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Anatomy & Physiology: Basics and Relationship

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  • What is Anatomy?

    Anatomy is the study of the body’s structure.

  • What is Physiology?

    Physiology is the study of the body’s function.

  • How are anatomy and physiology related?

    Structure exists to perform a function, so understanding an organ’s structure helps explain its function, and vice versa.

  • What is the principle of complementarity in anatomy and physiology?

    The principle that function is determined by structure, meaning to understand how something works, you must understand how it is built.

  • Example of anatomy in the heart

    The pulmonary, tricuspid, aortic, and mitral valves are structural parts of the heart.

  • Example of physiology in the heart

    The heart valves ensure blood flows in only one direction during pumping.

  • What does the anatomy of the lungs include?

    Network of passageways, alveoli that increase surface area, thin walls, and many small capillaries.

  • What is the primary function of the lungs?

    Exchange of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) between air and blood.

  • How does resistance exercise affect bone anatomy?

    It causes bones to become thicker and restructured internally, resulting in stronger bones.

  • Identify if this is anatomy or physiology: 'The hormone insulin is released when blood glucose levels increase.'

    This relates to physiology because it describes a function or process.

  • Identify if this is anatomy or physiology: 'Two major blood vessels enter the liver, the hepatic portal vein and the hepatic artery.'

    This relates to anatomy because it describes body structure.

  • Why is knowledge of anatomy important to study physiology?

    Because how something functions depends directly on its structure.

  • Which activity is more physiological: measuring stomach acid pH changes or comparing stomach shape by MRI?

    Measuring stomach acid pH changes is physiology; comparing stomach shape is anatomy.

  • What does the study of anatomy & physiology span?

    Many levels of organization from molecular to whole body.

  • What is the function of the heart valves?

    To ensure blood flows in only one direction when the heart pumps.

  • What is the relationship between lung structure and function?

    The lung’s structure (passageways, alveoli, thin walls, capillaries) supports its function of gas exchange.

  • What is an example of a physiological process in neurons?

    Electric charge is maintained through an ion gradient across the cell membrane.

  • What are ligaments and tendons largely composed of?

    Collagen fibers.

  • How many named bones are in the human body?

    There are 206 named bones.

  • What happens when the sympathetic nervous system is activated?

    Heart rate increases and blood pressure elevates.