Organization of the Body

Organization of the Body

1.       Definition of Terms

a.       Cell - The cell is the functional basic unit of life. It was discovered by Robert Hooke and is the functional unit of all known living organisms. It is the smallest unit of life that is classified as a living thing, and is often called the building block of life.

Ex. Red blood cell

b.      Tissue - is a cellular organizational level intermediate between cells and a complete organism. A tissue is an ensemble of cells, not necessarily identical, but from the same origin, that together carry out a specific function.

Ex. Epithelial tissue – protective barrier against bacterial invasion

c.       Organ -  combination of tissues carrying out distinct function

Ex. Heart

d.      System – group of organs accomplishing one general body fucntion

e.      Body – compose of all system of one body ,its made up various function

2.       Cavities

A). Ventral Cavity

I. Thoracic cavity

a. Mediasternum

heart, trachea, R and L Bronchi, esophagus , thymus , blood vessels, lymph nodes, and nerves

b. Pleural cavity

lungs

II. abdominopelvic

a.       Abdominal cavity – liver, gall bladder, stomach, pancreas, intestines, spleen, Kidneys, Ureters

b.      Pelvic cavity – Bladder, certain reproductive organ, parts of the large intestine

B). Dorsal Cavity

a. cranial – shelters and protects the brain and brainstem structures

b. spinal -  composed of spinal cord and its roots

C). Regions of the Body

Ventral Region	Dorsal Region
Cervical Deltoid Pectotalis Sternal Brachial Axillary Femoral Flank Groin Antecubital Costal	Cervical Scapular Lumbar Sacral Gluteal Popliteal Patellar Brachium Ante brachium Cubital Ham Calf Plantar

          D). Terms in describing Body Structures

1. Directional

Superior/Cranial Inferior/Caudal Posterior/Dorsal Anterior/Ventral Medial Lateral Proximal Distal

Above Below Back Front Towards midline Towards the side Near the point of origin or attachment Away from the point of attachment

2. Planes

a. Sagittal – divides the body into equal right and left halves

b. Coronal/Frontal – divides the body into dorsal and ventral/anterior parts

c. Transverse/Horizontal - divides the body into superior and inferior

3. Abdominal Regions