1. Chapter 6: The Human Body

2. National EMS Education Standard Competencies (1 of 2)
Anatomy and Physiology
Uses simple knowledge of the anatomy and function of the upper airway, heart, vessels, blood, lungs, skin, muscles, and bones as the foundation of emergency care.
Anatomy and Physiology
Uses simple knowledge of the anatomy and function of the upper airway, heart, vessels, blood, lungs, skin, muscles, and bones as the foundation of emergency care.

3. National EMS Education Standard Competencies (2 of 2)
Life Span Development
Uses simple knowledge of age-related differences to assess and care for patients.
Life Span Development
Uses simple knowledge of age-related differences to assess and care for patients.

4. Introduction
You must understand the basic structure and functions of the human body.
This knowledge will help you
Better understand the specific location of symptoms the patient is experiencing.
Perform an adequate patient examination.
Communicate your findings to others.
Provide appropriate emergency treatment.
I. Introduction
A. To be an effective emergency medical responder (EMR), you must understand the basic structure and functions of the human body.
B. This knowledge will help you
1. Better understand the specific location of symptoms the patient is experiencing.
2. Perform an adequate patient examination.
3. Communicate your findings to other members of the emergency medical team.
4. Provide appropriate emergency treatment for the patient’s condition.

5. Topographic Anatomy (1 of 3)
II. Topographic Anatomy
A. Anatomic terms are used to describe the location of an injury or pain.
B. All members of the EMS team must be able to speak the same language when treating a patient.
1. If you cannot remember the proper anatomic term for a certain body location, you can use lay terms.
Figure: Topographic anatomy terms for describing a location on the body.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

6. Topographic Anatomy (2 of 3)
The standard anatomic position is a person standing and facing you, with arms at the sides and thumbs pointing outward.
Anterior is the front surface of the body.
Posterior is the back surface of the body.
The midline refers to an imaginary vertical line drawn from head to toe that separates the body into a left half and a right half.
C. The standard anatomic position is a person standing and facing you, with arms at the sides and thumbs pointing outward (palms toward you).
1. Anterior is the front surface of the body.
2. Posterior is the back surface of the body.
3. The midline refers to an imaginary vertical line drawn from head to toe that separates the body into a left half and a right half.

7. Topographic Anatomy (3 of 3)
Standard anatomic position (cont’d)
Medial: closer to the midline of the body
Lateral: away from the midline
Proximal: close
Distal: distant
Superior: closer to the head
Inferior: closer to the feet
4. Medial means closer to the midline of the body.
5. Lateral means away from the midline.
6. Proximal means close.
7. Distal means distant.
8. Superior means closer to the head.
9. Inferior means closer to the feet.

8. The Respiratory System (1 of 6)
Consists of all structures of the body that contribute to normal breathing
Brings oxygen into the body and removes the waste gas, carbon dioxide
III. Body Systems
A. Body systems work together to perform common functions.
B. The Respiratory system
1. The respiratory system consists of all structures of the body that contribute to normal breathing
2. The respiratory system brings oxygen into the body and removes the waste gas, carbon dioxide

9. The Respiratory System (2 of 6)
Figure: The respiratory system.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

10. The Respiratory System (3 of 6)
The airway consists of the:
Nose (nasopharnyx)
Mouth (oropharynx)
Throat
Larynx (voicebox)
Trachea (windpipe)
Passages within the lungs
3. The airway consists of the:
a. Nose (nasopharnyx)
b. Mouth (oropharynx)
c. Throat
d. Larynx (voicebox)
e. Trachea (windpipe)
f. Passages within the lungs

11. The Respiratory System (4 of 6)
4. At the upper end of the larynx is a tiny flap of tissue called the epiglottis, which keeps food from entering the larynx.
5. The larger air passages of the lungs (bronchi) branch into many narrower passages called bronchioles.
Figure: The airway.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

12. The Respiratory System (5 of 6)
Oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in alveoli and tissue.
6. The airway ends in tiny air sacs called alveoli.
7. Oxygen in inhaled air passes through the thin walls that separate the air sacs from the blood vessels and is absorbed by the blood.
8. Carbon dioxide passes from the blood across the same thin walls into the air sacs and is exhaled.
9. The rate of breathing increases when the body needs more oxygen or when it generates additional carbon dioxide.
Figure: The exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) in the lungs.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

