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chapter outline

UNIT 1 The Human Body and Disease

Concepts of the
Human Body

The Study of the

Human Body
Organization of the
Human Body
Body Cavities,
Regions, and
Quadrants
Anatomical
Terminology
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learning

o u tc o m e s
AFTER COMPLETING THIS CHAPTER, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:

1.1

Compare anatomy and physiology

and their interconnectivity.

1.2

Classify the organization of the body from

the chemical level to the organism.

1.3

Describe the different body cavities,

abdominal regions, and quadrants and
list the organs found in each.

1.4

Identify the anatomical position and explain its

importance and recall anatomical terminology
for the study of anatomy and physiology.

1.5

Summarize how knowledge of anatomy

and physiology will benefit activities
of daily living and life span.

essential terms

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anatomical
(ana-TOM-ical)
position
anterior
(an-TER-e-or)
caudal (KAW-dal)
cranial (KRAY-nee-al)
deep
distal (DISS-tal)
dorsal (DOOR-sal)
homeostasis
(ho-me-o-STA-sis)
lateral (LAT-er-al)
medial (MEE-dee-al)
oblique (o-BLEK)
posterior (pos-TER-e-or)
proximal (PROX-im-al)
sagittal (SAJ-it-al)
superficial
(soop-er-FISH-al)
tissue (TISH-oo)
transverse (trans-VERSE)
ventral (VEN-tral)
Additional key terms in the
chapter are italicized and defined
intheglo ssary.

case study
Use the case study to focus on as you go through the chapter. The
questions will guide you as you learn anatomy and physiology and
understand the pathology associated with each body system.
CASE STUDY 1 Aspiring Medical Assistant

Ellen Besler is an aspiring medical assistant as well as a 38-year-old

wife and mother of two. She has always had an interest in medicine. She would love to become a medical assistant and help others. Ellen has been encouraged by her family to pursue her dream.
She really does not know much about anatomy or physiology. She
wonders why she has to take the course, and what she can do to
increase her chances of success.
As you go through the chapter, keep the following questions
in mind:
1. What is anatomy? And what are the different categories of
anatomy?
2. What is physiology?
3. How are physiology and anatomy interconnected?
4. What study techniques can you suggest to help Ellen succeed?

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study tips

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1. Choose a quiet place that has everything you need

to study effectively: textbooks, reference books,
paper, pencils, note cards, and a computer.
2. Write out a schedule for each week and chapter.
Be specific. Most authorities say for every hour of
class time you should be spending two to three
hours of study time. Do not try to do too much
at one time. Divide your time into manageable
units and include scheduled breaks.
3. Preview, read, and review the chapter.
4. Make flash cards for the essential terms of
the chapter.
5. Look at illustrations and tables and read the
captions.
6. Outline the chapter. After each section,
ask yourself what you just read.
7. Write down one to three questions
to ask your instructor.
8. Meet with a study group and review
and quiz each other.
9. Answer the questions at the end of the chapter.
10. What other ideas do you have that will help you be the best
anatomista ndp hysiologisty ouc an?

Introduction
The study of anatomy and physiology is one of the most fascinating topics
you can undertake. The human body is a complex machine; it is amazing
how so many different cells, tissues, and organs, each with a specific purpose, work together to produce a highly efficient organism. Your study
will begin at the chemical level and work all the way up to the organism
(Figure 1-1). You will also be learning a new languagethe language of
science and the body. Whether you are learning anatomy and physiology
because it is required for the profession you have chosen or strictly for personal reasons, we are confident you will be delighted with the knowledge
and understanding you will achieve.

check
Why have you chosen to study anatomy and physiology?

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(tissue of
stomach wall)

O
H
Atom
(oxygen)

H2O molecule
(water)
Chemical
level
Tissue
level

(digestive
system)

Stomach

System
level

Cellular
level
Organ
level

LO 1.1

(typical cell)

Stomach
wall
Organism
(stomach)

FIGURE 1-1 The human body is organized in levels, beginning with the chemical level
(human)

and progressing to the cellular, tissue, organ, system, and organism (whole body) levels.

