What is the Scientific Method?
is a systematic and rigorous process by which anatomists + physiologists:
o Examine natural events (phenomena) through observation
o Develop a hypothesis (possible explanation) for explaining a phenomenon
o Experiment and test hypothesis by collecting data
o Determine if the data support the hypothesis, or if the hypothesis should be rejected or modified
What is scientific observation?
o have to be able to observe natural events
o ex: increased temperature
o in scientific observation you describe something so specifically that anyone can understand what you are observing.
o The observation can be reproducible.
What is a hypothesis?
o more complex than an “if, then” statement because there are multiple factors
What is an experiment?
used to test your hypothesis, using different approaches, know whether your hypothesis is valid or not
What is Anatomy? what are its Different parts?
The study of structure and form of organisms
Microscopic anatomy
gross anatomy
systematic anatomy
regional anatomy
surface anatomy
comparative anatomy
embryology
clinical anatomy
what is microscopic anatomy?
examines structures that cannot be observed by unaided eye
o Specimens examined under microscope
o Cytology (cellular anatomy) is the study of body cells and their internal structure
o Histology is the study of tissues
What id gross anatomy?
(macroscopic anatomy): investigates structure and relationships of body parts visible to the unaided eye.
o Specimens are dissected for examination
What is Regional Anatomy?
examines all of the structures in a particular region of the body as a complete unit. Most medical schools use this approach
What is systematic anatomy?
- the anatomy of each body system. Most undergrad A&P classes use this approach
What is surface anatomy?
Focuses on both superficial anatomic markings and the internal body structures that relate to the skin covering them. Health-care providers use surface features to identify and locate important landmarks like pulse locations or the proper body region on which to preform CPR
What is comparative anatomy?
- examines anatomical similarities and differences in different species
What is Embryology?
developmental changes from conception to birth
What is clinical anatomy?
pathologic anatomy- examines the anatomic changes resulting from disease. Both gross anatomic changes and microscopic structures are examined.
radiographic anatomy- investigates the relationships among internal structures that may be visualized by specific scanning procedures, such as radiography (x-ray), ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
How are A&P Integrated?
- Both disciplines must use information from the other field from the other field for a full understanding of the organ system
- Anatomists tend to focus on the form and structure
- Physiologists focus on the mechanisms and functions of these structures
- Both anatomists and physiologists understand that the form and function of structures are interrelated.
What is physiology and its types?
The study of function of the body parts under normal conditions
Cardiovascular physiology
neurophysiology
respiratory physiology
reproductive physiology
pathophysiology
What is cardiovascular physiology?
examines functioning of the heart, blood vessels, particular blood. Cardiovascular physiologists examine how the heart pumps the blood, what are the parameters for healthy blood pressure within the blood vessels and details of the cellular exchange mechanisms by which respiratory gases, nutrients, and wastes move between blood and body structures.
What is neurophysiology?
studies functioning of nerves and nervous system organs (Examines how nerve impulses are propagated throughout the nervous system)
What is respiratory physiology?
studies how respiratory gases are transferred by gas exchange between the lungs and the blood vessels
What is reproductive physiology?
- explores how the regulation of reproductive hormones can drive the reproductive cycle and influence sex cell production and maturation
What is pathophysiology?
- investigates the relationship between the functioning of an organ system and disease or injury to that organ system. Pathophysiologist examines how contractile force of the heart, blood pressure, and both gas nutrient exchange may be affected in an individual afflicted with heart disease.
What are the common properties of living organisms? What do they mean?
- Organization: all organisms exhibit a complex structure and order
- Metabolism: the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within the body
o Anabolism- small molecules joined to form larger ones
o Catabolism- large molecules broken down into smaller ones - Growth and development: organisms assimilate nutrients from the environment to:
o Grow (increased size or numbers)
o Develop (increased specialization- function of a cell becomes more and more specific of form and function)
o As the human body grows and develops, structures such as the brain become more complex and elaborately integrated. - Responsiveness (irritability): ability to sense and react to stimuli (changes in the internal/external environment)
o A stimulus to the skin of the hands, such as extremely hot temperature, causes the human to withdraw the hand from the stimulus so as to prevent injury or damage.
o Responsiveness occurs at almost all levels of organization - Regulation: ability to adjust internal bodily function to accommodate environment changes.
o When body temperature rises, more blood is circulated near the body’s surface to facilitate heat loss, and thus return body temperature to within the normal
o Optimal function
o Homeostasis- ability to maintain body structure and function - Reproduction: ability to produce new cells for growth, maintenance, and, repair.
o Reproduction can occur by mitosis or meiosis
o The somatic (body) cells divide by a process called mitosis, whereas sex cells (called gametes) are produced by another type of cell division called meiosis. The sex cells, under the right conditions, have the ability to develop into a new living organism.
What are the levels of structural organization?
- Chemical level (letters)- atoms, molecules, macromolecules (most basic level)
o Atoms are the smallest units of matter that exhibit the characteristics pf an element, such as carbon and hydrogen
o Molecules are two or more atoms combine; ex: sugar, a water molecule, or a vitamin; macromolecules: include proteins and the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules, form specialized microscopic subunits cells, called organelles - Cellular level (words)- cells; the most basic structural and functional units of an organism beneath the cellular level life does not exist
o Cells and their components are formed from the atoms and molecules from the chemical level
o Structures of cells vary widely, reflecting the specializations needed for their different functions. - Tissue level (sentences)- groups of cells and extracellular material that work together to perform a particular function . Four major types:
o Epithelial tissue covers exposed surfaces and lines body cavities.
o Connective tissue protects, supports and binds structures and organs.
o Muscle tissue produces movement
o Nervous tissue conducts nerve impulses for communication - Organ level (paragraphs)- 2 or more different tissues working together, have a more specific and complex function; ex: small intestine of an organ that is composed od all four tissue types which work together to process and absorb digested nutrients.
- Organ system level (chapters)- related organs with a common function; each organ is doing something different but in combination they are performing a common function (ex: cardiovascular system)
- Organism level (book)- all organ systems function together
What are the organ systems?
Integumentary system
Skeletal system
Muscular system
nervous system
Endocrine system
Cardiovascular system
Lymphatic system
Respiratory system Urinary system
Digestive system Male and female reproductive systems
What is the Anatomic position?
reference point for the human body, cardinal points, neutral positions
o Person stands upright with the feet parallel and flat on the floor, the upper limbs are at the sides of the body, and the palms face anteriorly, head is level and the eyes look forward toward the observer