13. The Respiratory System (6 of 6)
Air is inhaled when the diaphragm and the chest muscles contract.
Air is exhaled when these muscles relax.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.
10. Air is inhaled when the diaphragm moves downward and the chest muscles contract to expand the size of the chest.
11. Air is exhaled when the chest muscles relax and decrease the size of the chest.
Figure: Mechanism of breathing. (Top) Diaphragm moves downward. (Bottom) Diaphragm relaxes.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

14. The Circulatory System (1 of 7)
Includes the heart, blood, and blood vessels
C. The circulatory system
The circulatory system includes the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
Figure: The circulatory system.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

15. The Circulatory System (2 of 7)
Flow of blood
Blood picks up oxygen in the lungs and goes to the heart.
The heart pumps it to the rest of the body.
The cells absorb oxygen and nutrients from the blood and release waste products.
Blood carries the waste back to the lungs and kidneys.
In the lungs, the blood exchanges the carbon dioxide for more oxygen.
2. Flow of blood through the circulatory system:
a. Blood picks up oxygen in the lungs and goes to the heart.
b. The heart pumps the blood to the rest of the body.
c. The cells of the body absorb oxygen and nutrients from the blood and release waste products (including carbon dioxide) into the blood.
d. Blood carries the waste products back to the lungs and kidneys.
e. In the lungs, the blood exchanges the carbon dioxide for more oxygen and the cycle begins again.

16. The Circulatory System (3 of 7)
The heart consists of four chambers.
Each upper chamber is called an atrium; each lower chamber is called a ventricle.
The chambers work together to pump blood to the lungs and to the rest of the body.
One-way check valves allow the blood to flow in only one direction.
3. The heart consists of four chambers.
a. Each upper chamber is called an atrium; each lower chamber is called a ventricle.
b. The chambers work together to pump blood to the lungs and to the rest of the body.
c. One-way check valves in the heart and the veins allow the blood to flow in only one direction.

17. The Circulatory System (4 of 7)
Figure: Schematic representation of the functions of the four chambers of the heart.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

18. The Circulatory System (5 of 7)
The arteries carry blood away from the heart at high pressure and, therefore, have thick walls.
There are three major arteries:
Neck (or carotid) artery
Groin (or femoral) artery
Wrist (or radial) artery
4. The arteries carry blood away from the heart at high pressure and, therefore, have thick walls.
5. There are three major arteries:
a. Neck (or carotid) artery
b. Groin (or femoral) artery
c. Wrist (or radial) artery
6. The major arteries are used to measure the patient’s pulse, or the wave of pressure that is created by the heart as it forces blood into the arteries.

19. The Circulatory System (6 of 7)
Figure: The location of the carotid, radial, and femoral pulses.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

20. The Circulatory System (7 of 7)
The capillaries are the smallest vessels.
Veins are thin-walled vessels that carry blood back to the heart.
Blood has several components:
Plasma
Red blood cells
White blood cells
Platelets
7. The capillaries are the smallest vessels in the system.
8. Veins are thin-walled vessels that carry blood back to the heart.
9. Blood has several components:
a. Plasma
b. Red blood cells
c. White blood cells
d. Platelets

21. The Skeletal System (1 of 13)
The skeletal system consists of bones and connective tissues that protect and support the framework for the body.
It has three major functions:
To support the body
To protect vital structures
To manufacture red blood cells
D. The skeletal system
1. The skeletal system consists of bones and connective tissues that protect and support the framework for the body.
2. The skeletal system has three major functions:
a. To support the body
b. To protect vital structures
c. To manufacture red blood cells

22. The Skeletal System (2 of 13)
Figure: The human skeleton.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

23. The Skeletal System (3 of 13)
The skull
The bones of the head include the skull and the lower jawbone.
The skull consists of many bones fused together to form a hollow sphere that contains and protects the brain.
The jawbone is a movable bone that is attached to the skull and completes the structure of the head.
3. The skull
a. The bones of the head include the skull and the lower jawbone.
b. The skull consists of many bones fused together to form a hollow sphere that contains and protects the brain.
c. The jawbone is a movable bone that is attached to the skull and completes the structure of the head.

24. The Skeletal System (4 of 13)
The spine
Consists of 33 vertebrae
The spinal vertebrae are stacked on top of one another and are held together by
Muscles
Tendons
Disks
Ligaments
4. The spine
a. The spine consists of 33 vertebrae.
b. The spinal vertebrae are stacked on top of one another and are held together by
i. Muscles
ii. Tendons (cords that attach muscles to bones)
iii. Disks
iv. Ligaments (fibrous bands that connect bones to bones)

25. The Skeletal System (5 of 13)
The spine (cont’d)
The spinal cord passes through the hole in the center of each spinal vertebra
The spine has five sections:
Cervical spine (neck)
Thoracic spine (upper back)
Lumbar spine (lower back)
Sacrum (base of spine)
Coccyx (tailbone)
c. The spinal cord—a group of nerves that carry messages to and from the brain—passes through the hole in the center of each spinal vertebra.
d. The spine has five sections:
i. Cervical spine (neck)
ii. Thoracic spine (upper back)
iii. Lumbar spine (lower back)
iv. Sacrum (base of spine)
v. Coccyx (tailbone)

26. The Skeletal System (6 of 13)
Figure: The five sections of the spine.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

27. The Skeletal System (7 of 13)
The shoulder girdles
Each shoulder girdle supports an arm and consists of three bones:
Collarbone (clavicle)
Shoulder blade (scapula)
Upper arm bone (humerus)
The upper extremity
The upper arm extremity consists of three major bones.
5. The shoulder girdles
a. Each shoulder girdle supports an arm and consists of th[e]
i. Collarbone (clavicle)
ii. Shoulder blade (scapula)
iii. Upper arm bone (humerus)
6. The upper extremity
a. The upper extremity consists of three major bones.

28. The Skeletal System (8 of 13)
The upper extremity (cont’d)
The upper arm has one bone called the humerus.
The forearm has two bones called the ulna and the radius.
The wrist and hand consist of several bones.
The rib cage
The 12 sets of ribs protect the heart, lungs, liver, and spleen.
b. The upper arm has one bone called the humerus.
c. The forearm has two bones called the ulna and the radius.
i. The radius is located on the thumb, or lateral, side of the arm.
ii. The ulna is located on the little-finger, or medial, side.
d. The wrist and hand are considered part of the upper extremity and consist of several bones.
7. The rib cage
The 12 sets of ribs protect the heart, lungs, liver, and spleen.
i. All of the ribs attach to the spine.
ii. The upper five sets of ribs connect directly to the sternum (breastbone).
iii. The ends of the sixth through tenth rib sets are connected to each other and to the sternum by a bridge of cartilage.
iv. The eleventh and twelfth rib sets are attached to the spine but are not attached to the sternum in any way; they are called floating ribs.

29. The Skeletal System (9 of 13)
The rib cage (cont’d)
The sternum is located in the front of the chest.
The xiphoid process is the pointed structure found at the bottom of the sternum.
b. The sternum is located in the front of the chest.
The xiphoid process is the pointed structure found at the bottom of the sternum.
Figure: The rib cage.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

30. The Skeletal System (10 of 13)
The pelvis
Serves as the link between the body and the lower extremities
Protects the reproductive organs and other organs located in the lower abdominal cavity
The lower extremity
Each lower extremity consists of the thigh and the leg.
8. The pelvis
a. The pelvis serves as the link between the body and the lower extremities.
b. The pelvis also protects the reproductive organs and other organs located in the lower abdominal cavity.
9. The lower extremity
a. Each lower extremity consists of the thigh and the leg.

31. The Skeletal System (11 of 13)
The lower extremity (cont’d)
The thighbone (femur) is the longest and strongest bone in the entire body.
The leg has two bones called the tibia and fibula.
The kneecap (patella) is a small, flat bone that protects the front of the knee joint.
The ankle and foot contain a large number of smaller bones.
b. The thighbone (femur) is the longest and strongest bone in the entire body.
c. The leg has two bones called the tibia and the fibula.
d. The kneecap (patella) is a small, flat bone that protects the front of the knee joint.
e. The ankle and foot contain a large number of smaller bones.

32. The Skeletal System (12 of 13)
Joints
Where two bones come in contact with each other, a joint is formed.
Held together by supporting tissues called tendons and ligaments
Lubricated by a thin fluid that is contained in a sac surrounding the joint
10. Joints
a. Where two bones come in contact with each other, a joint is formed.
b. Joints are held together by supporting tissues called tendons and ligaments.
c. They are lubricated by a thin fluid that is contained in a sac surrounding the joint.