The Study of the Human Body

1.1

Anatomy (ana 5 up; tomy 5 to cut) is the science of the study of body structures. There are several branches of anatomy. Gross anatomy is the study of
the body at a macroscopic level (unaided by a microscope). Dissection is
often used for this study. In this textbook, we will devote our studies to
gross anatomy. Physiology is the study of the function of the bodys organs.
We study anatomy and physiology together because they are interconnected.
Essentially the shape or structure of cells, tissues, organs, and the organism
(the person) as a whole will determine the function. By having a thorough
understanding of normal anatomy and physiology, it is much easier to recognize abnormal situations when we encounter them. This knowledge will help
you grasp the meaning of diagnostic and procedural codes if you are going
into billing. It can also help you understand the clinical procedures you will
perform as a medical assistant, x-ray technician, nurse, or other health care
professional. It will be easier to see how and why certain diseases develop.

CHAPTER 1

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Compare anatomy
and physiology and their
interconnectivity.

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Homeostasis is defined as the relative consistency of the bodys internal environment. Body conditions that must remain within a stable range
include body temperature, blood pressure, and the concentration of various
chemicals within the blood. Individual cells must also maintain homeostasis.
We will learn how the different organ systems work together to maintain
homeostasis and help us remain healthy (Figure 1-2).

homeostasis Relative
consistency of the bodys
internal environment.

check
What is the effect on the organism when homeostasis is disrupted?

Hair

Skin

Ribs

Skull

Temporalis

Clavicle

Pectoralis
major

Sternum
Humerus

Biceps
brachii

Vertebral
column
Pelvis

Rectus
abdominis

Radius
Ulna

Femur

Tibia

Sartorius
Quadriceps
femoris
Gastrocnemius

Fibula
Integumentary System

Skeletal System

Muscular System

Serves as a sense organ for the body, provides

protection, regulates temperature, prevents
water loss, and produces vitamin D precursors.
Consists of skin, hair, nails, and sweat glands.

Provides protection and support, allows

body movements, produces blood cells, and
stores minerals and fat. Consists of bones,
associated cartilages, ligaments, and joints.

Produces body movements, maintains

posture, and produces body heat.
Consists of muscles attached to the
skeleton by tendons.

Cervical
lymph
node

Nasal
cavity
Pharynx
(throat)
Larynx

Mammary
plexus

Trachea
Bronchi
Lungs

Tonsils
Nose
Thymus
Axillary
lymph
node

Thoracic
duct

Lymphatic
vessel

Pharynx
(throat)
Oral cavity
(mouth)

Esophagus
Stomach

Liver
Gallbladder

Spleen
Inguinal
lymph node

Salivary
glands

Pancreas
Small
intestine
Large
intestine

Appendix
Rectum
Anus

Lymphatic System

Respiratory System

Digestive System

Removes foreign substances from the

blood and lymph, combats disease,
maintains tissue fluid balance, and
absorbs fats from the digestive tract.
Consists of the lymphatic vessels, lymph
nodes, and other lymphatic organs.

Exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide

between the blood and air and regulates
blood pH. Consists of the lungs and
respiratory passages.

Performs the mechanical and chemical

processes of digestion, absorption of
nutrients, and elimination of wastes.
Consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach,
intestines, and accessory organs.

FIGURE 1-2 Organ systems of the body.

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Hypothalamus

Brain

Pituitary

Spinal cord

Thyroid
Thymus

Pineal
body

Carotid
artery

Parathyroids
(posterior
part of
thyroid)

Jugular
vein

Nerve
Cauda
equina

Adrenals
Ovaries
(female)

Nervous System
A major regulatory system that detects
sensations and controls movements,
physiologic processes, and intellectual
functions. Consists of the brain, spinal
cord, nerves, and sensory receptors.

Pancreas
(islets)
Testes
(male)

Endocrine System
A major regulatory system that influences
metabolism, growth, reproduction, and
many other functions. Consists of glands,
such as the pituitary, that secrete
hormones.

Superior
vena cava
Pulmonary
trunk

Heart
Brachial
artery

Aorta
Femoral
artery and
vein

Inferior
vena cava

Cardiovascular System
Transports nutrients, waste products, gases,
and hormones throughout the body; plays
a role in the immune response and the
regulation of body temperature. Consists of
the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Mammary
gland
(in breast)
Seminal
vesicle

Uterine
tube

Ureter

Ovary

Urinary
bladder

LO 1.2

Kidney

Prostate
gland

Ductus
deferens

Testis

Uterus

Urethra
Vagina
Urinary System
Removes waste products from the blood
and regulates blood pH, ion balance, and
water balance. Consists of the kidneys,
urinary bladder, and ducts that carry
urine.

Female Reproductive System

Produces oocytes and is the site of
fertilization and fetal development; produces
milk for the newborn; produces hormones
that influence sexual function and behaviors.
Consists of the ovaries, vagina, uterus,
mammary glands, and associated structures.

Epididymis

Penis

Male Reproductive System

Produces and transfers sperm cells to
the female and produces hormones that
influence sexual functions and behaviors.
Consists of the testes, accessory
structures, ducts, and penis.

FIGURE 1-2 (concluded)

Organization of the Human Body

1.2

The structure of the body can be divided into six different levels of organization with increasing complexity: chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ
system, and organism (whole body).
The chemical level is the most basic level and is made up of atoms and
molecules (two or more atoms joined together by chemical bonds). Atoms
are the simplest units of all matter. Matter is anything that takes up space
and has weight. Certain elements or atoms are required for life. These
include carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P),
calcium (Ca), and sulfur (S). These essential atoms combine to make the
essential molecules needed for life including water, glucose, proteins, and
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Classify the organization of the body from

the chemical level to the
organism.

Basic Chemistry (Organic

Molecules)

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tissue A group of similar

cells that combine to
perform a specific function.

deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). We will look at the chemistry of life more

closely in Chapter 2, Concepts of Chemistry.
The next level of organization, the basic structural and functional unit of
life, is the cell. Individual cells require a microscope to be looked at closely.
When cells act together to perform a specific function, the next level of
organization, they are classified as tissue. The four basic types of tissues in
the body are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue (Figure 1-3).
Chapter 3, Concepts of Cells and Tissues, will introduce you to the world of
organelles, cells, and tissues.

A Skeletal muscle: Elongated cylindrical cells with

striations and several nuclei
Locations: Throughout the body where voluntary
movement takes place
Functions: Movement of body parts such as the
extremities, head and neck, and spine

B Cardiac muscle: Short, branching cells with

striations and a single nucleus; has intercalated discs
between cells for intercellular communication
Location: Heart
Function: Contraction of the heart for blood circulation

C Smooth muscle: Short tapered cells, not striated with

a single nucleus
Locations: Walls of blood vessels and walls of hollow
organs such as the stomach and uterus
Functions: Maintains blood vessel diameter; controls
movement of food through the digestive tract, as well as
urine in the urinary system and the egg and sperm in
the reproductive tract

D Epithelium: Cells can be squamous (flat), cuboidal, columnar,

or transitional; cells can be arranged in a single layer (simple),
stratified, or pseudostratified
Locations: Epithelium lines body surfaces and cavities; for
example, it makes up the skin and lining of the digestive tract

E Connective tissue: The most abundant and varied of the four

tissue types; consists of cells and extracellular matrix
Locations: Throughout the body; bone, cartilage, blood, and
collagen are examples of connective tissue
Functions: Movement, storage of minerals, transport of oxygen
and carbon dioxide, a source of energy, protection, and support

F Nervous tissue: Consists of neurons and neuroglia (supporting cells)

Locations: Brain, spinal cord, and nerves
Functions: Receives, integrates, and responds to various internal and
external stimuli

FIGURE 1-3 Four basic tissue types.

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focus on Wellness: The Human Body

The human body is an amazing machine. Each organ system works in sync with other
organ systems. Each level of the body organization is built on simpler levels of organization. Understanding how the body works will provide you with a better understanding of
how to keep it working and maintain the most optimal state of health and wellness.

