Anatomy and Physiology

1. FREEDOMEMENALO
Presents
Parti

2. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY PART 1
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
An understanding of basic human anatomy and
physiology is fundamental to paramedic
practice. Human anatomy is the study of how
the human body is organized. The paramedic
must know anatomy to assess a patient by body
region. This knowledge also helps the paramedic
communicate well with other members of the
health care team. Part 1 of this topic presents an
organizational overview of human body systems,
including

3. INTRODUCTION
• The cell structure and function
• Tissues
• Organs, organ systems, and organism
• System integration
• The cellular environment: fluid and electrolytes
• Water, electrolytes, osmosis and diffusion
• Acid-base balance: the PH scale, bodily regulation of acid-base balance
• The body systems
• The integumentary system: the skin, the hair, the nails,
• The blood: components of blood and hemostasis
• The musculoskeletal system: skeletal tissue and structure, skeletal
organization, bone aging, and muscular tissue and structure
• The head face and neck
• The spine and thorax

4. Anatomical Position
Directional terms used by medical professionals
refer to the human body in the anatomical position.
This position describes a person standing erect with
the feet and palms facing the examiner. A patient in
the supine position is lying on the back (face up). A
patient in the prone position is lying on the
stomach (face down). A patient in the lateral
recumbent position is lying on the right or left side.
Regardless of the patient’s position, the paramedic
and other healthcare professionals should always
report patient information with reference to the
anatomical position.

5. Anatomical Planes
The relationships of internal body structures are
classified into anatomical planes. These planes
may be viewed as imaginary straight-line
divisions of the human body

6. Body Regions
The human body is divided into a number of
regions. 2 This division helps to organize
anatomical structures. The appendicular region
is made up of the limbs, or extremities. The axial
region is made up of the head, neck, thorax, and
abdomen. The abdomen usually is divided into
four quadrants: the upper right, lower right,
upper left, and lower left

7. Body Cavities
The three major cavities of the human body are
the thoracic cavity, the abdominal cavity, and
the pelvic cavity.

8. THE CELL AND THE CELLULAR ENVIRONMENT
THE NORMAL CELL
The fundamental unit of the human body is the
cell. It contains all necessary components to
turn essential nutrients into energy, remove
waste products, reproduce, and carry on other
essential life functions.
There are two kingdoms of cells: prokaryotes
and eukaryotes

9. CELL STRUCTURE
A cell is something like a small, self-sustaining
city. Within the cell, specialized structures
perform specific functions. In a normal cell, all
the structures and functions work together to
maintain a normal, balanced environment. Each
cell has three main elements: the cell
membrane, the cytoplasm, and the organelles.

10. The Cell Membrane
The cell membrane (sometimes called the
plasma membrane) is the outer covering that
encircles and protects the cell. The membrane is
selectively permeable, or semipermeable, which
means that it allows certain substances to pass
from one side to another but does not allow
others to pass.

11. The Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm lies between the cytoplasmic
membrane and the nucleus. Cytoplasm is the
thick, viscous fluid that fills and gives shape to
the cell, also called protoplasm. The clear liquid
portion of the cytoplasm is called cytosol.

12. The Organelles
Structures that perform specific functions within
the cell are called organelles. Six of the most
important organelles are the nucleus, the
endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus,
mitochondria, lysosomes, and peroxisomes.
Others include Centriole, Ribosomes, Cytosol,
Cytoskeleton etc.

13. CELL FUNCTION
There are seven major functions of cells:
i. Movement
ii. Conductivity
iii. Metabolic absorption
iv. Secretion
v. Excretion
vi. Respiration
vii. Reproduction

14. STRUCTURAL HIERARCHY OF THE BODY
Cells → Tissues → Organs→Organ systems → Organism

15. TISSUE
Tissue refers to a group of cells that perform a
similar function. The following are the four basic
types of tissue: Epithelial tissue, Muscle tissue,
Connective tissue and Nerve tissue.

