Chapter 6 – The Human Body 1

Chapter 6 – The Human Body

  1. Objectives

Knowledge Objectives /
  1. Define anatomy and physiology.
  2. Name the levels of organization of the body and explain each.
  3. Name the organ systems of the body.
  4. Define homeostasis and give an example of a typical homeostatic mechanism.
  5. Name the body cavities and some organs within each cavity.
  6. Explain the four quadrants of the abdomen and name the organs in those areas.
  7. List the functions of the musculoskeletal system.
  8. Identify the two major subdivisions of the skeleton and list the bones in each area.
  9. Explain how bones are classified and give an example of each.
  10. Name the bones of the skull and face.
  11. Describe the structure of the vertebral column.
  12. Explain the purpose of muscles and the basic differences between skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle.
  13. Explain the purpose of tendons and ligaments.
  14. State the general function of the respiratory system.
  15. Describe the anatomy and function of the upper and lower airway.
  16. State the pathway of the respiratory system including nasal cavities, pharynx, and larynx.
  17. Describe the structure and function of the larynx, trachea, and epiglottis.
  18. Describe the changes in air pressure within the chest cavity during ventilation.
  19. Explain the relationship between pulmonary circulation and respiration.
  20. Describe the components and functions of the circulatory system.
  21. Name the chambers of the heart and their function.
  22. Trace the flow of blood through the heart’s chambers and valves.
  23. Describe the primary functions of blood.
  24. List the formed elements of blood and state the primary functions of each.
  25. Describe the structure and function of each of the blood vessels: arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins.
  26. Name the major arteries and describe their location and the parts of the body they nourish.
  27. Name the major veins and describe their location and the parts of the body they drain of blood.
  28. Define pulse and differentiate a central and peripheral pulse, giving examples of each.
  29. Define blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure.
  30. Define perfusion and hypoperfusion.
  31. Name the divisions of the nervous system and state the general functions of each.
  32. Describe the location and function of the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid.
  33. State the functions of the parts of the brain and locate each part on a diagram.
  34. Compare the function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
  35. State the functions of the integumentary system.
  36. Describe the layers of the skin and, where applicable, the structures contained within them.
  37. Describe the functions and components of the digestive system.
  38. Describe the functions and components of the endocrine system.
  39. Describe the functions and components of the male and female reproductive systems.
  40. Describe the functions and components of the urinary system.

Attitude Objectives /
  • There are no attitude objectives identified for this lesson.

Skill Objectives /
  • There are no skill objectives identified for this lesson.

II.Preparation

Corresponding textbook pages: /
  • 130-160

Audiovisual equipment: /
  • Chapter 06 PowerPoint® presentation
  • Computer
  • Multimedia projector

EMS equipment: /
  • Anatomy models (skeleton, respiratory system, airway, heart)

Course administration materials: /
  • Attendance sign-in sheet

III.Personnel

Primary instructor qualifications: /
  • One EMR instructor knowledgeable in human body systems

