SFH - Structure and Function of the Human Body Module Overview
Structure and Function of the Human Body
Introduction
The cell is the basic building block of life. How many times have you heard that statement? Well, let's consider cellular composition: an atom is a chemical element; two or more atoms form a molecule, and multiple molecules make up the workforce of the cell. Wow, that's a lot but that's only the beginning! Each part of the cell has a specific structure AND function.
This course will explore the anatomy, the structure of the human body and its parts, and the physiology or the functions of the human body and its parts. Human Anatomy and Physiology is where biology and chemistry merge to create something beautiful, Human Life.
Essential Questions
- What terms are used to describe the orientation of body parts and regions?
- What is the difference between anatomy and physiology?
- How do body systems depend on each other and the body as a whole?
- How can homeostasis be defined?
- What happens to the body systems and the body as a whole if homeostasis is not maintained?
Key Words
- Anatomy - the study of the structure of living things
- Physiology - the study of the ways living things function
- Pathophysiology - the disordered physiological processes associated with disease or injury
- Homeostasis - the ability of the body or a cell to seek and maintain a condition of equilibrium or stability within its internal environment when dealing with external changes
- Biofeedback - the technique of making unconscious or involuntary bodily processes (heartbeat, temperature regulation) change to maintain homeostasis
- Body Planes - imaginary lines drawn through the body to separate the body into sections
- Body Cavities - spaces within the body containing vital organs
- Caudal - situated in or directed toward the hind part of the body
- Cranial - of or relating to the skull or cranium
- Distal - further away from where arm or leg inserts into the body
- Dorsal - located near, on, or toward the back or posterior part of the human body
- Coronal - relating to the frontal plane
- Lateral - located away from the midline of the body
- Medial - located on the midline of the body
- Metabolism - the chemical reactions involved in sustaining the life of an organism
- Midsagital or Medial - sagittal plane that lies on the midline
- Proximal - closer to where arm or leg inserts into the body
- Sagittal - divides the body into right and left parts
- Thoracic - cavity located in the chest. Contains the esophagus, trachea, bronchi, lung, heart, and large blood vessels.
- Transverse Plane - divides the body into a top half and a bottom half
- Ventral Plane - located on the front or anterior
- Pelvic Cavity - contains the urinary bladder, the reproductive organs, and the last part of the intestine
- Spinal Cavity - contains the spinal cord
- Dorsal Cavity - one long, continuous cavity located on the back of the body divided into the cranial cavity and spinal cavity
- Ventral Cavities - located on the front of the body, it is separated into two cavities (thoracic and abdominopelvic) by the diaphragm.
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