33. The Skeletal System (13 of 13)
Joints (cont’d)
Three types of joints:
Fused joints
Hinge joints
Ball-and-socket joints
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.
d. There are three types of joints:
i. Fused joints do not permit any movement between the bone ends (skull).
ii. Hinge joints allow movement in one plane (knee, elbow, fingers).
iii. Ball-and-socket joints allow movement in more than one plane (shoulder and hip).
e. If movement occurs beyond the limits of movable joints, injury and damage to the joint will occur.
Figure: Different types of joints. (Top) The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. (Bottom) The elbow joints are hinge joints, which allow motion only in one plane.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

34. The Muscular System Skeletal muscles provide support and movement.
Alternately contract and relax
Smooth muscles carry out automatic functions.
Also called involuntary muscles
Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart.
E. The muscular system
1. Skeletal muscles provide both support and movement.
a. These muscles cause movement by alternately contracting (shortening) and relaxing (lengthening).
Because skeletal muscles are under direct voluntary control of the brain and can be stimulated to contract or relax at will, they are also called voluntary muscles.
2. Smooth muscles carry out automatic functions.
a. A person does not have any control over the smooth muscles, which explains why they are called involuntary muscles.
3. Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart.
a. Cardiac muscle is adapted to its special function of working all the time.
b. It has a rich blood supply and can live only a few minutes without an adequate supply of oxygen.

35. The Nervous System (1 of 3)
Governs the body’s functioning
Consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and the individual nerves that extend throughout the body
F. The nervous system
1. The nervous system governs the body’s functioning.
2. The nervous system consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and the individual nerves that extend throughout the body.
a. The brain and spinal cord are called the central nervous system.
b. The cables of nerve fibers are called the peripheral nervous system.

36. The Nervous System (2 of 3)
Figure: The nervous system.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

37. The Nervous System (3 of 3)
The brain is the body’s “central computer” and controls the following functions:
Thinking
Voluntary actions
Involuntary functions
The spinal cord is a long, tube-like structure that extends from the base of the brain.
3. The brain is the body’s “central computer” and controls the functions of thinking, voluntary actions, and involuntary functions.
4. The spinal cord is a long, tube-like structure that extends from the base of the brain.
5. Nerves branch out from the spinal cord to every part of the body.

38. The Digestive System (1 of 3)
Breaks down food into a form that can be carried by the circulatory system to the cells of the body
Food that is not used is eliminated as solid waste.
Major organs of the digestive system are located in the abdomen.
G. The digestive system
1. The digestive system breaks down food into a form that can be carried by the circulatory system to the cells of the body.
2. Food that is not used is eliminated as solid waste.
3. Major organs of the digestive system are located in the abdomen.

39. The Digestive System (2 of 3)
The digestive tract begins at the mouth and continues through these structures:
Throat
Esophagus
Stomach
Small intestine
Large intestine
Rectum
Anus
4. The digestive tract begins at the mouth and continuous through the throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.

40. The Digestive System (3 of 3)
The digestive system also includes three other organs:
Liver
Gallbladder
Pancreas
5. The digestive system also includes the
a. Liver
i. Produces bile to help digest fats
b. Gallbladder
c. Pancreas
Produces insulin to aid in the body’s use of glucose
Figure: The digestive system.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

41. The Genitourinary System (1 of 3)
Responsible for the body’s reproductive functions and for the removal of waste products
Major male reproductive organs
The testes produce sperm.
The penis delivers sperm.
H. The genitourinary system
1. The genitourinary system is responsible for the body’s reproductive functions and for the removal of waste products.
2. Major male reproductive organs:
a. The testes produce sperm.
b. The penis delivers sperm.

42. The Genitourinary System (2 of 3)
Major female reproductive organs
The ovaries produce eggs.
The uterus holds the fertilized egg during pregnancy.
The egg released by the ovaries travels to the uterus through the fallopian tubes.
The external opening of the female reproductive system is called the birth canal (vagina).
3. Major female reproductive organs:
a. The ovaries produce eggs.
b. The uterus holds the fertilized egg during pregnancy.
c. The egg released by the ovaries travels to the uterus through the fallopian tubes.
d. The external opening of the female reproductive system is called the birth canal (vagina).

