Anatomy and Physiology : Unit 1 Reflection

This unit was an introduction to basic anatomy and physiology and histology, the study of tissues. Anatomy is the structure, while physiology is the function. Form fits function as anatomy fits physiology. Physiology considers the operation of specific organ systems and focuses on the functions of the body, often at the cellular/molecular level. Gross or macroscopic things are structures that we can see. Microscopic things are things we cannot see.

From this unit, I learned that anatomical terms help to precisely determine and describe the location of body parts. The anatomical position that is used to describe structures is always in standing position. The four anatomical planes include sagittal (lengthwise cut), frontal (divides into anterior and posterior), transverse (horizontal cut), and oblique (oblique angle).

There are four kinds of macromolecules: lipids (fatty acids), carbohydrates (sugar), proteins (amino acids), and nucleic acids (nucleotides). Lipids make up the cell membrane and provide the cell with a source of energy. Proteins have r groups, which helped with differentiation. Dehydration synthesis helps attach peptides together, while hydrolysis adds H20 to break. Nucleic acids are used to build RNA and DNA, which are composed of a phosphate group attached to a sugar attached to a base. Carbohydrates give cells energy and structure and make up chitin/cellulose.

There are four types of tissues: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous. Epithelial tissue covers a body surface or lines a body cavity. The first name of these tissues always indicates the number of cell layers. The last name describes the shape of cells. Connective tissue is the most diverse and abundant tissue and it fills the spaces between organs and tissues. It is composed of the extracellular matrix and cells. Muscle tissue is composed of actin and myosin fibers. There are three types: skeletal (controls voluntary movement), cardiac (contracts to propel blood into the circulatory system), and smooth (responsible for involuntary behavior). Nervous tissue transmits electrical signals from sensory receptors to effectors.

I plan to improve on my knowledge during the next unit by reading the textbook more in depth. Although the class notes were sufficient during this unit, I felt that I could have taken better notes for the video guides. I know that many athletes suffer with inflammation and that many physical therapists must be aware of the symptoms. In class, we learned about the symptoms, including: swelling, warmth, redness, and pain. I learned that these symptoms are the result of mast cell activation, which releases vasodilators. Overall, I think that learning about anatomy and physiology provides me with a lot of information that I can utilize later on outside of the classroom.