ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY FOR NURSES

INTRODUCTION TO THE HUMAN BODY Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body and of the relationship of its constituent parts to each other. In regional anatomy a geographical study is made and each region, e.g. arm, leg, head, chest, etc., is found to consist of a number of structures common to all regions such as bones, muiscles, nerves, blood vessels and so on. From this study it follows that a number of different systems exist. These have been grouped together and described unser the heading systematic anatomy.               A study of the position and relationship of one part of the body could not be separated from a consideration of the use of each structure and system. This study led to the employment of the term functional anatomy which is closely allied to the study of physiology. Then again it was found that certain structures could be examined  by the naked eye and the term macroscopic anatomy was introduced to describe this study,in distinction to microscopic anatomy which necessitates the use of a microscope.  Closely allied to the study of anatomy are histology and cytology. The former deals with the fine structures of the body , and the latter with a study of the cells. Physiology is the study of the functions of the normal human body. It is closely linked with the study of all living things in the subject of biology: with the chemical reactions and    behaviour of cells under different conditions in biochemistry, and with physics in the study of the physical reactions and movements taking place in the body.           The body is made up of may tissues and organs, each having its own particular function to perform.  The cell is the unit or the smallest element of the body of which all parts are comprised.  The cells are adapted to perform the special functions of the organs or tissue they are in. Some cells, such as those in the nervous system and muscle, are very specialised indeed: others, such as those in the connective tissues, are less highly developed. As a general rule the most highly specialised cells are the least able to withstand damage and also are the most difficult to repair or replace.                                                                                              (continue)