Page 6 - ASOP ROT Study Guide

UNIT 1 – Basic Anatomy

This module entitled Skeletal Anatomy and Physiology aims to help you learn about the structure
and function of the skeletal system. Rather than merely describing parts of the skeletal system,
the module intends to demonstrate how the different parts work together and how the skeletal
system works with other body systems in performing its functions. In particular, this module
emphasizes the function of the skeletal system in locomotion.

The module is divided into two units. The first unit introduces the basic concepts and terminology
required for comprehensive understanding of the skeletal system anatomy and physiology. The
unit starts with the conceptual level of human body organization and then proceeds to familiarize
you with the terminology utilized to describe the position and movement of parts of the body.
Lastly, the basic structure and functions of the skeletal, muscular, nervous and cardiovascular
systems will be investigated.

1. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

To help in the process of understanding how the human body works, the parts of the body can be
described in terms of their structure and function. The structure of a part is its shape, size, what
it consists of and how it is organized. The function is how it works, what it does and how it works
together with other parts of the body.

Anatomy is the science of the structure of organisms (living things) and Physiology is the science
of their function.

2. LEVELS OF ORGANIZATION IN THE BODY

In unicellular (single-celled) organisms, the single cell performs all life functions. It functions
independently. However, multicellular (many celled) organisms have various levels of
organization within them. Individual cells may perform specific functions and also work together
for the good of the entire organism. The cells become dependent on one another. Multicellular
organisms have the following 5 levels of organization ranging from simplest to most complex: