Body Cavities and Organization

This section examines the organization of major body cavities and their functions, focusing on how organs are protected and arranged within the body.

Definition: Body cavities are membrane-lined spaces that house and protect internal organs.

Vocabulary: The dorsal cavity includes cranial and spinal sections, while the ventral cavity contains the heart and lungs.

Highlight: The abdominal-pelvic region is divided into four planes and specific regions, including epigastric and umbilical areas.

The chapter concludes by explaining how these cavities contain membranes and various organs, with some cavities in the head opening to the exterior.

Chapter 1: The Human Body - Structure and Systems

This foundational chapter introduces the core concepts of understanding anatomy and physiology basics. The text explores how structure determines function in the human body, emphasizing their inseparable relationship.

Definition: Anatomy refers to the study of body structure, while physiology examines body functions.

The chapter outlines major subdivisions including gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy, and developmental anatomy. It presents the body's organization from simplest to most complex levels.

Example: The cardiovascular, renal, and muscle systems demonstrate how specific organs work together in larger systems.

Vocabulary: The integumentary system refers to the skin and associated structures.

Highlight: The 11 body systems (integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive) form the foundation of human body function.