43. The Genitourinary System (3 of 3)
The removal of waste products begins in the kidneys, which filter the blood to form urine.
The urine flows down from the kidneys through tubes (ureters) into the bladder.
The bladder collects and stores the urine before it passes out of the body through the urethra.
4. The removal of waste products begins in the kidneys, which filter the blood to form urine.
a. The urine flows down from the kidneys through tubes (ureters) into the bladder.
b. The bladder collects and stores the urine before it passes out of the body through the urethra.

44. Skin (1 of 4) Skin covers all parts of the body.
It has three major functions:
Protects the body against harmful substances in the environment
Regulates body temperature
Transmits information from the outside environment to the brain
I. Skin
1. Skin covers all parts of the body.
2. Skin has three major functions:
a. Protects the body against harmful substances in the environment
b. Regulates body temperature
c. Transmits information from the outside environment to the brain

45. Skin (2 of 4) The dermis is the deeper, or inner, layer of the skin.
The epidermis is the outer layer of skin, which is located upon the dermis.
3. The dermis is the deeper, or inner, layer of the skin.
4. The epidermis is the outer layer of skin, which is located upon the dermis.

46. Skin (3 of 4)
Figure: The skin.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

47. Skin (4 of 4)
The skin is an effective barrier to bacteria and viruses as long as it is not broken by injury.
The skin can perceive or sense
Touch
Pressure
Pain
Degrees of hot or cold
5. The skin is an effective barrier to bacteria and viruses as long as it is not broken by injury.
6. The skin can perceive touch, pressure, and pain, and it can sense degrees of hot or cold.

48. Stages of Life—Growth and Development (1 of 2)
Throughout a person’s life, the body changes constantly.
In an infant, the airway is very small and is easily obstructed by swelling or objects.
Because toddlers have poor coordination and balance, they are at high risk for falls.
School-aged children are physically active and prone to injuries from bicycle riding and other athletic mishaps.
IV. Stages of Life—Growth and Development
A. Throughout a person’s life, the body changes constantly.
1. In an infant, the airway is very small and is easily obstructed by swelling or foreign objects.
a. At birth, infants can breathe only through their noses, so it is important to make sure that their noses are not obstructed.
b. Infants lose heat rapidly, so it is important to keep them warm.
2. Because toddlers (aged 1 to 3 years) have poor coordination and balance, they are at high risk for injuries from falls.
3. School-aged children (6 to 12 years) are physically active and prone to injuries from bicycle riding and other athletic mishaps.

49. Stages of Life—Growth and Development (2 of 2)
The body changes constantly. (cont’d)
Adolescents do not fully understand the consequences of dangerous actions.
Early adulthood is the period when most body systems are fully developed.
Middle adulthood is generally the time when body systems start to decline.
During late adulthood, the decline becomes more pronounced.
4. Adolescents (13 to 18 years) see themselves as invincible and do not fully understand the consequences of dangerous actions.
a. Inexperience and risk taking lead to a higher incidence of vehicle crashes among young drivers.
5. Early adulthood (20 to 40 years) is the period when most body systems are fully developed.
a. Most people enjoy good health during this period.
6. Middle adulthood (41 to 60 years) is generally the time when body systems start to decline.
a. Vision and hearing become less acute.
b. Cardiovascular and respiratory systems start to weaken.
c. Women experience menopause during their late 40s and early 50s.
d. Weight control becomes more difficult for most people.
7. During late adulthood (61 and older), the decline that started in middle adulthood becomes more pronounced.
a. People in this age group are more susceptible to fractures, burns, and falls.
b. The incidence of mental decline and senility increases.

50. Vital Signs (1 of 3) Most commonly measured vital signs:
Pulse (heart rate)
Respiration rate
Blood pressure
Normal vital signs change with age.
Normal pulse and respiratory rates decrease.
Systolic blood pressure increases.
B. Normal physiologic changes throughout a person’s life result in an increased occurrence of certain illnesses and injuries at certain stages of life.
C. Vital signs
1. Measuring a patient’s vital signs allows you to evaluate a variety of bodily functions.
2. The most commonly measured vital signs are
a. Pulse (heart rate)
b. Respiration rate
c. Blood pressure
3. Normal vital signs change with age.
a. Pulse rate decreases with age.
b. Respiratory rate decreases with age.
c. Systolic blood pressure increases with age.

