1.)
1a.) Anatomy Subspecialties
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- Gross Anatomy: studies larger body structures that can be examined without a microscope; macroscopic; ex. digestive organs, brain, bones [gross meaning obvious or easily observable]
- Histology: studies the same structures as in gross anatomy, but at a microscopic level; looks at the microscopic structure of tissues [histo meaning tissue]
- Cell Biology: studies cellular structure and functions
- Regional Anatomy: studies specific regions of the body; considers the interrelationships (how they work together) of the organs/structures within a body region
- Systemic Anatomy: studies specific organ-systems of the body; looks at how different organs/structures work together to perform a specific function
- Embryology: studies the first eight weeks of development of a fertilized human egg (from zygote -> blastocyst -> embryo -> fetus)
- Developmental Biology: studies the complete development of an individual from fertilization to death
- Imaging Anatomy: studies internal body structures with the use of medical imaging techniques like x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc.
- Pathological Anatomy: studies the structural changes (gross to microscopic) that can occur due to disease [patho meaning disease]
1b.) Physiology Subspecialties
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- Neurophysiology: studies the functions of nerve cells [neuro meaning nerves]
- Molecular physiology: studies the functions of organisms/humans at a molecular level; looks at molecules like proteins & DNA
- Endocrinology: studies hormones and how they dictate body functions [endo meaning within; crin meaning secretion]
- Cardiovascular physiology: studies the function of the heart and blood vessels [cardio meaning heart; vascular meaning blood vessels]
- Immunology: studies the immune system and the body's immunity against disease-causing agents [immun meaning not susceptible (to disease)]
- Respiratory physiology: studies the functions of the lungs and air passageways
- Renal physiology: studies the functions of the kidneys [ren meaning kidney]
- Exercise physiology: studies the changes in cell and organ functions that occur due to physical/muscular activity
- Pathophysiology: studies the changes in functions that occur due to disease and aging
References/Study Materials
Betts JG, Desaix Peter, Johnson E et al (2017). Chapter 1 An Introduction to the Human Body. Anatomy and Physiology. OpenStax Rice University. Pp 7-40.
Tortora GJ & Derrickson B. (2014). Chapter 1 An Introduction to the Human Body. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 14 edition. Pp 1-26.
2.)
- The stomach is lined with a thick mucous lining to protect the stomach wall from the stomach acid that is secreted to break down food.
- The heart has four valves that are properly positioned and open and close in such a way that allows blood to flow in the correct direction as it travels through the heart.