The human body is complex in its structure and function. This chapter provides an overview of the human body. It introduces you to the way the body is organized from the chemical level all the way up to the organ system level. You will also learn important terminology used in the clinical setting to describe body positions and parts. This chapter also focuses on how diseases develop at the genetic and organism levels.
Outline
The Study of the Body
Organization of the Body
Body Organs and Systems
Anatomical Terminology
Body Cavities and Abdominal Regions
Chemistry of Life
Cell Characteristics
Movement Through Cell Membranes
Cell Division
Genetic Techniques
Heredity
Major Tissue Types
Learning Outcomes
After completing Chapter 23, you will be able to:
23.1 Describe body organization from simple to more complex levels.
23.2 List the body organ systems, their general functions, and the major organs contained in each.
23.3 Define the anatomical position and explain its importance.
23.4 Use anatomical terminology correctly.
23.5 Name the body cavities and the organs contained in each.
23.6 Explain the abdominal regions and quadrants.
23.7 Explain why a basic understanding of chemistry is important in studying the body.
23.8 Describe important molecules and compounds of the human body.
23.9 Label the parts of a cell and list their functions.
23.10 List and describe the ways substances move across a cell membrane.
23.11 Describe the stages of cell division.
23.12 Explain how mutations occur and what effects they may produce.
23.13 Describe the uses of the genetic techniques, DNA fingerprinting, and the polymerase chain reaction.
23.14 Describe the different patterns of inheritance.
23.15 Describe the locations and characteristics of the four main tissue types.
23.16 Describe the signs and symptoms of various genetic conditions.
Summary
The human body is divided into several levels of organization, from the simplest to the most complex. These levels are chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism. Anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body and physiology is the study of its functions. Cells multiply through mitosis and meiosis. Understanding these processes assists with the concept that one mutant cell can lead to multiple illnesses and birth defects. Directional terms are used to describe the location of body parts and regions, allowing for specificity when describing locations. These terms always relate to the anatomic position. It is important to understand the relationship between the body levels as well as the basics of the organization of the human body and the relationships found within each organization, before studying the individual systems.
