1. Foundations of Health Science
Understanding the Human Body
Foundations of Health Science
Whitney Brack

2. How do the organs and systems in my body work together?
To understand how the human body works, it is necessary to understand its systems. The smallest element of the body is the cell; a group of cells makes tissue; various tissues make organs; and a group of organs makes a system.

3. How is your body organized?
Cells combine to form tissues.
Tissues are specialized cells that function together to form organs.
Organs work cooperatively to form systems.
Systems work together to make up the human body.

4. ALL CELLS NEED:
Food
Water
Oxygen

5. Cells
Cell membrane – the outer covering of the cell (holds the cell together). Note – Humans DO NOT have cell walls.
Nucleus – the central portion of each cell (directs cell activities & contains chromosomes).
Cytoplasm – the substance that surrounds the nucleus (performs the work of the cell).
Nuclear membrane – the covering of the nucleus.
Chromosomes – genes for inherited traits.

6. Tissues - Groups of cells that work together to perform the same task.
Connective Tissue
Holds body parts
together and
connects them.

7. Tissues - Groups of cells that work together to perform the same task.
Epithelial Tissue
Covers the internal
and external body
surfaces.

8. Tissues - Groups of cells that work together to perform the same task.
Muscle Tissue
Expands and
contracts, allowing
the body to move.

9. Tissues - Groups of cells that work together to perform the same task.
Nervous Tissue
Carries messages
from all parts of the
body to and from
The brain and spinal
cord.

10. Review What type of tissue covers the intestines? Connective
Epithelial
Muscle
Nervous

11. Review
What type of tissue covers the intestines?
B. Epithelial

12. Organs - Groups of tissue that work together to perform a specific function. Examples include:
Kidneys
Stomach

13. Systems - Groups of organs working together to perform one of the body’s major functions.

14. Systems Respiratory System Sensory System Circulatory System
Digestive System
Skeletal System
Urinary System
Muscular System
Integumentary System
Nervous System
Lymphatic and Immune System
Endocrine System
Reproductive System

15. Facing East or West
It would be difficult to apply these terms to the human body and other directional terms have been applied.

16. Directional Terms Anterior or ventral – front side of the body.
Posterior or dorsal – back side of the body.
Inferior – below another structure.
Superior – above another structure.

17. Body Planes
Imaginary lines drawn through the various parts to separate the body into sections.

18. Main Body Planes
Sagittal plane – divides the body into 2 parts, right and left.
Midsagittal plane – divides the body into 2 equal halves (parts); divides the body into equal right and left sides.
Frontal or coronal plane – divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.
Transverse plane – divides the body horizontally into a top, or superior, part and a bottom, or inferior, part.

19. Another Body Plane Proximal & Distal
Direction in reference to extremities in relationship to main trunk.
Proximal – body parts close to point of interest
Distal – body parts away from the point of reference

20. Body Planes Superior Frontal Proximal Distal Midsagittal Transverse
Inferior
Midsagittal
Transverse
Frontal
Superior
Anterior
Lateral
Posterior
Distal
Proximal
Medial

21. Body Cavities
Spaces within the body that contains vital organs.

22. 2 Main Body Cavities
Dorsal cavity - one long, continuous cavity located on the back of the body; also known as the posterior or back cavity.
Ventral cavities – larger than the dorsal cavities; also known as anterior or front cavity.

23. Regions of the Abdominal Cavity
Epigastric region.
Hypochondriac regions, left and right.
Umbilical region.
Lumbar regions, left and right.
Hypogastric region.
Illiac, or inguinal, regions left and right.

24. Regions of the Abdominal Cavity

25. Abdominal Regions/Quadrants
Epigastric
Above the stomach
Umbilical
Near the umbilicus or belly button
Hypogastric
Below the stomach
Lumbar
Near the spinal cord
Inguinal
Near the groin

26. Abdominal Regions/Quadrants
Abdominal is a LARGE cavity and can be divided into sections.
4 Quadrants
Right Upper Quadrant – RUQ
Right Lower Quadrant - RLQ
Left Upper Quadrant – LUQ
Left Lower Quadrant - LLQ

27. Abdominal Regions/Quadrants
Right upper quadrant (RUQ)
Left upper quadrant (LUQ)
Left lower quadrant (LLQ)
Right lower quadrant (RLQ)

28. What is the anatomical position?
Body is standing erect, facing forward, with the arms at the sides, palms facing forward.

29. Why is the anatomical position used?
To provide a method for locating areas on the body for diagnosis and treatments.