51. Vital Signs (2 of 3)
Table: Typical Vital Sign Values Based on Age
Data from: American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care; Chameides L, Samson RA, Schexnayder SM, Hazinski MF, eds. Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider Manual. Dallas, TX: American Heart Association; 2011.

52. Vital Signs (3 of 3)
Variations in normal vital sign values depend on the following three factors:
The person’s size
The person’s degree of physical conditioning
The medications that the person takes
4. Variations in normal vital sign values depend on the following factors:
a. The person’s size
b. The person’s degree of physical conditioning
The medications that the person takes
5. Factors that increase vital signs:
a. Exercise
b. Fever
c. Illness
d. Pain
e. Stress
f. Excess body weight
g. Abuse of illegal drugs
6. Factors that decrease vital signs:
a. Athletic conditioning
b. Blood pressure medications
c. Abuse of illegal drugs
Table: Factors That Can Change Certain Vital Signs
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

53. Summary (1 of 4)
The respiratory system consists of the lungs and the airway.
The circulatory system consists of the heart (the pump), the blood vessels (the pipes), and blood (the fluid).
The skeletal system consists of the bones of the body.
V. Summary
A. This chapter covers human anatomy and the function of body systems. To understand the location of specific signs or symptoms, it is necessary to examine topographic anatomy.
B. The respiratory system consists of the lungs and the airway. This system functions to take in air through the airway and transport it to the lungs. In the lungs, red blood cells absorb the oxygen and release carbon dioxide so that this waste product can be expelled from the body.
C. The circulatory system consists of the heart (the pump), the blood vessels (the pipes), and blood (the fluid). Its role is to transport oxygenated blood to all parts of the body and to remove waste products, including carbon dioxide.
D. The skeletal system consists of the bones of the body. These bones function to provide support to the body, to protect vital structures, and to manufacture red blood cells.

54. Summary (2 of 4)
The muscular system consists of three kinds of muscles: voluntary (skeletal) muscles, smooth (involuntary) muscles, and cardiac (heart) muscles.
The nervous system consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and individual nerves.
E. The muscular system consists of three kinds of muscles: voluntary (skeletal) muscles, smooth (involuntary) muscles, and cardiac (heart) muscles. Muscles provide both support and movement. The skeletal system works with the muscular system to provide motion. Collectively, these two systems are called the musculoskeletal system.
F. The nervous system consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and individual nerves. The brain serves as the body’s central computer, and the nerves transmit messages between the brain and the body.

55. Summary (3 of 4)
The digestive system consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
The genitourinary system consists of the organs of reproduction together with the organs involved in the production and excretion of urine.
G. The digestive system consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. This system breaks down usable food for use by the body and eliminates solid waste.
H. The genitourinary system consists of the organs of reproduction together with the organs involved in the production and excretion of urine.

56. Summary (4 of 4)
The skin protects the body from the environment, regulates the internal temperature of the body, and transmits sensations from the skin to the nervous system.
Vital signs change at different points of the life cycle.
I. The skin covers all parts of the body. It protects the body from the environment, regulates the internal temperature of the body, and transmits sensations from the skin to the nervous system.
J. A basic understanding of the body systems provides you with the background you need to treat the illnesses and injuries you will encounter as an EMR.
K. An understanding of some of the changes that occur at different stages within the life cycle will help you understand and treat the wide variety of patients you will encounter.
L. Vital signs change at different points of the life cycle. You must understand these changes so that you will appreciate the differing values you encounter in patients of different ages.

57. Review Which of the following patients is in the anatomic position?
a man lying down on his back with his arms across his chest
a woman standing and facing you, with arms at the sides and thumbs pointing outward
a child on her left side with her right knee pulled up toward her stomach
a man facing you with his feet 12″ apart and his hands interlocked behind his head

58. Review
Answer:
B. a woman standing and facing you, with arms at the sides and thumbs pointing outward

59. Review When referring to the human body, the term proximal means
closest to the point where an arm or leg is attached.
a position that is closer to the feet.
a position on the back of the body.
connected to the pelvis.

60. Review
Answer:
A. closest to the point where an arm or leg is attached.

61. Review The respiratory system is responsible for
transporting oxygenated blood throughout the body.
ensuring that the body has an adequate supply of red blood cells.
removing carbon monoxide from the body.
providing oxygen for the body and removing carbon dioxide.

62. Review
Answer:
D. providing oxygen for the body and removing carbon dioxide.