Some of these structures are very small and can only be observed and analyzed with the assistance of a microscope. HumanВ anatomyВ is the scientific study of the bodyвЂ™s structures.

Discuss the fundamental relationship between anatomy and physiology.

Compare and contrast anatomy and physiology, including their specializations and methods of study.

Overview of Anatomy and PhysiologyД«y the end of this section, you will be able to: It ends with examples of medical imaging used to see inside the living body. It introduces a set of standard terms for body structures and for planes and positions in the body that will serve as a foundation for more comprehensive information covered later in the text. It then covers the characteristics of life and how the body works to maintain stable conditions. This chapter begins with an overview of anatomy and physiology and a preview of the body regions and functions.

At some point, everyone will have a problem with some aspect of his or her body and your knowledge can help you to be a better parent, spouse, partner, friend, colleague, or caregiver. Your knowledge in this field will help you understand news about nutrition, medications, medical devices, and procedures and help you understand genetic or infectious diseases. Familiarity with the human body can help you make healthful choices and prompt you to take appropriate action when signs of illness arise. An understanding of anatomy and physiology is not only fundamental to any career in the health professions, but it can also benefit your own health. Though you may approach a course in anatomy and physiology strictly as a requirement for your field of study, the knowledge you gain in this course will serve you well in many aspects of your life.

Compare and contrast at least four medical imagining techniques in terms of their function and use in medicine.

Use appropriate anatomical terminology to identify key body structures, body regions, and directions in the body.

Define homeostasis and explain its importance to normal human functioning.

Identify the four requirements for human survival.

Identify the functional characteristics of human life.

Describe the structure of the body, from simplest to most complex, in terms of the six levels of organization.

Distinguish between anatomy and physiology, and identify several branches of each.

(credit: Bryan Mason/flickr)ДЄfter studying this chapter, you will be able to: FigureВ 1.1В Blood PressureВ A proficiency in anatomy and physiology is fundamental to any career in the health professions.

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