Assistant instructor qualifications: /
  • None required

IV.Key Terms Presented In This Lesson

  • Abdomen The part of the body trunk below the ribs and above the pelvis.
  • Abdominal Cavity The body cavity located below the diaphragm and above the pelvis. It contains the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen.
  • Absorption The process of moving nutrients, water, and electrolytes into the circulatory system so they can be used by body cells.
  • Accessory Organs of Digestion The teeth and tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
  • Acetabulum A socket of the hip bone.
  • Adrenal Glands Endocrine glands located on top of each kidney that release epinephrine in response to stress.
  • Alveoli Grapelike sacs at the end of bronchioles where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the air and blood.
  • AnalCanal The end of the large intestine, 1 to 2 inches long, that remains closed except during defecation.
  • Anatomy The study of the structure of an organism (such as the human body).
  • Aorta The largest artery in the body.
  • Appendicular Skeleton The upper and lower extremities (arms and legs), the shoulder girdle, and the pelvic girdle.
  • Arteries Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.
  • Arterioles The smallest branches of arteries leading to the capillaries.
  • Ascending ColonThe part of the large intestine that passes upward from the cecum to the lower edge of the liver where it turns to become the transverse colon.
  • Atria The two upper chambers of the heart,which receive blood from the body and lungs (singular = atrium).
  • Autonomic Division The division of the peripheral nervous system that has receptors and nerves concerned with the internal environment. It controls the involuntary system of glands and smooth muscle and functions to maintain a steady state in the body.
  • Axial Skeleton The part of the skeleton that includes the skull, spinal column, sternum, and ribs.
  • Blood Pressure (BP) The force exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries.
  • Body Cavity A hollow space in the body that contains internal organs.
  • Brainstem The portion of the brain that consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
  • Breathing The mechanical process of moving air into and out of the lungs; also called pulmonary ventilation.
  • Bronchioles Small, thin-walled branches of a bronchus.
  • Bronchus Large passageway for air to and from the alveoli.
  • Capillaries The very thin blood vessels that connect arteries and veins.
  • Cardiac Muscle Involuntary muscle found only in the heart.
  • Cardiovascular System The heart, blood vessels, and blood.
  • Carpals Wrist bones.
  • Cecum A blind pouch or cul-de-sac that forms the first part of the large intestine.
  • Cells The basic building blocks of the body.
  • Central Nervous System (CNS) The brain and spinal cord.
  • Cerebellum The second largest part of the human brain. It is responsible for the precise control of muscle movements and the maintenance of posture and equilibrium.
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) A clear liquid that acts as a shock absorber for the brain and spinal cord and provides a means for the exchange of nutrients and wastes among the blood, brain, and spinal cord.
  • Cerebrum The largest part of the brain, made up of two hemispheres.
  • Cervical Spine (c-spine) The seven cervical vertebrae of the neck.
  • Chest (Thorax) The body cavity located below the neck and above the diaphragm. It contains the heart, major blood vessels, and lungs.
  • Chyme Partially digested food that is moved through the digestive tract by peristalsis.
  • Circulatory System Made up of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.
  • Colon (Large Intestine) The portion of the digestive system that extends from the ileum of the small intestine to the anus. It is subdivided into the following sections (listed in the order in which food passes through them): cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum, and anal canal.
  • Corpus Callosum A collection of nerve fibers in the brain that connect the left and right cerebral hemispheres.
  • Cranial Cavity The body cavity located in the head that contains the brain.
  • Cranial Nerves Twelve pairs of nerves that connect the brain with the neck and structures in the chest and abdomen.
  • Cranium The portion of the skull that encloses the brain.
  • Cricoid Cartilage The most inferior of the cartilages of the larynx.
  • Defecation The elimination of undigested waste from the body.
  • Dermis The thick layer of skin below the epidermis that contains hair follicles, sweat and oil glands, small nerve endings, and blood vessels.
  • Descending ColonThe part of the large intestine descending from the left colic (splenic) flexure to the brim of the pelvis.
  • Diaphragm The dome-shaped muscle below the lungs that is the primary muscle of respiration.
  • Diastolic Blood Pressure The pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.
  • Diencephalon The part of the brain between the cerebrum and the brainstem. It contains the thalamus and hypothalamus.
  • Digestion The chemical process of breaking down food into small parts so absorption can occur.
  • Duodenum The portion of the small intestine that connects the stomach and jejunum.
  • Endocrine System A system of ductless glands that secrete chemicals, such as insulin and adrenalin, which regulate and influence body activities and functions.
  • Epidermis The outer layer of the skin.
  • Epiglottis Leaf-shaped cartilage that covers the opening to the larynx during swallowing, preventing food and liquids from entering the airway.
  • Erythrocytes Red blood cells; formed elements of blood.
  • Esophagus A muscular tube about 9 inches long (in adults) that is a passageway for food.
  • Expiration (Exhalation) The process of breathing out and moving air out of the lungs.
  • External Nares Nostrils.
  • Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts) In the female, tubes that receive and transport the ovum to the uterus after ovulation.
  • False Ribs Rib pairs 8 through 10. These ribs attach to the cartilage of the seventh ribs.
  • Femur The thigh bone. It extends from the hip to the knee.
  • Fibula The bone that lies next to the tibia along the outer side of the lower leg.
  • Floating Ribs Rib pairs 11 and 12. These ribs have no attachment to the sternum.
  • Foramen Magnum The large opening in the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes.
  • Gallbladder A pear-shaped sac on the undersurface of the liver that stores bile until it is needed by the small intestine.
  • Glottis The space between the vocal cords.
  • Great Vessels The body’s major blood vessels: pulmonary arteries and veins, the aorta, and the superior and inferior vena cavae.
  • Greater Trochanter The large, bony prominence on the lateral shaft of the femur to which the buttock muscles are attached.
  • Hard Palate The bony floor of the nasal cavity.
