Module 1 Introduction To Anaphy 2
Module 1 Introduction To Anaphy 2
and
Physiology
for Nursing Students
Anatomy and Physiology are major parts of the Science of Biology (study of
living organisms, both plants and animals).
Anatomy deals with the body structures like the heart, muscles and the brain, and
the relationships between these body structures. The word “anatomy” comes from
the Greek word “anatomia” where “ana” means to separate or apart from and
“temnein” meaning to cut up or to cut open or dissect the part of the body for
study. It is also rooted in another Greek word “anatome” meaning apart for “ana”
and to cut open for “tome”. It is generally considered a branch of biology that is the
consideration of the structure of living things. Human Anatomy is the study of the
structure and shape of the body and its parts and their relationship with one
another.
Anatomy is the scientific discipline that investigates the structure of the body. It
covers a wide range of studies, including the body parts, their microscopic
organization and the processes by which they develop . It examines the relationship
between the structure of a body part and its function.
2 BASIC APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF ANATOMY:
Physiology is the scientific discipline that deals with the processes or functions of
living things. The major goals are:
1. To understand and predict the body’s responses to stimuli and
2. To understand how the body maintains internal conditions within a narrow range
of values in the presence of continually changing internal and external
environment.
Human Physiology is the study of a specific organism, the human
Cellular Physiology and Systemic Physiology are subdivisions that emphasize specific
organizational levels.
HUMAN ANATOMY HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
Histology
Developmental anatomy
Pathological anatomy
GROSS ANATOMY – is the study of structures observed with the naked eye, without using any instrument or
gadget to aid in the observation.
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY – is the study of structures observed with the aid of a microscope or other similar
devices or equipment that aid to magnify very small things, which the naked eye may not see.
CYTOLOGY – is the study of cells and the different cellular organelles inside a single cell
HISTOLOGY – is the study of tissues that make up the different organs of the human body
DEVELOPMENTAL ANATOMY – is the study of the structural changes from conception in the mother’s womb to
birth
PATHOLOGICAL ANATOMY – is the study of structural changes caused by diseases and other illness states
CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY – is the study of interactions or relationships of cell parts and components and the
specific functions of the cellular organelles and the cell in general
DEVELOPMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY – is the study of the changes in function that occur as an organism develops
(walk, run, jump). These changes happen over time.
PATHOLOGICAL PHYSIOLOGY – is the study of the changes in function that happen as organs grow old or
become sick or ill. Changes happen because there is a disease process going on . It is important to understand
how disease develops.
Anatomy and Physiology are always inseparable. The
parts of your body form a well-organized unit, and
each of those parts has a job to do to make the body
operate as a whole. Structure determines what
functions can take place.
PHYSIOLOGY
Is the study of how the body and its parts work or function. It is concerned
with the functions of the body parts.; (physio = nature; ology= study of).
TYPES OF PHYSIOLOGY
1. CHEMICAL LEVEL
It is the simplest level of the structural ladder. The structural and functional
characteristics of all organisms are determined by their chemical
composition. Involves the unique interactions among atoms and how they
are combine to form molecules such as water, proteins and sugar. Individual
cells are basically composed of atoms like carbon, nitrogen, Sulphur, and
others. This is important because a molecule ‘s structure determines its
function.
2. CELL LEVEL
Cells are the basic structural and functional units of organisms such as plants
and animals. Molecules associate in specific ways to form microscopic cells ,
smallest units of all living things. Molecules can combine to form organelles ,
which are the small structures that make up some cells. All cells have some
functions , but individual cells vary widely in size, shape, and their particular
roles in the body.
3. TISSUE LEVEL
Examples of vital organs are the heart to pump blood, the kidneys to filter
blood, the liver to process food and break down worn blood cells, the lungs
to exchange gases we breathe, and the brain to control and relate body
functions. Any change in the function of these vital organs will spell death to
the person.
5. ORGAN SYSTEM LEVEL
Organ systems make up the living human being, or the organism, which
represents the highest level of structural organization, the organismal level. It
is the sum total of all structural levels working together to keep us alive.
Integumentary System
.
Skeletal System
.
Muscular System
.
Nervous System
.
Endocrine System
.
Cardiovascular System/Circulatory System
.
Lymphatic System
.
Respiratory System
.
Digestive System
.
Urinary System
.
Reproductive System
.