Two or more tissue types combine to form organs, and organs that perform a common function are called organ systemsthe next two organizational levels of the human body. For example, the heart is made of cardiac
muscle tissue, connective tissue, and epithelial tissue. The heart and blood
vessels unite to form the cardiovascular system. The function of the cardiovascular system is to supply oxygen and nutrients to the cells and tissues
of the body and remove carbon dioxide and waste products. The organism
consists of all the organ systems working together to function as a unit or
living individual.

check

BodyC avities,R egions,

and Quadrants

1.3

Body cavities are spaces that help protect and support organs (Figure 1-4).
Two major body cavities are the dorsal cavity, located on the posterior
aspect of the body, and the ventral cavity, located on the front of the
body. The dorsal cavity is divided into the cranial cavity and the spinal
cavity (vertebral canal). The cranial cavity contains the brain and the spinal cavity contains the spinal cord. The organs of the dorsal cavity are well
protected because of the skull and the vertebral column. The ventral cavity
is divided into the thoracic cavity (chest cavity) and the abdominopelvic
cavity. The diaphragm separates the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.
The thoracic cavity is divided into two pleural cavities, pericardial cavity,
and mediastinum. The lungs are found in the pleural cavities. The heart is
located in the pericardial cavity which is found in the mediastinum. The
mediastinum is a space located between the two lungs laterally and the
sternum anterior and the vertebral column posterior. It runs from the first
rib superiorly to the diaphragm inferiorly. The abdominopelvic cavity is
divided into a superior abdominal cavity and an inferior pelvic cavity. The
stomach, small and large intestines, gallbladder, liver, spleen, kidneys, and
pancreas are located in the abdominal cavity. The bladder and internal
reproductive organs are located in the pelvic cavity. The body cavities with
the exception of the abdominopelvic cavity provide protection to the internal organs because of the surrounding skeletal structures. Also, the cavities
are lined with protective connective tissue membranes and small amounts
of lubricating fluids.
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LO 1.3

What are the four basic tissue types?

Describe the different

body cavities, abdominal
regions, and quadrants
and list the organs found
in each.

dorsal Toward the back of

the body.
ventral Toward the front of
the body.
cranial Above or close to
the head.

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Cranial cavity

Vertebral canal

Thoracic cavity

Diaphragm

Abdominal
cavity
Abdominopelvic
cavity
Pelvic cavity

A Lateral view

Cranial cavity

Vertebral canal

Mediastinum
Thoracic
cavity

Right pleural
cavity
Pericardial
cavity

Left pleural cavity

Thoracic cavity

Diaphragm

Abdominal
cavity
Abdominopelvic
cavity
Pelvic cavity

B Anterior view

FIGURE 1-4 Major body cavities.

The abdominal area is further divided into nine regions or four quadrants (Figure 1-5). The regions and quadrants help physicians and other medical personnel such as x-ray technicians and medical assistants easily locate
organs and vital structures (Figure 1-6). When using the nine-region method,

10

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Right
hypochondriac
region

Right
lumbar
region

Right
iliac
(inguinal)
region

Epigastric
region

Umbilical
region

Hypogastric
region

Left
hypochondriac
region
Right upper
quadrant (RUQ)

Left upper
quadrant (LUQ)

Right lower
quadrant (RLQ)

Left lower
quadrant (LLQ)

Left
lumbar
region

Left
iliac
(inguinal)
region

FIGURE 1-5 (A) The abdominal area divided into nine regions and (B) the abdominal area divided into four quadrants.

a tic-tac-toe grid is drawn. Two horizontal lines and

two vertical lines are drawn. The top horizontal line
is drawn just below the rib cage and the lower horizontal line is drawn just below the tops of the hip
bones. The two vertical lines are drawn just medial to
the nipples through the middle of the clavicles. The
nine regions are named right hypochondriac, epigastric, left hypochondriac, and right lumbar, umbilical, left lumbar, right inguinal, hypogastric, and left
inguinal. A simpler method of locating structures is
the quadrant method. To form the quadrants, a horizontal line and a vertical line are drawn through the
umbilicus. The four quadrants are named the right
upper quadrant, left upper quadrant, right lower
quadrant, and left lower quadrant.

