Week 2

2.1 What is anatomy and physiology?

The two fields biology that are associated with the human body anatomy and physiology.

Click on the arrows to expand the section and find out more. 

2.2 What is structure and function?

Anatomy and physiology are related in terms of structure and function.

Structure of organs and tissues will determine what physiological function of the organ or system can undertake. For instance, skeletal muscle tissue is specialised tissue that is capable of contraction and relaxation and facilitates movement.

In contrast lung tissue is made of very fine membrane which is seen and easily allows the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

As structure determines function, any alteration in the structure of a body part may lead to a physical disorder.

2.3 Structural organisation

At the lowest micro-cellular level our bodies are composed of atoms.

Atoms then join together to form molecules such as oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), sugar (C6H1206) and water (H2O).

Molecules then join together to form cells. There are many different types of cells which have different characteristics perform different functions in the human body. 

Similar cells join to form tissues. As all the cells in a specific type of tissue are the same, tissues also carry out distinct function. There are four major tissue types epithelial, connective, neural, and muscular.

An Organ can be defined as two or more tissues working together to perform a specific function. Examples of organs are the stomach, the heart and the lungs. 

2.4 Anatomical directional terms 

Next up is anatomical terms, click on the play button to watch the short video below to help familiarise yourself with this topic. 

Now you have watched the video, lets see if you can name the anatomical directional terms. Select the words on the right and drag them into the correct boxes, click 'Check' once you have completed the task to review your answers.

2.5 Body Planes and sections

This video will start at 3.25 where it talks about the coronal, transverse and midsagittal sections of the body.

To watch the video again from the beginning, press the play button once it has ended. 

2.6 Body cavities

Most commonly, the body is described as having two main cavities called the 'dorsal and ventral body cavities'. Click on the arrows below to read more about these body cavities. 

Developing your writing: Constructing an introduction exercise

This week we want you to get thinking about how to develop your academic writing skills. Have a go at the exercise below that looks at constructing an introduction.