OVERVIEW OF ORGAN SYSTEMS OF THE BODY
Integumentary system Skin, nails, and hair; cutaneous • Protects deeper organs from injury due to
sense organs and glands bumps, chemicals, bacteria, and
Provides protection , dehydration (drying out)
regulates temperature, • Excretes salts and urea
prevents water loss, and • Helps regulate body temperature
helps produce vitamin D. • Produces vitamin D
Skeletal system Bones, associated cartilages, • Supports and protects internal organs
tendons, ligaments, and joints • Provides levers for muscular action
Provides protection and • Stores minerals (calcium and others)
support, allows body • Cavities provide a site for blood cell
movements, produces formation
blood cells, and stores
minerals and adipose
tissue.
OVERVIEW OF ORGAN SYSTEMS OF THE BODY
ORGAN SYSTEM MAJOR COMPONENT ORGANS FUNCTION
Muscular system Muscles attached to the • Skeletal muscles contract, or shorten; in
skeleton by tendons doing so, they move bones to allow
Produces body movements, motion (running, walking), grasping and
maintains posture, and manipulating the environment, and facial
produces body heat. expression
• Generates heat
Nervous system Brain, spinal cord, nerves, • Allows body to detect changes in its
special sense organs and internal and external environment and to
A major regulatory system sensory receptors respond to such information by activating
that detects sensations and appropriate muscles or glands
controls movements, • Helps maintain short-term homeostasis of
physiological processes, and the body via rapid transmission of
intellectual functions. electrical signals
OVERVIEW OF ORGAN SYSTEMS OF THE BODY
ORGAN SYSTEM MAJOR COMPONENT ORGANS FUNCTION
Endocrine system Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, • Promotes growth development; produces
adrenal glands, and pineal chemical “messengers “ (hormones) that
A major regulatory system glands; ovaries, testes, and travel in the blood to exert their effects on
that influences metabolism, pancreas various target organs of the body
growth, reproduction and • Plays a role in regulating long-term
may other functions. homeostasis
Cardiovascular system Heart, blood vessels, and blood • Primarily a transport system that carries
blood containing oxygen, carbon dioxide,
Transports nutrients , waste nutrients, wastes, ions, hormones, and
products, gases and other substances to and from the cells
hormones throughout the where exchanges are made; pumping
body; plays a role in the action of the heart propels blood through
immune response and the the blood vessels
regulation of body • Protects body with blood clots, antibodies,
temperature. and other protein molecules in the blood
OVERVIEW OF ORGAN SYSTEMS OF THE BODY
ORGAN SYSTEM MAJOR COMPONENT ORGANS FUNCTION
Lymphatic system Lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, • Picks up fluid leaked from the blood
spleen, thymus, and tonsils vessels and returns it to the blood
Removes foreign substances • Cleanses blood of pathogens and other
from the blood and lymph, debris
combats disease, maintains • Houses cells that act in the immune
tissue fluid balance and response to protect the body from foreign
absorbs dietary fats from substances (antigens)
the digestive tract
OVERVIEW OF ORGAN SYSTEMS OF THE BODY
ORGAN SYSTEM MAJOR COMPONENT ORGANS FUNCTION
Respiratory system Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, • Keeps the blood continuously supplied
bronchi, and lungs with oxygen while removing carbon
Exchanges oxygen and dioxide
carbon dioxide between the • Contributes to the acid-base balance of
blood and air and regulates the blood via its carbonic acid/bicarbonate
blood pH buffer system
Digestive system Mouth, esophagus, stomach, • Breaks down ingested foods to tiny
small and large intestines, and particles, which can be absorbed into the
Performs the mechanical accessory organs (teeth, salivary blood for delivery to the body’s cells
and chemical processes of glands, liver, gallbladder, and • Undigested residue leaves the body as
digestion, absorption of pancreas) feces
nutrients, and elimination
of wastes
OVERVIEW OF ORGAN SYSTEMS OF THE BODY
ORGAN SYSTEM MAJOR COMPONENT ORGANS FUNCTION
Urinary system Kidneys, ureters, urinary • Filters the blood and then rids the body of
bladder, and urethra nitrogen-containing wastes (urea, uric
Removes waste products acid, and ammonia), which result from the
from the blood and breakdown of proteins and nuclei acids by
regulates blood pH, ion the body’s cells
balance, and water balance. • Maintains water, electrolytes and acid-
base balance of blood
Reproductive system Male: testes, scrotum, penis, • Produces germ cells (sperm) for producing
and duct system, which carries offspring
sperm to the body exterior • Produces germ cells (eggs) for producing
offspring; the female uterus houses a
Female: ovaries, uterine tubes, developing fetus until birth
uterus and vagina
OVERVIEW OF ORGAN SYSTEMS OF THE BODY
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM MAJOR COMPONENT ORGANS FUNCTION
Female reproductive system Ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, • Produces oocyte and is the site of
vagina, mammary glands and fertilization and fetal development,
associated structure produces milk for the newborn; produces
hormones that influence sexual function
and behaviors.