FIGURE 1-6 Knowledge of anatomy is essential to x-ray

technicians.

check
List all the cavities that the heart is found in.

from the perspective of . . .

A N A D M I N I S T R A T I V E M E D I C A L A S S I S T A N T Anadmin istrative

medical assistant updates and maintains patients medical records, fills

out insurance forms, and arranges for hospital admissions and laboratory
services as well as other duties depending on where he or she works.How
will learning the different directional terms help you communicate more
effectively with other health care providers?
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AnatomicalT erminology

1.4

Identify the anatomical

position and explain its
importance and recall
anatomical terminology
for the study of anatomy
and physiology.

anatomical position The

body is standing upright,
facing forward, with the arms
at the sides and the palms
of the hands also facing
forward.

sagittal A plane that divides

the body into left and right
portions.

transverse A plane that is

also described as horizontal
and divides the body into
upper and lower portions.

Anatomical terms are used to describe the location of body parts and various
body regions. Learning anatomy and physiology terms is like learning a new
languageone that all health care professionals must speak. To begin with,
you must understand the concept of anatomical position (Figure 1-7). This
is described as a body standing upright and facing forward with the arms at
the sides and the palms of the hands facing forward. A person lying on the
stomach is said to be in the prone position, and someone lying on the back
is in the supine position.

Planes and Sections

Flat surfaces or planes passing through the body are useful in identifying
structures. There are several planes or sections you should become familiar with (Figure 1-8). Medical professionals often use the following terms
to describe how the body is divided into sections: sagittal, transverse, and
frontal (coronal). A sagittal plane divides the body into left and right
portions. A midsagittal plane runs lengthwise down the midline of the
body and divides it into equal left and right halves. A transverse (horizontal) plane divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower)

LO 1.4

FIGURE 1-7

Midline

Anatomical position: The

individual is facing forward
with the arms at the sides
and the palms of the hands
facing forward as well.

Right

Proximal

REMEMBER ELLEN,
our aspiring medical
assistant? Why do you
think it is important for
Ellen to have a thorough
understanding of the
anatomical position?

Left

Superior

Medial
Lateral

Anterior
(ventral)

Distal

Posterior
(dorsal)

Proximal

Distal

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Inferior

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Median
(midsagittal)
plane

Parasagittal
plane

Transverse
(horizontal)
plane

A section along the

median plane

A section along a transverse

plane

A section along a frontal

plane

Frontal
(coronal)
plane

FIGURE 1-8 Sectioning the body along various planes allows observation and identification
of internal structures.

portions. A frontal, or coronal, plane divides the body into anterior

(frontal) and posterior (rear) portions. Although not a main body plane,
an oblique plane is one that runs at an angle other than perpendicular to
a sagittal, horizontal, or coronal plane. It is used in radiology, describing
x-ray views.

posterior Toward the

back of the body when in
anatomical position or in
behind another structure.

check
List the planes that would run perpendicular to a sagittal plane.

oblique At an angle
other than perpendicular
to a sagittal, horizontal, or
coronal plane.

Directional Anatomical Terms

Directional anatomical terms are used to identify the position of body structures relative to other body structures (Figure 1-9 and Table 1-1). The directional anatomical terms are cranial, cephalad, caudal, inferior, ventral, anterior,
dorsal, posterior, medial, lateral, proximal, distal, superficial, and deep. A
structure that is described as cranial would be approaching or close to the
head or skull. Cephalad and superior are often used interchangeably with
cranial. Caudal or inferior refers to away from the head. As stated previously,
ventral or anterior means the front of the body and dorsal or posterior, the
back. Medial refers to being comparatively closer to the midline of the body.
Lateral refers to relatively farther from the midline. For example, the eyes
are medial to the ears but lateral to the nose. Proximal refers to a structure

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anterior Toward the

front of the body when in
anatomical position or in
front of another structure.

caudal Away from the head.

medial Near the midline of
the body.
lateral Away from the
midline of the body.
proximal Nearer to the
attachment of an extremity
to the trunk or nearer to the
point of attachment or origin.

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TABLE 1-1

Directional Anatomical Terms

Term

Definition

Example

Superior (cranial
or cephalad)

Above or close to the head

The thoracic cavity is superior to the

abdominal cavity.

Inferior (caudal)

Below or close to the feet

The neck is inferior to the head.

Anterior (ventral)

Toward the front of the body

The nose is anterior to the ears.

Posterior (dorsal)

Toward the back of the body

The brain is posterior to the eyes.

Medial

Close to the midline of the body

The nose is medial to the ear.

Lateral

Farther away from the midline of the

body

The ears are lateral to the nose.

Proximal

Close to a point of attachment or to

the trunk of the body

The knee is proximal to the ankle.

Distal

Farther away from a point of

attachment or from the trunk of
the body

The fingers are distal to the wrist.

Superficial

Close to the surface of the body

The skin is superficial to muscle.

Deep

More internal

The bones are deep to the skin.

Superior (cranial)

Midline

Dorsal (posterior)

Lateral

Ventral (anterior)

Medial
Deep
Superficial
Proximal end
of forearm

Midline

Distal end
of forearm

Proximal end
of thigh

Dorsal
surface
of hand

Distal end
of thigh

Ventral
surface
of leg

Inferior (caudal)

FIGURE 1-9 Directional terms provide mapping instructions for locating organs and body parts.

14

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being closer to the trunk or a specified part. Distal is farther from the trunk
or specified part. For example, the wrist is more proximal to the elbow than
are the fingers. The fingers would be more distal to the elbow than the wrist.
Superficial is closer to the surface of the body. For example, the skin is more
superficial than the heart. Deep would be farther from the surface of the body.

check
Is the right shoulder or right ankle more proximal to the right knee?

distal Farther from the

attachment of an extremity to
the trunk or farther from the
point of attachment or origin.
superficial Located on or
near the surface of the body
or organ.
deep Away from the surface
of the body or organ.

Anatomical Terms Used to Describe Body Parts

Many other anatomical terms are used to describe different regions or parts
of the body (Figure 1-10). For example, the term brachium refers to the arm
and the term femoral refers to the thigh.

Cephalic (head)
Frontal (forehead)
Otic (ear)
Nasal (nose)
Oral (mouth)
Cervical (neck)
Acromial
(point of shoulder)
Axillary (armpit)

Orbital (eye cavity)

Occipital
(back of head)

Buccal (cheek)
Mental (chin)
Sternal

Acromial
(point of shoulder)

Pectoral
(chest)

Vertebral
(spinal column)

Mammary (breast)

Brachial (arm)

Brachial
(arm)
Antecubital
(front of elbow)
Abdominal
(abdomen)
Antebrachial
(forearm)
Carpal (wrist)

Dorsum (back)
Umbilical
(navel)

Cubital (elbow)
Lumbar
(lower back)

Inguinal
(groin)

Sacral (between hips)

Coxal
(hip)

Gluteal (buttocks)
Perineal

Palmar (palm)
Digital (finger)

Femoral (thigh)

Genital
(reproductive organs)

Popliteal (back of knee)

Patellar
(front of knee)

Crural (leg)

Crural (leg)

Tarsal (instep)
Pedal (foot)
Plantar (sole)
A

FIGURE 1-10 Numerous anatomical terms are used to describe regions of the body: (A) anterior view and (B) posterior view.
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LifeS pan

1.5

Summarize how
knowledge of anatomy
and physiology will
benefit activities of daily
living and life span.

From the moment we are conceived we start to age. As early as our twenties
and thirties we may start to see subtle changes. We may not have the endurance we did when we were in our teens or early twenties. Skin changes
occur with loss of elasticity, loss of subcutaneous fat, and presence of age
spots. Metabolism also starts to slow down, which may affect diet as well
as drug metabolism. We also become more susceptible to cancers as our
body is not as quick to repair DNA damage. By becoming knowledgeable of
anatomy and physiology, you will gain valuable insights into how you can
assist your patients in living longer, healthier lives.
Lets take a moment to see how Ellen, our medical assistant student, is
doing. Do you think she now sees the importance of learning anatomy and
physiology? What are your thoughts?

chapter 1

LO 1.5

summary
learning outcomes

key points

1.1

Compare anatomy and physiology and

their interconnectivity.

