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Anatomy and Physiology

This section contains questions on the systems of the body that were covered in the Anatomy and Physiology courses I followed during my studies in massage, MLD and nutrition. You can use this material as you like, but please give me credit and please read my disclaimer before you do so. Please also note that this remains a work in progress.
These are the questions (with bullets). Please click on the title to read the answers.

The Basics of Human Anatomy.

Organisation of the Body

  • Define anatomy and physiology
  • Name the different levels of structural organisation of the body and briefly explain their relationship.
  • Locate and name the major body cavities and list the major organs situated within them.
  • Use correct terminology to describe body directions (superior, lateral etc).
  • Define homeostasis and explain its importance.
  • Cells and tissues

  • Name the organelles/structures in a typical cell and list their functions
  • Describe the process of mitosis
  • Explain the structure and function of epithelial, connective, muscular and nervous tissue
  • List the major tissues involved in each body system and describe their function
  • Skeletal System

  • Give a definition and a list of functions of the skeletal system
  • Draw and label a typical long bone.
  • Name and identify all bones in the body
  • State the function of bone markings.
  • Give a classification system for joints and give examples for each class of joint.
  • List the subdivisions of synovial joints and give examples.
  • Draw and label a typical synovial joint
  • List the limiting factors to movement
  • Demonstrate the normal ranges of movement at major joints and name those movements
  • Briefly describe three common disorders/diseases of the skeletal system
  • Explain the difference between a simple, compound and complicated fracture
  • Describe the vertebral column and its normal curvature
  • Describe the abnormal curvatures of the spine that can occur?
  • The Skin (Integumentary System)

  • Give a definition of and state the functions of the integumentary system
  • Name the two principle parts of the skin and describe the organization of the outer layer
  • Draw a diagram to show the structure of the skin including the subcutaneous layer
  • List the functions of all the structures contained within the dermis
  • Briefly explain eczema, psoriasis, acne, basal and squamous cell carcinoma.
  • The Muscular System

  • Give a definition of the muscular system and state its principal functions
  • List the characteristics of muscle tissue
  • With the help of a diagram, explain the difference between different types of muscle tissue. State where the various types are found.
  • Explain briefly the structure of a skeletal muscle
  • Define the terms prime mover (agonist) and antagonist
  • Differentiate and demonstrate the different types of muscular contraction.
  • Describe briefly two disorders or diseases of muscle tissue
  • Draw the muscles of the back, state their actions and their origins and insertions
  • Draw the muscles of the front of the body, state their actions and their origins and insertions
  • Draw the muscles of the front and back of the legs and arms. State the action of each muscle and the origin and insertion
  • Briefly describe muscle fatigue
  • Describe the difference between a sprain and a strain
  • The Cardiovascular System

  • Give a definition of the cardiovascular system and states its functions
  • List the contents of blood
  • State the function of the different types of blood cells
  • Draw a schematic diagram of the heart indicating the direction of blood flow
  • Draw diagrams to show the major arteries and veins of the body
  • Explain the structural differences between arteries, veins and capillaries
  • Explain how blood is circulated around the body
  • Explain the term `blood pressure'
  • Describe the mechanism of blood clotting
  • Briefly describe the ABO and rhesus blood groups
  • Briefly explain hypertension, hypotension, arteriosclerosis, athersclerosis, heart attack (myocardial infarction) anaemia, varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis
  • The Nervous System

  • Give a definition and state the function of the nervous system
  • Explain the structural organization of the nervous system.
  • Draw a typical neurone. Indicate the function of each part of the cell.
  • Explain the difference between sensory and motor nerves
  • Identify the structures and mechanisms which protect the brain and spinal cord from trauma
  • Draw a diagram indicating the major nerves of the body
  • Draw and label a diagram of the brain - indicating the main areas
  • List the functions of the main areas of the brain
  • Draw a diagram of the Central Nervous System. Include the meninges
  • Describe a simple reflex arc
  • List the Cranial nerves and their functions
  • Briefly explain cerebral vascular accident (stroke), epilepsy,
  • The Endocrine System

  • Give a definition of the endocrine system
  • State the function of the endocrine system
  • What is a hormone and what function does it have?
  • Explain the difference between hormonal, humoral and nervous control of secretion of hormones and give examples of each.
  • Explain the difference between an endocrine and exocrine gland
  • List and locate the endocrine glands of the body, stating the hormones they secrete and giving the action of these hormones
  • Briefly explain the effects of hypo and hyper secretion of each hormone
  • The Digestive System

  • Give a definition and state the functions of the digestive system
  • Briefly explain the processes of ingestion, peristalsis, digestion, absorption and excretion
  • Draw a diagram of the digestive system and its associated organs
  • List the functions of the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, liver and gall bladder
  • Describe the passage of food through the digestion system - stating what happens at each stage and how this is achieved
  • Explain the concept of a well balanced diet
  • Briefly explain appendicitis, gall stones and bowel cancer
  • The Respiratory System

  • Give a definition and state the functions of the respiratory system
  • List the organs of the respiratory system and their respective functions
  • Draw and label a diagram of the respiratory system
  • Explain diffusion of gases
  • Explain the process of ventilation
  • Describe internal and external respiration
  • Briefly explain pneumonia, acute and chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and tuberculosis of the respiratory system, pleurisy, asthma, hay fever
  • The Lymphatic System

  • Give a definition of the lymphatic system
  • List the functions of the lymphatic system
  • Explain the difference between extracellular fluid, intracellular fluid, intercellular fluid and lymph.
  • Briefly explain osmosis
  • Describe the flow and drainage of lymph
  • What is the specific connection between the cardiovascular and lymphatic system
  • Draw a diagram to show the major collection of lymph nodes in the body
  • Briefly explain oedema, lymphangitis, lymphoma
  • The Immune System

  • List the functions of the immune system
  • List the body's immune defences to infection
  • Explain the difference between non-specific and specific, and active and passive immunity
  • State the function of phagocytes, natural killer cells, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes
  • Explain the process of acute inflammation
  • Define immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, HIV infection
  • The Urinary System

  • Give a definition of the urinary system
  • List the functions of the urinary system
  • Draw and clearly label a diagram of the gross anatomy of the kidney
  • Draw and clearly label a diagram of a nephron
  • Describe the formation of urine
  • Describe the composition of urine
  • Explain the passage of urine from the collecting tubules to the bladder
  • Briefly explain cystitis, kidney stones, nephritis, pyelonephritis
  • The Reproductive System

  • Give a definition of the reproductive system and state its functions
  • List the organs/structures which make up the female reproductive tract and state their functions
  • List the structures which make up the male reproductive tract and state their functions
  • Describe the menstrual cycle
  • Briefly explain ectopic pregnancy, dysmenorrhoea
  • General

  • Explain how each system interacts with/ relies on all the others
  • Describe how `stress' may effect each body system
  • Outline the effect massage has on each of the body systems
  • Describe the difference between a bacterium, virus and fungus. Give an example of an infection that each is capable of causing
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