  • Heart The primary organ of the cardiovascular system. It lies in the thoracic cavity (mediastinum) behind the sternum and between the lungs.
  • Hemoglobin An iron-containing protein that chemically binds with oxygen.
  • Homeostasis The property of an organism allowing it to regulate its internal processes to maintain a constant internal environment; also called steady state.
  • Humerus The upper arm bone.
  • Hypothalamus A part of the brain that plays an important role in the control of thirst, hunger, and body temperature; also serves as a link between the nervous and endocrine systems.
  • Ileum The last portion of the small intestine that connects with the cecum, which is the first part of the large intestine.
  • Ingestion Taking nutrients, water, and electrolytes into the body’s digestive system.
  • Inspiration (Inhalation) The process of breathing in and moving air into the lungs.
  • Insulin A hormone made by the islet cells of the pancreas that decreases blood glucose concentration.
  • Integumentary System The body system made up of the skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, and oil (sebaceous) glands.
  • Intercostal Muscles Muscles located between the ribs.
  • Islets of Langerhans Structures located in the pancreas, which is a part of the endocrine system. Alpha cells secrete glucagon, which increases blood glucose concentration; beta cells secrete insulin, which decreases blood glucose concentration.
  • Jejunum The middle portion of the small intestine that connects the duodenum and ileum.
  • Kidney One of two organs located at the back of the abdominal cavity on each side of the spinal column that produce urine, maintain water balance, aid in the regulation of blood pressure, and regulate levels of many chemicals in the blood.
  • Large Intestine (Colon) The portion of the digestive system that extends from the ileum of the small intestine to the anus. It is subdivided into the following sections (listed in the order in which food passes through them): cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum, and anal canal.
  • Laryngopharynx The lowermost part of the throat; it serves as a passageway for both food and air.
  • Larynx The voice box.
  • Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ) abdominal quadrant that along with the other three quadrants contains the intestines.
  • Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ) abdominal quadrant that contains the stomach, spleen, pancreas, and left kidney.
  • Leukocytes White blood cells; formed elements of blood.
  • Ligaments Tough groups of connective tisse that attach bones to bones and bones to cartilages.
  • Liver The largest organ of the body and one that is responsible for many functions, including the production of bile, the storage of minerals and fat-soluble vitamins, and the storage of blood.
  • Lower Extremities The pelvis, upper legs, lower legs, and feet.
  • Lungs Spongy, air-filled organs that bring air into contact with the blood so that oxygen and carbon dioxide can be exchanged in the alveoli.
  • Lymphatic System Lymph, lymph nodes, lymph vessels, tonsils, spleen, and thymus gland.
  • Mammary Glands (Breasts) Glands in the female that function in milk production after delivery of an infant.
  • Manubrium The uppermost portion of the breastbone. It connects with the clavicle and the first rib.
  • Mediastinum The part of the thoracic cavity between the lungs that contains the heart, major vessels, esophagus, trachea, and nerves.
  • Melatonin A naturally occurring hormone that has a role in regulating daily rhythms, such as sleep.
  • Meninges Literally, membranes; three layers of connective tissue coverings that surround the brain and spinal cord.
  • MetacarpalsThe bones that form the support for the palm of the hand.
  • Metatarsals The bones that form the part of the foot to which the toes attach.
  • Muscle Tone The constant tension produced by muscles of the body over long periods.
  • Nasopharynx The portion of the throat located directly behind the nasal cavity. It serves as a passageway for air only.
  • Navel (Umbilicus)Pit in the center of the abdomen where the umbilical cord entered the fetus
  • Nervous System A collection of specialized cells that conduct information to and from the brain.
  • Neurons Cells of the nervous system.
  • Olecranon The elbow.
  • Organ At least two different types of tissue that work together to perform a particular function; examples include the brain, stomach, and liver.
  • Organ System Tissues and organs that work together to provide a common function; examples of organ systems include the respiratory system and the nervous system.
  • Oropharynx Themiddle portion of the throat that opens into the mouth and serves as a passageway for both food and air.
  • OvariesPaired, almond-shaped glands in the female that produce the female reproductive cell (the ovum) and the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
  • Pancreas A gland that secretes juices that contain enzymes for protein, carbohydrate, and fat digestion into the small intestine.
  • Parasympathetic DivisionThe division of the autonomic nervous system that conserves and restores energy. It provides the “rest and digest” response.
  • Parathyroid Glands Glands located behind the thyroid gland that secrete a hormone that maintains the calcium level in the blood.
  • Parietal Pleura The outer pleural lining that lines the wall of the thoracic cavity.
  • Patella The flat, triangular, movable bone that forms the anterior part of the knee; the kneecap.
  • Pelvic Cavity The body cavity below the abdominal cavity. It contains the urinary bladder, part of the large intestine, and the reproductive organs.
  • Pelvic Girdle The bones that enclose and protect the organs of the pelvic cavity. It provides a point of attachment for the lower extremities and major muscles of the trunk and supports the weight of the upper body.
  • Pelvis The bony ring formed by three separate bones that fuse to become one in an adult.
  • Penis The male external organ that serves as the outlet for sperm and urine.
  • Perfusion The flow of blood through an organ or a part of the body.
  • Pericardial Cavity The body cavity containing the heart.
  • Perineum The area between the vaginal opening and the anus.
  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) All nervous tissue found outside the brain and spinal cord.
  • Peristalsis The involuntary wavelike contraction of smooth muscle that moves material through the digestive tract.
  • Phalanges The bones of the fingers and toes.
  • Pharynx The throat.
  • Physiology The study of the normal functions of an organism (such as the human body).
  • Pineal Gland A small gland located near the center of the brain that is responsible for producing the hormone melatonin.
  • Pituitary Gland A small gland located just beneath the hypothalamus in the brain that regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands; the “master gland” of the body.
  • Plasma The liquid portion of the blood.
  • Platelets Thrombocytes, which are essential for the formation of blood clots.