Chapter 1

Introduction to the Human Body

Human anatomy is the scientific study of the body's structures. Some of these structures are very small and can only be observed and analyzed…

It is convenient to consider the body's structures in terms of fundamental levels of organization that increase in complexity: subatomic…

Human life is characterized by a variety of functions that are essential for survival and well-being. These functions include metabolism, movement,…

The Earth and its atmosphere have provided humans with air, water, and food, but these are not the only requirements for survival. Humans also…

Maintaining homeostasis requires that the body continuously maintain its internal conditions. Each physiological condition has a particular set…

Animal organs and organ systems constantly adjust to internal and external changes through a process called homeostasis ("steady state").…

Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment within the body, which is crucial for the proper functioning of cells, tissues,…

Knowledge of anatomy is essential to understand human biology and medicine. Anatomists and health care professionals use standard terminology to…

In anatomy, several standard anatomical positions are used as references for describing the position and orientation of different body parts. These…

Regional terms describe anatomy by dividing the body parts into different regions that contain structures involved in contributing similar functions.…

Directional terms are essential for describing the relative locations of different body structures. For instance, an anatomist might describe one…

Body planes in anatomy are imaginary flat surfaces used as reference points to divide the body into sections for anatomical study. These planes are…

Anatomical movements refer to the various actions or motions that can be performed by the body's joints and muscles. These movements are…

To promote clear communication, for instance, about the location of a patient's abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, anatomists and clinicians…

In endothermic animals, brown adipose tissue (BAT) is activated to produce heat for defending body temperature in response to cold. BAT's ability…

Prehension, the act of reaching to grasp an object, is central to the human experience. We use it to feed ourselves, groom ourselves, and manipulate…

Many components of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems act in concert to achieve the stable, upright human posture. Controlled experiments…