Download Body Organization/Planes

Chapter 2: Structural
Organization of the body
Body Cavities, Regions and Quadrants; Body
Planes, Positions, and Directions
Ms. Nina Starnes
The Body’s levels of Organization
The Cell
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The cell is the fundamental unit and building
blocks of all living things. Cells are in all parts of
the body including, every tissue and organ.
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The human body is composed of trillions of cells,
That provide structure for the body, take in
nutrients from food, convert nutrients into
energy, and carry out specialized functions. Cells
also contain the body’s hereditary material and
can make copies of themselves.
Parts and functions of the Cell
The cell Membrane: surrounds and protects the
cell. It is semi-permeable, which means it is
selective about what it allows to pass in and out
of it.
 The term osmosis describes the movement of a
solvent through a semi- permeable membrane
from a less concentrated solution to a more
concentrated one; as in how cells allow small
molecules to enter and exit the cell.
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Parts and functions of the Cell cont…
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The nucleus: Is the brain of the cell. The
nucleus serves as the cell’s command
center, sending directions to the cell to
grow, mature, divide, or die. It also
houses DNA, which is the cell’s hereditary
material. The nucleus is surrounded by a
membrane called the nuclear
envelope/membrane, which protects the
DNA and separates the nucleus from the
rest of the cell.
Parts and functions of the Cell cont…
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Chromosomes: are rod like structures within the
nucleus. All human body cells contain 23 pairs of
chromosomes (except for sex cells; the ovum and
sperm). Each sperm and egg cell has only 23 un paired
chromosomes. After the sperm and egg cells unite to
form the embryo, each cell of the embryo, then has 46
chromosomes (23 pairs).
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Chromosomes also contain regions/sections called
genes. There are several thousand genes, in an
orderly sequence, on each chromosome. Each gene is
composed of a chemical called DNA (deoxyribonucleic
acid). DNA regulates the activities of the cell. The DNA
is like a series of recipes in code. When the code is
carried outside the nucleus, it directs the activities of
the cell, such as cell reproduction, and the
manufacture of proteins.
The Human Cell
Karyotype: Chromosomes within the nucleus can be analyzed in
terms of their size, arrangement and number, by performing a
karyotype. This is used to determine whether the chromosomes are
normal in number and structure; an example is an amniocentesis
What do you see that’s different?
Is this a girl or a boy?
Parts and functions the Cell cont…
Cytoplasm: is a gel-like material outside the
nucleus and enclosed by the cell membrane; it
contains water and nutrients for the cell.
 Mitochondria: (the power house of the cell)
small rod shaped bodies that produce and
release energy to the cell by burning food in the
presence of oxygen. This is called Catabolism;
in which complex foods (sugar and fats) are
broken down into smaller substances that the
cell can use, and energy is released to do the
work of the cell. What is this energy called?

Parts and functions of the Cell cont…
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Endoplasmic Reticulum: a network of
canals that serve as a cellular tunnel
system in which proteins are
manufactured for use in the cell.
Ribosomes are located on the endoplasmic
reticulum, and is where the proteins are
made for the cell. The process of building
up complex materials, such as the building
of large proteins; is called Anabolism.
What are the building blocks of proteins?
Parts and functions of the Cell cont…
Metabolism: is the combination of two
processes, anabolism and catabolism. It is the
total of the chemical processes occurring in a
cell (heat lost and produced). If a person has
a “fast metabolism” then foods such as sugars
and fats are used up very quickly and energy is
released. If a person has “slow metabolism”
foods are thought to be burned very slowly and
fat accumulates in the cells.
Parts and functions of the Cell cont…
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Lysosomes: (suicide bag of the cell) are
chemical used to digest waste. Capable of
digesting nonessential parts of the cell to
avoid cell death.

Golgi Apparatus (body): (the UPS of the
cell) are used for the packaging and
secreting of energy in and out of the cell.
Cell Differences

Are all cells the same? No.
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Cells are different or specialized throughout the body
to carry out their individual functions. For example a
Muscle cell is long and slender and contains fibers
that aid in contracting and releasing. A Nerve cell is
elongated and has extensions aiding in carrying
impulses, and Epithelial cells are flat and square to
provide protection for the underlying tissues. A Fat
cell contains large empty spaces used for fat storage.
There are many different types of cells in the body,
that have different appearances and functions; the
above mentioned are just a few.
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Tissues:
Body Tissues
Are cells grouped together in the body that form
tissues. They are a collection of similar cells that
group together to perform a specialized
function. There are 4 primary tissue types in the
human body: Epithelial tissue, connective tissue,
Muscle tissue and Nerve tissue.

1. Epithelial Tissue - The cells of epithelial tissue
pack tightly together and form continuous sheets
that serve as linings in different parts of the
body. Epithelial tissue serve as membranes lining
organs and helping to keep the body's organs
separate, in place and protected. Some examples
of epithelial tissue are the outer layer of the skin,
the inside of the mouth and stomach, and the
tissue surrounding the body's organs.
Body Tissues cont…
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2. Connective Tissue - There are many types of connective
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3. Muscle Tissue - Muscle tissue is a specialized tissue that
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4. Nerve Tissue - Nerve tissue contains two types of cells:
tissue in the body. Generally speaking, connective tissue adds
support and structure to the body. Most types of connective
tissue contain fibrous strands of the protein collagen that add
strength to connective tissue. Some examples of connective
tissue include the inner layers of skin, tendons, ligaments,
cartilage, bone and fat tissue. In addition to these more
recognizable forms of connective tissue, blood is also considered
a form of connective tissue.
can contract. Muscle tissue contains the specialized proteins
actin and myosin that slide past one another and allow
movement. Examples of muscle tissue are contained in the
muscles throughout your body.
neurons and glial cells. Nerve tissue has the ability to generate
and conduct electrical signals in the body. These electrical
messages are managed by nerve tissue in the brain and
transmitted down the spinal cord to the body
Organs

Organs: are the next level of organization in the body. An organ is
a structure that contains at least two different types of tissues
functioning together for a common purpose. There are many
different organs in the body: the liver, kidneys, heart, even your
skin is an organ. In fact, the skin is the largest organ in the human
body and provides us with an excellent example for explanation
purposes. The skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis,
dermis and subcutaneous layer.

