Anatomy studies the structures
of the body and the relationships
among those structures.
Physiology studies how body
structures function.
These subjects are inseparable
because the function of a body
structure depends strongly on
how that structure is built.
❤️
Heart Example
Studying the chambers,
valves and vessels of
the heart is anatomy.
Studying how the heart
generates pressure and
pumps blood is physiology.
Key Principle
Structure determines function.
This principle appears throughout
every organ system.
02
CORE CONCEPT
Branches of Anatomy & Physiology
Gross Anatomy
Structures visible
without a microscope.
Regional Anatomy
All structures within
one specific body region.
Systemic Anatomy
Study of structures
belonging to one organ system.
Microscopic Anatomy
Structures requiring
magnification.
Histology
Microscopic study
of tissues.
Cytology
Study of individual cells.
Physiology can also be organized
by organ system. Neurophysiology
examines nervous-system function,
cardiovascular physiology examines
the heart and blood vessels,
respiratory physiology examines gas
exchange and renal physiology
examines kidney function.
🧠
Memory Tip
Anatomy asks:
“What is it and where is it?”
Physiology asks:
“How does it work?”
03
BODY ORGANIZATION
Six Levels of Structural Organization
1
Chemical
Atoms and molecules.
↓
2
Cellular
Molecules form cells,
the basic units of life.
↓
3
Tissue
Similar cells cooperate
to perform common functions.
↓
4
Organ
Two or more tissue types
form a functional structure.
↓
5
Organ System
Multiple organs cooperate
toward major body functions.
↓
6
Organism
All body systems operating
together as one human being.
Exam Favorite
Remember the sequence:
chemical → cellular →
tissue → organ →
organ system → organism.
04
LIFE PROCESSES
Characteristics of Living Humans
Metabolism
All chemical reactions
occurring in the body.
Responsiveness
Detecting and responding
to internal or external change.
Movement
Motion of the entire body,
organs, cells or substances.
Growth
Increase in body size
through cell number or size.
Differentiation
Development of specialized
cells from less-specialized cells.
Reproduction
Formation of new cells
or a new organism.
Digestion
Breakdown of food
into absorbable molecules.
Excretion
Removal of metabolic
wastes from the body.
05
THE HUMAN BODY
The 11 Organ Systems
Integumentary
Protection,
temperature regulation
and sensation.
Skeletal
Support,
protection,
minerals and blood-cell formation.
Muscular
Movement,
posture and heat production.
Nervous
Rapid electrical
communication and control.
Endocrine
Hormonal regulation
and long-term control.
Cardiovascular
Transport of blood,
oxygen, nutrients and wastes.
Lymphatic / Immune
Fluid return
and immune defense.
Respiratory
Oxygen and carbon-dioxide
gas exchange.
Digestive
Digestion and
nutrient absorption.
Urinary
Waste removal,
fluid, electrolyte
and acid-base regulation.
Reproductive
Gamete production
and reproduction.
Nursing Connection
Organ systems are interdependent.
A problem in one system can quickly
change the function of several others.
06
CLINICAL APPLICATION
Think Across Organ Systems
🩺
PATIENT SCENARIO
Shortness of Breath
A patient develops severe
shortness of breath and low
blood oxygen.
Why might confusion develop?
The respiratory system
is not supplying enough
oxygen. The cardiovascular
system therefore delivers
less oxygen to brain tissue,
affecting nervous-system
function.
07
EXAM REVIEW
High-Yield Summary
✓ Anatomy studies structure.
✓ Physiology studies function.
✓ Structure and function are related.
✓ Histology studies tissues.
✓ Cytology studies cells.
✓ Cells are the basic structural
and functional units of life.
✓ Human organization progresses
from chemical level to organism.
✓ The body contains 11 major
organ systems.
✓ Organ systems depend on
one another.
🎯
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