Anatomy is the study of structures of the body

and physiology is the study of the function of
those structures. Each has a dramatic impact
on the other and that is why we often study
them together.

1.2

Classify the organization of the body from

the chemical level to the organism.

Humans, like other animals, are classified by

simpler to more complex levels of organization.
This begins at the chemical level and becomes
more complex as we move through the
cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and finally
the organism (whole body) level.

1.3

Describe the different body cavities,

abdominal regions, and quadrants and list
the organs found in each.

The ventral cavity is divided into a thoracic and

abdominopelvic cavity. The dorsal cavity is divided
into a cranial and spinal cavity. You should be able
to list the major organs and structures found in
each of these cavities. The abdominal area can be
divided into nine regions or four quadrants. This
further helps with location of structures.

1.4 Identify the anatomical position and explain

its importance and recall anatomical
terminology for the study of anatomy and
physiology.

1.5

boo02222_ch01_002-017.indd 16

Summarize how knowledge of anatomy

and physiology will benefit activities of
daily living and life span.

In the anatomical position, the individual is

standing upright, facing forward with the arms
at the sides and the palms also facing forward.
This is an important concept to prevent
misunderstanding when describing body
structures. Knowing the correct terminology
will allow you to communicate effectively with
other health care providers.
As soon as we are born we start to age. Endurance
decreases, skin loses elasticity, and metabolism
changes. We become more susceptible to
cancers and other illnesses. Understanding
normal anatomy and physiology will allow you to
understand your own body and its needs as well
as quickly recognize and appreciate pathology
when it is encountered in your patients.

1/4/12 10:04 PM

case study 1 questions

Can you answer the following questions that pertain to Ellens case study presented earlier
in this chapter?
1. How are anatomy and physiology related to each other?
2. Why is it important to understand normal anatomy and
physiology before learning what is abnormal?
3. What would you recommend to help make learning effective and fun for Ellen?

review questions
1. The heart is located in which of the following body cavities
(there may be more than one correct answer)?
a. Dorsal cavity
b. Cranial cavity
c. Ventral cavity
d. Thoracic cavity
2. Which level of organization is immediately above the cellular level?
a. Chemical
b.Tissue
c. Organism (whole body)
d. Organ
3. Which one of the following statements is correct?
a. The skin is superficial to the wrist.
c. The spine is posterior to the abdomen.
b. The head is ventral to the knee.
d. The ankle is proximal to the abdomen.
4. Which one of the following is not a basic tissue type?
a. Epithelial
b.M uscle
c.N ervous
d.Con nective
e.B one

chapter 1 review

Rev. Confirming Pages

critical thinking questions

1. Discuss how a problem at the cellular level would impact homeostasis of the organism.
2. Discuss the organs you would find in the various ventral cavities of the human body.
3. Discuss the organs you would find in the right upper quadrant.

patient education
You are asked to give a short presentation to a class of high school juniors on the benefits
of learning human anatomy and physiology. What would be the main points of your talk?
Include both personal and professional aspects.

applying what you know

Your best friend has been having some pain on her right side just above her hip. The physician suspects it may be her appendix. Using your knowledge of the quadrants and regions
of the abdomen, answer the following questions.
1. Which region of the abdomen would the physician describe the pain as being located?
a. Right lumbar region
c. Right hypochondriac region
b. Right iliac (inguinal) region
d.Hyp ogastricr egion
2. In what quadrant of the abdomen would the physician describe the pain as being located?
a. RUQ
b. LUQ
c. LLQ
d. RLQ

CASE STUDY 2 Football Injury

Mark Buchholz, a 22-year-old, plays left tackle for his college football team. He was hurt
when he made a tackle that prevented the other team from winning the game. The sports
physician suspects he may have injured his head and/or neck.
1. What body cavities may be involved?
2. What planes or sections would you want to look at using x-rays?
CHAPTER 1

boo02222_ch01_002-017.indd 17

Concepts of the Human Body

17

1/30/12 8:41 PM