The Epidermis is the outermost layer of skin. It consists of
epithelial tissue in which the cells are tightly packed together
providing a barrier between the inside of the body and the outside
world. Below the epidermis lies a layer of connective tissue called
the Dermis. In addition to providing support for the skin, the
dermis has many other purposes. The dermis contains blood
vessels that nourish skin cells. It contains nerve tissue that
provides feeling in the skin. And it contains muscle tissue that is
responsible for giving you 'goose-bumps' when you get cold or
frightened. The Subcutaneous layer is beneath the dermis and
consists mainly of a type of connective tissue called adipose
tissue. Adipose tissue is more commonly known as fat and it helps
cushion the skin and provide protection from cold temperatures
Organ Systems:
Organ Systems
Organ Systems:
Organ systems
Organ Systems:
Organ Systems:
Body Cavities
There are two main cavities within the body, the ventral and the dorsal
cavities.
Dorsal cavity:
The dorsal body cavity is at the back of the body . It can be further divided into the
upper and lower portions, the cranial cavity and the spinal canal.
Cranial cavity Upper portion. Bounded by the skull. Brain and meninges.
Vertebral canal Lower portion. Bounded by the vertebral column, intervertebral discs
and surrounding ligaments. Spinal cord, spinal nerve roots.
Ventral cavity:
Is divided into three cavities, the thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity.
The thoracic and abdominal cavities are divided by the diaphragm and the
abdominal and pelvic cavities are continuous with each other.
Thoracic cavity Large cavity above the diaphragm. It is bound laterally by the ribs
and the diaphragm inferiorly. Encloses the Heart, lungs, trachea, esophagus, large
blood vessels and nerves.
Abdominal cavity Large cavity below the diaphragm. It is bound superiorly by the
diaphragm, laterally by the body wall, and inferiorly by the pelvic cavity.
Gastrointestinal tract, spleen, kidneys and adrenal glands.
Pelvic cavity Small cavity below the brim of the pelvis. It is bounded superiorly by
the abdominal cavity, posteriorly by the sacrum, and laterally by the pelvis,
Urinary bladder, genitals, sigmoid colon and rectum.
Quadrants of the Abdomen
The abdomen can be divided by 2 lines into 4 Quadrants or by 4 lines into 9
Regions.
The two lines that divide the abdomen into quadrants form a cross, the center
of which is positioned over the umbilicus (belly button). These quadrants are
often used to indicate the location of pain.
Right upper quadrant Liver, gallbladder, right kidney, duodenum, a
portion of the ascending and transverse colons and the small intestine.
 Left upper quadrant Stomach, spleen, left kidney, pancreas, a portion of
the descending and transverse colons and the small intestine.
 Right lower quadrant Appendix, cecum, a potion of the ascending colon
and the small intestine.
 Left lower quadrant A portion of the descending and transverse colons
and the small intestine.
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REGIONS OF THE ABDOMEN
Right hypochondriac region
Left hypochondriac region
Epigastric region
Right lateral region
Left lateral region
Umbilical region
Right inguinal region
Hypogastric (pubic) region
Left inguinal region
Vertebral column.
7 Cervical vertebrae (C1-C7) neck region
12 Thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12) chest region
5 Lumbar vertebra (L1-L5)waist region
5 (fused) Sacrum (S1-S5)
4 (fused) Coccygeal vertebrae (tail bone)
Anatomical Directions
Direction is used, when the body is in the anatomical position to explain the location of a
structure relative to the structures surrounding it.
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Anterior (or ventral) Towards the front of the body (in front of). The sternum lies
anterior to the heart.
Posterior (or dorsal) Towards the back of the body (behind). The heart lies posterior
the sternum.
Superior (or cranial) Above (on top of). The heart lies superior to the diaphragm.
Inferior (or caudal) Below (underneath). The diaphragm lies inferior to the heart.
Lateral Away from the mid line of the body (towards the sides). The lungs lie lateral
to the heart.
Medial Towards the mid line of the body (towards the middle). The heart lies medial
to the lungs.
Deep Away from the body surface (towards the inner body). Ex. A stab wound deep
into the abdomen
Superficial Towards the external surface of the body. The sternum is superficial to
the heart.
Proximal Nearer to the trunk of the body. The shoulder is proximal to the elbow.
Supine Lying on the back. Face UP
Prone Lying on the belly. On face
Distal far from the point of attachment to the trunk, or from the beginning of the
structure.
 Proximal Near the point of attachment to the trunk, or near the beginning of the
structure.
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Anatomical Planes
transverse (Cross-sectional plane ) This plane cuts the body horizontally, into
superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions.
Frontal (Coronal plane) This plane cuts the body vertically, into anterior (front)
and posterior (back) portions.
Sagittal (lateral) This plane cuts the body vertically, into left and right portions.
Thank you for your attention!