Male reproductive system testes, scrotum, penis, and duct • Produces and transfers sperm cells to the
system, which carries sperm to female and produces hormones that
the body exterior influence sexual functions and behaviors.
MAINTAINING LIFE
8 NECESSARY LIFE FUNCTIONS
1. Maintaining boundaries
2. Movement
3. Responsiveness
4. Digestion
5. Metabolism 5 SURVIVAL NEEDS
6. Excretion 1. Nutrients
7. Reproduction 2. Oxygen
8. Growth 3. Water
4. Normal Body Temperature
5. Atmospheric Pressure
NECESSARY LIFE FUNCTIONS (Characteristics of Life)
MAINTAINING BOUNDARIES
Every living organism must be able to maintain its boundaries so that its “inside”
remains distinct from its “outside”. Every cell of the human body is surrounded by an
external membrane that separates its contents from the outside interstitial fluid and
allows entry of needed substances while generally preventing entry of potentially
damaging or unnecessary substances. Ex. Integumentary system
METABOLISM
Metabolism is a broad term that includes all the chemical reactions that occur in the
body and all of its cells. One phase of metabolism is catabolism in which complex
substances are broken down into simpler building blocks (digestion) and energy is
released making larger structures from smaller ones, and using nutrients and oxygen to
produce molecules of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Metabolism is regulated chiefly by
hormones secreted by the glands of the Endocrine system
RESPONSIVENESS
Responsiveness or irritability is concerned with detecting changes (stimuli) in the
internal or external environments and reacting to that change. It is the act of sensing a
stimulus and responding to it. It is the ability of an organism to sense changes in the
environment and make the adjustments that help maintain its life. The nervous system
bears the major responsibility for responsiveness. Ex. Hot pot pull your hand away
instinctively
MOVEMENT
Includes all the activities promoted by the muscular system, such as propelling ourselves
from one place to another and manipulating the external environment with our fingers.
Ex. Skeletal system , blood, food stuffs, urine are propelled
REPRODUCTION
For most people, reproduction refers to the formation of a new person, the birth of a
baby. In this way, life is transmitted from one generation to the next through
reproduction of the organism. In a broader sense, reproduction also refers to the
formation of new cells for the replacement and repair of old cells as well as for growth.
This is cellular reproduction. Both are essential to the survival of the human race.
GROWTH
Growth can be an increase in cell size or an increase in body size that is usually
accomplished by an increase in the number of cells. For growth to occur, cell-
constructing activities must occur at a faster rate than cell-destroying ones. Hormones
released by the endocrine system play a major role in directing growth. Example bones
DEVELOPMENT
Development or differentiation is a developmental process by which unspecialized cells
change into specialized cells with distinctive structural and functional characteristics.
Through differentiation, cells develop into tissues and organs.
RESPIRATION
Respiration refers to all the processes involved in the exchange of oxygen and carbon
dioxide between the cells and the external environment. It includes ventilation, the
diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and the transport of the gases in the blood.
Cellular respiration deals with the cell’s utilization of oxygen and release of carbon
dioxide in its metabolism.
DIGESTION
Digestion is the process of breaking down complex ingested foods into simple molecules
that can be absorbed into the blood and utilized by the body. The nutrient-rich blood is
often distributed to all body cells by the cardiovascular system, where the body cells use
these simple molecules for energy and raw materials.
EXCRETION
Excretion is the process of removing excreta or the waste products of digestion and
metabolism from the body. It gets rid of by-products that the body is unable to use,
many of which are toxic and incompatible with life. Several organ systems participate in
excretion. Ex. Undigested food residues in feces – digestive system
Urine
Sweat
SURVIVAL NEEDS
NUTRIENTS – which the body takes in through food contain the chemicals used for
energy and cell building
OXYGEN – all nutrients in the world are useless unless oxygen is also available because
the chemical reactions that release energy from foods require oxygen, human cells
can survive for only a few minutes without it.
