CHAPTER 1: THE HUMAN ORGANISM 2) To understand how the body maintains

internal conditions within a narrow range of

I. Anatomy and Physiology
values in the presence of continually
II. Structural and Functional
changing internal and external
Organization of the Human Body
environments.
III. Characteristics of Life
IV. Homeostasis
II. STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL
V. Terminology and Body Plan
ORGANIZATION OF THE HUMAN BODY
I. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY The human body can be organized six levels:
chemical, cell tissue, organ, organ systems, and
The study of the structure and function of the
organism.
human body.
Chemical Level – involves how atoms (e.g.
Importance - Knowing human anatomy and
hydrogen and carbon) interact and combine into
physiology also provides the basis for
molecules.
understanding disease
Cell Level - Cells are the basic structural and
ANATOMY
functional units of organisms. Molecules can
 The scientific discipline that investigates the combine to form organelles, which are the small
structure of the body; its relationship and structures that make up some cells.
its functions.
Tissue Level - Tissue is a group of similar cells and
 Anatomy – to dissect the parts of the body
the materials surrounding them. The characteristics
for study.
of the cells and surrounding materials determine
Basic approaches to the study of anatomy the functions of the tissue.

Systematic Anatomy – study of the body Organ Level - An organ is composed of two or
systems. more tissue types that together perform one or
more common functions.
Regional Anatomy – study of the organization
of the body areas within each region. Organ System Level - organ system is a group of
organs classified as a unit because of a common
To examine internal structures of a living person:
function or set of functions. The coordinated
a. Surface anatomy – the study of external activity of the organ systems is necessary for
features normal function.
b. Anatomical imagining – involves the use of
Organism Level - organism is any living thing
x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance
considered as a whole, whether composed of one
(MRI), etc. to create pictures of internal
cell, such as a bacterium, or of trillions of cells, such
structures
as a human.
PHYSIOLOGY
---
 The scientific discipline that deals with the
Major Organ and Body Systems
processes/functions of living things.
The body’s major organs include the brain,
Major goals for studying physiology
lungs, heart, liver, pancreas, spleen, stomach,
1) To understand and predict the body’s gallbladder, kidneys, large intestine, small
responses to stimuli intestines, urinary bladder and urethra.
 Consists of the brain, spinal cord,
nerves, and sensory receptors.
Endocrine System

 A major regulatory system that influences

metabolism, growth, reproduction, and
many other functions.
Consists of endocrine glands, such as
the pituitary, that secrete hormones.
Integumentary System
Cardiovascular System
 The body’s outer layer and acts as a physical
 Transports nutrients, waste products, gases,
barrier, the first line of defense against
and hormones throughout the body; plays a
bacteria and injury.
role in the immune response and the
Crucial functions: protection,
regulation of body temperature.
sensation, regulation, absorption, excretion,
Consists of the heart, blood vessels,
vitamin D synthesis, and aesthetic and
and blood.
social functions.
Lymphatic System
Skeletal System
 Removes foreign substances from the blood
 The body’s support structure. Allows body
and lymph, combats disease, maintains
movements, produces blood cells, and
tissue fluid balance, and absorbs dietary
stores minerals and adipose tissue.
fats from the digestive tract.
Consists of bones, associated
cartilages, ligaments, and joints
Muscular System

 Produces body movements, maintains

posture, and produces body heat.
Consists of muscles attached to the

Consists of the lymphatic vessels,

lymph nodes, and other lymphatic organs.

Respiratory System

 Exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide

skeleton by tendons. between the blood and air and regulates
blood pH.
Nervous System Consists of the lungs and respiratory
 A major regulatory system that detects passages.
sensations and controls movements, Digestive System
physiological processes, and intellectual
functions.
  Performs the mechanical and chemical
processes of digestion, absorption of 2. Metabolism – ability to use energy and
nutrients, and elimination of wastes. perform vital functions (e.g. growth,
Consists of the mouth, esophagus, movement, and reproduction).
stomach, intestines, and accessory organs.
3. Responsiveness – ability of an organism to
sense changes in the environment and
make adjustments that help maintain its
life.

4. Growth – refers to an increase in size of all

or part of the organism (increase in cell
number, cell size, etc.)
Urinary System
5. Development – the changes an organism
 Removes waste products from the blood undergoes through time. It involves growth,
and regulates blood pH, ion balance, and but also involves differentiation.
water balance. Differentiation – change in cell
Consists of the kidneys, urinary structure and function from generalized to
bladder, and ureters. specialized.
Female Reproductive System
6. Reproduction – formation of new cells or
 Produces oocytes and is the site of new organisms.
fertilization and fetal development;
produces milk for the newborn; produces
hormones that influence sexual function
and behaviors.
Consists of the ovaries, uterine
tubes, uterus, vagina, mammary glands, and
associated structures.
Male Reproductive System

 Produces and transfers sperm cells to the

female and produces hormones that
influence sexual functions and behaviors.
Consists of the testes, accessory
structures, ducts, and penis.

III. CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFE

1. Organization – refers to the specific

relationship of the many individual parts of
an organism, interacting and working
together. Disruption of this organized state
can result in loss of function and death.