Anatomy

Anatomy is the study of the body’s structures.

* Developmental anatomy considers anatomical changes from conception to adulthood. Embryology only focuses on the first eight week of development.

* Cytology examines cells.

* Histology examines tissues.

* Gross anatomy studies organs from either a systemic or regional perspective.

Surface anatomy uses superficial structures to locate deeper structures, and anatomical imaging is a noninvasive technique for identifying deep structures.

Physiology is the study of the body’s functions. It can be approached from a cellular of a systems of point of view.

Pathology deals with all aspects of disease. Exercise physiology examines changes caused by exercise.

Humans share many characteristics with other organisms, such as organization, metabolism, responsiveneess, grouth, development, and reproduction.

Much of our knowledge about humans is derived from research on other organisms.

Homeostasis is the condition in which body functions, body fluids, and other factors of the internal enviroment are maintained at levels suitable to support life.

Negative feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.

* Many negative-feedback mechanisms consost of a receptor, a control receptor, and an effector.

Positive feedback mechanisms usually increase deviations from normal.

* Although a few positive-feedback mechanisms normally exist in the body, most positive-feedback mechanisms are harmful.

A human standing erect with the face directed forward, the arms hanging to the side, and the palms facing forward is in the anatomical position.

A person lying face upward is supine.

A person lying downward is prone.

The body can be divided into a central region, consisiting of the head, neck, and trunk, and the upper limbs and lower limbs.

The abdomen can be divided into quadrants or into nine regions.

These divisions are useful for locating internal organs or describing the location of pain or a tumor.