WATER – accounts for 60 to 80% of body weight . It is the single most abundant
chemical substance in the body and provides the fluid base for body secretions and
excretions. We obtain from ingested food or liquids and lose it by evaporation from
the lungs and skin and in body excretion
SURVIVAL NEEDS
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE – is the force exerted on the surface of the body by the
weight of air. Breathing and the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs
depend on appropriate atmospheric pressures. At high altitudes, where the air is thin
and atmospheric pressure is lower, gas exchange may be too slow to support cellular
metabolism.
HOMEOSTASIS
The body is constantly striving to maintain a dynamic, steady state of internal balance
called homeostasis. Every cell in the body is involved in maintaining homeostasis, both
on the cellular level and as part of an organism. Homeostasis is the process by which a
nearly stable internal environment is maintained in the body so that cellular
metabolic functions can go on at maximum efficiency. This is maintained by muscles
or glands (effectors) which are regulated by sensory information from the internal
environment.
Any change or damage at the cellular level can affect the entire body. When an
external stressor (injury, lack of nutrients, invasion by parasites or organisms) disrupts
homeostasis , illness may occur. Throughout the course of a person’s life, many
external stressors affect the body’s internal equilibrium.
Three structures in the brain are responsible for maintaining homeostasis.
The medulla oblongata is the part of the brainstem that is associated
with vital life functions like respiration and circulation. The pituitary gland
regulates the function of other glands and thereby a person’s growth,
maturation, and reproduction. And lastly, the reticular formation, a group
of nerve cells or nuclei that form a large network of connected tissues,
controls vital reflexes like cardiovascular function and respiration.
The medulla oblongata is the
connection between the
brainstem and the spinal cord,
carrying multiple important
functional centers. It is
comprised of the
cardiovascular-respiratory
regulation system, descending
motor tracts, ascending
sensory tracts, and origin of
cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII.
Homeostasis typically involves negative feedback loops that counteract
changes of various properties from their target values, known as set
points. In contrast to negative feedback loops, positive feedback loops
amplify their initiating stimuli, in other words, they move the system away
from its starting state.
Body Temperature
Body temperature regulation involves negative feedback whether it lowers the
temperature or raises it.
Blood Glucose
In the control of the blood glucose level, certain endocrine cells in the pancreas
called alpha and beta cells, detect the level of glucose in the blood. Then they
respond appropriately to keep the level of blood glucose within the normal range.
Heating Up
When the brain’s temperature regulatory center receives data that body temperature
is lower than the setpoint, it sets into motion the following responses:
Blood vessels in the skin contract (vasoconstriction) to prevent blood from flowing
close to the surface of the body. This reduces heat loss from the surface.
As the temperature falls lower, random signals to skeletal muscles are triggered,
causing them to contract. This causes shivering, which generates a small amount of
heat.
The thyroid gland may be stimulated by the brain (via the pituitary gland) to secrete
more thyroid hormones. This hormone increases metabolic activity and heat
production in cells throughout the body.
The adrenal glands may also be stimulated to secrete the hormone adrenaline. This
hormone causes the breakdown of glycogen (the carbohydrate used for energy
storage in animals) to glucose, which can be used as an energy source. This catabolic
chemical process is exothermic, or heat producing.
BLOOD GLUCOSE
Blood Clotting
When a wound causes bleeding, the body responds with a positive feedback loop
to clot the blood and stop blood loss. Substances released by the injured blood
vessel wall begin the process of blood clotting. Platelets in the blood start to cling
to the injured site and release chemicals that attract additional platelets. As the
platelets continue to amass, more of the chemicals are released and more platelets
are attracted to the site of the clot. The positive feedback accelerates the process
of clotting until the clot is large enough to stop the bleeding.
Childbirth
shows the positive feedback loop that controls childbirth.
The process normally begins when the head of the infant
pushes against the cervix. This stimulates nerve impulses,
which travel from the cervix to the hypothalamus in the
brain. In response, the hypothalamus sends the hormone
oxytocin to the pituitary gland, which secretes it into the
bloodstream so it can be carried to the uterus. Oxytocin
stimulates uterine contractions, which push the baby
harder against the cervix. In response, the cervix starts to
dilate in preparation for the passage of the baby. This cycle
of positive feedback continues, with increasing levels of
oxytocin, stronger uterine contractions, and wider dilation Normal childbirth is driven by a positive
of the cervix until the baby is pushed through the birth feedback loop. Positive feedback causes an
increasing deviation from the normal state
canal and out of the body. At that point, the cervix is no to a fixed endpoint rather than a return to a
longer stimulated to send nerve impulses to the brain, and normal set point as in homeostasis
the entire process stops.
