Anatomy & Physiology – NHPC Exam Guide Part 1: Expanded Illustrated Edition

 Table of Contents

1. Chapter 1: Definition and Scope

2. Chapter 2: Levels of Organization

3. Chapter 3: Anatomical Terminology

4. Chapter 4: Overview of Body Systems

5. Chapter 5: Homeostasis

6. Chapter 6: Embryology – Introduction

Chapter 2: Levels of Organization

The human body is organized into a hierarchy of structural levels, each building upon the previous one. This concept helps explain how microscopic events affect overall human health.

• Chemical Level: Atoms and molecules form the basis of all living matter. Essential molecules like proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates participate in metabolic reactions.

• Cellular Level: Cells are the basic units of structure and function. Each cell has organelles performing specific roles, e.g., mitochondria for energy.

• Tissue Level: Tissues are groups of similar cells that perform a specific function. Examples: epithelial tissue (lining), muscle tissue (movement).

• Organ Level: Organs are made of two or more tissues working together for a common purpose, such as the heart or stomach.

• Organ System Level: Organ systems consist of related organs with a shared function. For instance, the respiratory system enables gas exchange.

• Organism Level: All systems together form an organism — a complete living being capable of independent existence.

[Diagram Placeholder – Levels of Organization: Chemical → Cellular → Tissue → Organ → System → Organism]

�� Clinical Insight: Cell injury at microscopic levels can lead to organ failure. This connection highlights the importance of understanding structural hierarchy.

Chapter 3: Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical terminology provides standardized vocabulary for describing body structures, positions, and relationships. It allows accurate communication between healthcare professionals.

• Anterior (Ventral): Front side of the body

• Posterior (Dorsal): Back side of the body

• Superior (Cranial): Toward the head

• Inferior (Caudal): Toward the feet

• Medial: Toward the midline

• Lateral: Away from the midline

• Proximal: Closer to the point of origin

• Distal: Farther from the point of origin

[Diagram Placeholder – Anatomical Planes & Directions: Sagittal, Coronal, Transverse]

�� Exam Tip: Be able to visualize body planes and directions. Many clinical imaging questions rely on these concepts.

Chapter 4: Overview of Body Systems

The human body is composed of several systems working in harmony to maintain homeostasis. Understanding each system's structure and function helps identify diseases and guide treatment.

• Integumentary System: Composed of skin, hair, and nails. Protects the body, prevents dehydration, and helps regulate temperature.

• Skeletal System: Provides structural support, protection of vital organs, and acts as a lever for movement.

• Muscular System: Facilitates movement, posture, and heat generation.

• Nervous System: Controls body activities via electrical impulses. Includes brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

• Endocrine System: Regulates processes through hormones secreted by glands such as thyroid and adrenal.

• Cardiovascular System: Transports oxygen, nutrients, and hormones through blood. Includes heart and vessels.

• Respiratory System: Enables gas exchange between body and environment via lungs.

• Digestive System: Breaks down food into nutrients absorbed by the body.

• Urinary System: Removes waste and maintains fluid and electrolyte balance.

• Reproductive System: Ensures reproduction and secretion of sex hormones.

[Diagram Placeholder – Overview of Body Systems with Organs Highlighted]

Chapter 5: Homeostasis

Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of stable internal conditions despite external changes. It is achieved through self-regulating feedback mechanisms.

Key Components:• Receptor – detects changes (stimuli)• Control Center – processes and decides response (usually brain)• Effector – carries out response to restore balance

Examples of homeostasis include:• Temperature regulation (sweating, shivering)• Blood glucose control (insulin, glucagon)• Blood pressure regulation

[Diagram Placeholder – Feedback Loop: Stimulus → Receptor → Control Center → Effector → Response]

�� Clinical Insight: When feedback mechanisms fail, diseases such as diabetes or hypertension occur.

Chapter 6: Embryology – Introduction

Embryology is the study of human development from fertilization to birth. It helps understand congenital anomalies and the origins of organs and systems.

• Gametogenesis – formation of sperm and ovum

• Fertilization – fusion of gametes to form a zygote

• Cleavage – series of mitotic divisions forming a blastocyst

• Gastrulation – formation of three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm

• Organogenesis – differentiation of germ layers into specific organs and tissues

[Diagram Placeholder – Stages of Embryonic Development: Zygote → Blastocyst → Gastrula → Organogenesis]

�� Exam Tip: Remember the sequence of embryonic development and which organs arise from each germ layer.

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