The Basic Difference Between Anatomy and Physiology
Week 1
Chapter 1
1. What is the basic difference between anatomy and physiology? (p. 2) ANSWER:
Anatomy (a-NAT-ō-mē; ana- = up; -tomy = process of cutting) is the science of structure and the relationships among structures. Physiology (fiz′-ē-OL-ō-jē; physio- = nature, -logy = study of) is the science of body functions, that is, how the body parts work.
2. Define each of the following terms: atom, molecule, cell, tissue, organ, system, and organism. (p. 6) ANSWER:
AtomUnit of matter that makes up a chemical element; consists of a nucleus (containing positively charged protons and uncharged neutrons) and negatively charged electrons that orbit the nucleus.
Molecule (MOL-e-kūl)The chemical combination of two or more atoms covalently bonded together.
CellThe basic structural and functional unit of all organisms; the smallest structure capable of performing all the activities vital to life.
TissueA group of similar cells and their intercellular substance joined together to perform a specific function.
OrganA structure composed of two or more different kinds of tissues with a specific function and usually a recognizable shape.
SystemAn association of organs that have a common function.
Organism (OR-ga-nizm)A total living form; one individual
3. How are negative and positive feedback systems similar? How are they different? (p. 9) ANSWER:
A negative feedback system reverses a change in a controlled condition. Consider one negative feedback system that helps regulate blood pressure. Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by blood as it presses against the walls of blood vessels. When the heart beats faster or harder, BP increases. If a stimulus causes BP (controlled condition) to rise, the following sequence of events occurs (Figure 1-3). The higher pressure is detected by baroreceptors, pressure-sensitive nerve cells located in the walls of certain blood vessels (the receptors). The baroreceptors send nerve impulses (input) to the brain (control center),
Chapter 1
1. What is the basic difference between anatomy and physiology? (p. 2) ANSWER:
Anatomy (a-NAT-ō-mē; ana- = up; -tomy = process of cutting) is the science of structure and the relationships among structures. Physiology (fiz′-ē-OL-ō-jē; physio- = nature, -logy = study of) is the science of body functions, that is, how the body parts work.
2. Define each of the following terms: atom, molecule, cell, tissue, organ, system, and organism. (p. 6) ANSWER:
AtomUnit of matter that makes up a chemical element; consists of a nucleus (containing positively charged protons and uncharged neutrons) and negatively charged electrons that orbit the nucleus.
Molecule (MOL-e-kūl)The chemical combination of two or more atoms covalently bonded together.
CellThe basic structural and functional unit of all organisms; the smallest structure capable of performing all the activities vital to life.
TissueA group of similar cells and their intercellular substance joined together to perform a specific function.
OrganA structure composed of two or more different kinds of tissues with a specific function and usually a recognizable shape.
SystemAn association of organs that have a common function.
Organism (OR-ga-nizm)A total living form; one individual
3. How are negative and positive feedback systems similar? How are they different? (p. 9) ANSWER:
A negative feedback system reverses a change in a controlled condition. Consider one negative feedback system that helps regulate blood pressure. Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by blood as it presses against the walls of blood vessels. When the heart beats faster or harder, BP increases. If a stimulus causes BP (controlled condition) to rise, the following sequence of events occurs (Figure 1-3). The higher pressure is detected by baroreceptors, pressure-sensitive nerve cells located in the walls of certain blood vessels (the receptors). The baroreceptors send nerve impulses (input) to the brain (control center),