HOMEOSTATIC CONTROL MECHANISM
❑ RECEPTOR : is a type of sensor that monitors and responds to changes in the environment. It responds to
such changes called STIMULI, by sending information to the second component
❑ CONTROL CENTER: determine the level at which a variable is to be maintained, analyzes the information it
receives and then determines the appropriate response or course of action
❑ EFFECTOR: provides the means for the control center’s response (output) to the stimulus. Information flows
from the control center to the effector along the efferent pathway.
❑The result of the response then feedback to influence the stimulus either POSITIVE FEEDBACK or
NEGATIVE FEEDBACK.
o NEGATIVE FEEDBACK MECHANISM
• The net effect of the response to the stimulus is to shut off the original stimulus or
reduce its intensity
o POSITIVE FEEDBACK MECHANISM
• It tend t increase the original disturbance and to push the variable farther from its
original value
ANATOMICAL POSITION
1.Standing upright
2.Head and eyes directed straight ahead
3.Upper limbs hanging down at the sides
4.Upper limbs slightly away from the trunk so the hands are not touching the sides
5.Palms facing forward
6.Thumbs pointing away from the body
7.Lower limbs parallel
8.Feet flat on the ground facing forward
DIRECTIONAL TERMS OF THE BODY
Here are the most common directional terms used. The anatomical directions below are
under separate headings to show how they relate to each other.
For example, anterior and posterior are grouped together because the coronal anatomical
planes divide the body into anterior and posterior parts. See the pics below for a better
understanding of these terms.
INTERNAL or deep means away from the surface of the body. The lungs are internal to the
thoracic cage.
VISCERAL refers to the internal organs . Ex. The heart is covered by a thin membrane called
the visceral pericardium.
PARIETAL relates to the body walls. Ex. The parietal peritoneum is the inside lining of the
abdominal cavity.
DIRECTIONAL
TERMS
The planes of reference are used to locate and describe structures within the
human body. A set of 3 planes (imaginary flat and dividing surfaces) passing
through the body is frequently used to depict structural arrangement. The three
planes are called the midsagittal, coronal and transverse planes.
• The midsagittal plane is the plane symmetry of the body, dividing into right and
left halves
• Sagittal (parasagittal) planes run parallel to the midsagittal plane and they
divide the body into unequal right and left portions
• Coronal ( frontal) planes divide the body into front and back portions. The
coronal plane is also called horizontal or cross-sectional plane
• Transverse plane divide the body into superior(upper) and inferior (lower)
portions.
BODY PLANES
AND SECTIONS
Four Types of Body Planes
There are four major types of
body planes, and an easy way
to remember them is to
remember the acronym
“SOFT,” which stands for
Sagittal
Oblique
Frontal
Transverse
Sagittal (Median)
Left portion
Right portion
Sagittal Planes (Midsagittal and
Parasagittal)
A sagittal plane runs vertically from top
to bottom (and front to back), and it
divides the body into a left and right
portion. This is easy to remember
because on your skull you have what’s
called a sagittal suture, which divides it
into left and right sides. And that’s
exactly what this plane does: it divides
the body into right and left sides when
viewed from the anatomical position.
You can take sagittal planes a step
further and add a prefix to help you
identify the type of sagittal plane.
Frontal Plane (Coronal)
Posterior portion
Anterior portion
Frontal (Coronal) Planes
The frontal plane (also called coronal
plane) is a plane that runs vertically from
top to bottom (and left to right), and it
divides the body into a front (anterior)
portion and a back (posterior) portion.
Again, let the name help you. The frontal
plane will literally leave you with a front
and back section!
Axial (Transverse or Horizontal)
Superior portion
(Cranial)
Inferior portion
(Caudal)
Transverse Planes (Horizontal or Axial
Planes)
A transverse plane (also called a horizontal
plane) is easy to remember because it is
the only plane that runs horizontally,
dividing the body or structure into a top
(superior) and bottom (inferior) half. To
remember it, let the name help you out:
the prefix trans means “across.” Think of
Transatlantic airlines flying you across the
Atlantic Ocean. Alternatively, think of the
horizon, which is the horizontal boundary
between the earth and the sky, and you’ll
remember the direction of the horizontal
(transverse) plane.
Oblique Planes
An oblique plane is a plane
that can literally be any type of
angle other than a horizontal
or vertical angle. In fact, the
word “oblique” means that
something is not parallel or a
right angle. An easy way to
remember this is to remember
“obliques are odd angles.” You
can also think about your
oblique muscles. These
muscles come down at an
angle and are located laterally
to your abdominal muscles.
