Health Anatomy
AN OVERVIEW OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Define anatomy and physiology. Anatomy is the study of the structure and shape of the body and its parts. Physiology is the study of how the body and its parts function. Smooth muscle is an example of the tissue level of structural organisation.
Explain how anatomy and physiology are related. Anatomy and physiology are related such that they study the body as a structure and a whole, then its components including the body parts/organs, how they function, how they interrelate and cooperate together to function the organism and how they interact with the environment. When we study large body structures such as the heart or bones, we are observing "gross anatomy." If a microscope or magnifying instrument is used to see very small structures in the body, we are studying "microscopic anatomy," such as cells and tissues. For example, neurophysiology explains the workings of the nervous system, and cardiac physiology studies the functions of the heart.
LEVELS OF STRUCTURAL ORGANISATION
Name the levels of structural organisation that make up the human body and explain how they are related.
(Chemical level) Atom is the smallest unit of an element of matter. They combine to form molecules such as water, sugar and proteins. Molecules form cells.
(Cellular level) Cell is the smallest living unit. Cells divide constantly to form a layer of tissue.
(Tissue level) Tissue is an association of cells with the same general structure and function.
(Organ level) Organ is an association of several tissue types that carry out a specific function. For example, the digestive system includes the oseophagus, the stomach and the small and large intestines. Each organ has its own function and working together, keep food moving through the system so that it is broken, absorbed into the blood, providing fuel for the cells.
(Organismal level) Organism is a single individual of a particular life form. In all, 11 organ systems make up the living...
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