1. A and P Intro – Handouts
Overview of Anatomy and Physiology
 Anatomy: The study of structure
 Subdivisions:
 Gross or macroscopic (e.g., regional, surface, and systemic anatomy)
 Microscopic (e.g., cytology and histology)
 Developmental (e.g., embryology)
 Essential tools for the study of anatomy:
 Mastery of anatomical terminology
 Observation
 Manipulation
 Palpation
 Physiology: The study of function at many levels
 Subdivisions are based on organ systems (e.g., renal or cardiovascular physiology)
 Essential tools for the study of physiology:
 Ability to focus at many levels (from systemic to cellular and molecular)
 Basic physical principles (e.g., electrical currents, pressure, and movement)
 Basic chemical principles
 Anatomy and physiology are inseparable
 Function always reflects structure
 What a structure can do
depends on its specific form
Homeostasis
 Maintenance of a relatively stable
internal environment despite
continuous outside changes
 A dynamic state of equilibrium
Negative Feedback Mechanism
 Receptor (sensor)
 Monitors the environment
 Responds to stimuli (changes in
controlled variables)
 Control center
 Determines the set point at
which the variable is maintained
 Receives input from receptor
 Determines appropriate
response

2.
 Effector
o Receives output from control center
o Provides the means to respond
o Response acts to reduce or enhance the
stimulus (feedback)
Regional Terms
Directional Terms

3.
Body Planes and Sections
 A sagittal section divides the body (or
organ) into left and right parts
 A median, or midsagittal, section divides
the body (or organ) into equal left and
right parts
 A frontal section divides the body (or
organ) into anterior and posterior parts
 A transverse, or cross, section divides
the body (or organ) into superior and
inferior parts
Body Cavities
 Dorsal body cavity
 Cranial cavity houses the brain
 Spinal cavity houses the spinal cord
 Ventral body cavity
 Thoracic cavity houses heart, lungs and others
 Abdominopelvic cavity houses digestive system
and most urinary system organs

4.  Serous Membranes
 Thin, double‐layered membrane separated by
serous fluid
 Parietal serosa lines internal body walls
 Visceral serosa covers the internal organs
Abdominopelvic Major Organs
Abdominopelvic Regions