The body contains many cavities. Some of these cavities, such as the
nasal cavity, open to the outside of the body, and some do not. The
trunk contains three large cavities that do not open to the outside of
the body: the thoracic cavity, the abdominal cavity, and the pelvic
cavity (figure 1.13). The thoracic cavity is surrounded by the rib cage
and is separated from the abdominal cavity by the muscular
diaphragm. It is divided into right and left parts by a median structure
called the mediastinum (me′dē -as-t ′n̆u m; wall). The mediastinum is
a partition containing the heart, the thymus, the trachea, the
esophagus, and other structures. The two lungs are located on each
side of the mediastinum.
The abdominal cavity is bounded primarily by the abdominal
muscles and contains the stomach, the intestines, the liver, the
spleen, the pancreas, and the kidneys. The pelvic (pel′vik) cavity is a
small space enclosed by the bones of the pelvis and contains the
urinary bladder, part of the large intestine, and the internal
reproductive organs. The abdominal and pelvic cavities are not
physically separated and sometimes are called the abdominopelvic
(ab-dom′i-nō -pel′vik) cavity.
BODY CAVITIES
The different vital internal organs of the body are protected inside the body
by a unique cavity called BODY CAVITIES. Body cavities are enclosed spaces in
which the organs are protected, separated, and supported by associated
membranes. There are 2 major body cavities:
Abdominal Cavity – contains the stomach, small and large intestines, spleen, liver
and gallbladder
Pelvic Cavity – houses the bladder and organs of the reproductive system
Cranial Cavity – also known as the cranium, houses the brain
DORSAL
DORSAL and
VENTRAL
BODY
CAVITIES
(closed)
DORSAL
BODY
CAVITIES
(closed)
VENTRAL
DORSAL BODY CAVITY VENTRAL BODY CAVITY
• The cranial cavity is the space • The thoracic cavity is separated from
inside the bony skull the rest of ventral cavity by a domed-shape
• The spinal cavity extends from muscle, the DIAPHRAGM. A central region
cranial cavity nearly to the end of called MEDIASTINUM separates the lungs
vertebral column into right and left cavities.
ABDOMINOPELVIC CAVITY
OPEN BODY CAVITIES
❑ Abdominal cavity containing the
stomach, liver, intestines and other ❑ Oral and Digestive Cavities.
organs Commonly called the mouth,
❑ Pelvic cavity containing the contains teeth and tongue
reproductive organs, bladder and
rectum
NASAL CAVITY ORBITAL CAVITIES
Located within and posterior to the The orbital cavities (orbits) in the
nose, the nasal cavity is part of the skull house the eyes and present
respiratory system them in an anterior position.
MIDDLE EAR CAVITIES
Serous (s̄er′̆us) membranes line the trunk cavities and cover the organs of
these cavities. To understand the relationship between serous membranes
and an organ, imagine pushing your fist into an inflated balloon. The inner
balloon wall in contact with your fist (organ) represents the visceral (vis′er-̆a l;
organ) serous membrane, and the outer part of the balloon wall represents
the parietal (p̆a -r ′ĕ - tă l; wall)serous membrane. The cavity, or space,
between the visceral and parietal serous membranes is normally filled with a
thin, lubricating film of serous fluid produced by the mem-branes. As an
organ rubs against another organ or against the body wall, the serous fluid
and smooth serous membranes reduce friction.
SEROUS MEMBRANES
• Visceral serous
membrane – touching or
facing the visceral organ
• Parietal serous
membrane – touches or is
facing the body cavity
The thoracic cavity contains three
serous membrane-lined cavities: a
pericardial cavity and two pleural
cavities. The peri-cardial (per-i-kar′dē-ăl;
around the heart) cavity surrounds
theheart (figure 1.15a). The visceral
pericardium covers the heart, which is
contained within a connective tissue sac
lined with the parietal pericardium. The
pericardial cavity, which contains peri-
cardial fluid, is located between the
visceral pericardium and the parietal
pericardium.
A pleural (ploor′̆a l; associated with the ribs) cavity surrounds each lung, which is covered by
visceral pleura (figure 1.15b). Parietal pleura lines the inner surface of the thoracic wall, the
lateral surfaces of the mediastinum, and the superior surface of the diaphragm. The pleural
cavity is located between the visceral pleura and the parietal pleura and contains pleural
fluid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dva-f_btvlk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EjklfLrEW8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQUMJ6Gh9Bw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRFykdf4kDc
END OF MODULE 1