavities called
pleural and pericardial cavities
 Parietal pleura covers the organs inside of the
thoracic cavity (chest); visceral pleura covers the
lungs
 Pericardium covers the heart; is a fluid filled sac
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There are sub-cavities within the cranium
 Nasal cavity (air passageway)
 Oral cavity (food and air passageway)
 Ocular cavity (houses the eyes)
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Hollow spaces within the
cranium are called sinuses; no
known function
 Frontal sinus
 Sphenoid sinus
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Cardiovascular
Digestive
Endocrine
Immune
Integumentary
Lymphatic
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Muscular
Nervous
Reproductive
Respiratory
Skeletal
Urinary
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I can use the four anatomical positions when
describing the body.
I can name the five levels of organization in a
living organism.
I can explain why body cavities are important.
I can describe the main function of each of
the twelve human body systems.