Principles of Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy and Physiology DefinitionsPage 1

Anatomy is defined as the study of the structure of organisms and the relationships between their parts, while physiology focuses on the functions of the living organism and how its systems work.

Anatomical Terminology and PlanesPage 4

Anatomical descriptions utilize directional terms (such as medial/lateral, superior/inferior, anterior/posterior, and proximal/distal) and reference planes (sagittal, transverse, and frontal/coronal) to accurately locate body parts and sections.

Body Cavities and RegionsPage 13

The body is organized into major cavities, specifically the dorsal cavity (cranial and vertebral) and the ventral cavity (thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic). Additionally, the abdominopelvic cavity is divided into nine specific regions to aid in the localization of internal organs.

Levels of Organization and Characteristics of LifePage 30

The human body is organized into five levels: chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, and system. Living organisms are distinguished from non-living things by six processes: metabolism, responsiveness, movement, growth, differentiation, and reproduction.

Homeostasis and Feedback SystemsPage 41

Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment through feedback systems consisting of a receptor, control center, and effector. Negative feedback systems reverse changes (e.g., blood pressure regulation), whereas positive feedback systems reinforce changes (e.g., childbirth).