16. ORGANS, ORGAN SYSTEMS, AND THE ORGANISM
A group of tissues functioning together is an
organ. For example, the pancreas consists of
epithelial tissue, connective tissue, and nervous
tissue. Together, these tissues perform the
essential functions of the pancreas. These
functions include production of certain digestive
enzymes and regulation of glucose metabolism.
A group of organs that work together is referred
to as an organ system. The following are
important organ systems

17. SYSTEM INTEGRATION
The human body is not just a static structure of
bones, cavities, and tubes. It is a dynamic
organization in which cells, tissues, organs, and
organ systems perform functions essential to the
organism’s preservation.
The body tries to maintain homeostasis.
Homeostasis is the natural tendency of the body
to maintain a steady and normal internal
environment

18. SYSTEM INTEGRATION (cont.)
Many intercellular messages are conveyed by
substances secreted by various body glands.
Endocrine glands, sometimes called ductless glands
(including the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, and
adrenal glands, the islets of Langerhans in the
pancreas, the testes, and the ovaries), secrete
hormones directly into the circulatory system,
where they travel to the target organ or tissue.
Exocrine glands secrete substances such as sweat,
saliva, mucus, and digestive enzymes onto the
body’s epithelial surfaces (the skin or linings of
body cavities and organs) via ducts.

19. THE CELLULAR ENVIRONMENT:
FLUIDS AND ELECTROLYTES
Many pathological conditions, both medical and
traumatic, adversely affect the fluid and
electrolyte balance of the body. Certain disease
processes, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and
heat emergencies, are associated with certain
electrolyte abnormalities. Severe derangements
in fluid and electrolyte status can result in
death. For this reason, as a paramedic, you need
to have a good understanding of the fluids and
electrolytes present in the human body.

20. Water Movement Between Intracellular
Fluid and Extracellular Fluid
Body fluids constantly move from one
compartment to another. In healthy individuals,
the volume in each compartment remains about
the same. To keep the volume stable, the body
uses osmosis, diffusion, and mediated
transport mechanisms. To understand illness
and disease, the paramedic first must
understand how fluids in the body move and
how changes in these fluids can occur.

21. OSMOSIS
Osmosis is the diffusion or spontaneous net
movement or spreading of water (solvent)
molecules across a semipermeable or selectively
permeable membrane from a region of high
water concentration(region of lower solute
concentration) to a region of low water
concentration(region of higher solute
concentration).

22. DIFFUSION
Diffusion is the movement of molecules, solutes
or ions in a solution through a membrane from
an area of greater concentration to an area of
lesser concentration. Diffusion occurs in the
direction opposite to the direction of water
movement

23. MEDIATED TRANSPORT MECHANISMS
A number of vital molecules (e.g., glucose)
cannot enter most cells by diffusion. Also, a
number of products (e.g., some proteins) cannot
exit most cells by diffusion. Mediated transport
mechanisms are required to move large, water-
soluble molecules or electrically charged
molecules across the cell membranes.

24. ACID–BASE BALANCE
Acid–base balance reflects the relative
concentration of hydrogen ions (H) in the body.
Hydrogen ions are acidic and the concentration of
these within the body must be maintained. The
hydrogen ion concentration is dynamic, changing
from second to second.
Acids are produced by the body through normal
metabolism. Two types of acids are produced:
i. Respiratory acids (increase in carbon dioxide
[CO 2 ]) and
ii. Metabolic acids.

25. THE pH SCALE
The total number of hydrogen ions present in
the body at any given time is very high. Because
of this, the pH system of measurement is used.
pH is a measure of relative acidity or alkalinity.
The pH scale is inversely related to hydrogen ion
concentration. That is, the greater the hydrogen
ion concentration, the lower the pH. The lower
the hydrogen ion concentration, the higher the
pH. A normal pH range is 7.35 to 7.45.

26. THE PH SCALE AND HYDROGEN
ION CONCENTRATIONS
pH EXAMPLE H+ CONCENTRATION
Hydrochloric acid 0
Stomach secretions 1
Acidic Lemon juice 2
Cola drinks 3
White wine 4
Tomato juice 5
Coffee, urine, saliva 6
Neutral Distilled water 7
Blood, semen 8
Bile 9
Bleach 10
Milk of magnesia 11
Basic Ammonia water 12
Drain opener 13
Lye 14

27. BODILY REGULATION OF ACID–BASE
BALANCE
The body is constantly producing hydrogen ions
(acids) through metabolism and other biochemical
processes. To maintain the acid–base balance,
these hydrogen ions must be constantly eliminated
from the body. There are three major mechanisms
to remove hydrogen ions from the body. Such as
• Bicarbonate buffer system
• Respiration
• Kidney function

28. BODY SYSTEMS
THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
The integumentary system is the largest organ
system of the body. It consists of the skin and
accessory structures such as hair, nails, and a
variety of glands. The functions of this system
include protecting the body against injury and
dehydration. The integumentary system also
defends against invading microorganisms and
regulates temperature.

29. THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
THE SKIN
The protective envelope called the skin is a complex
structure. Understanding how it is put together and
how it functions will help you appreciate the
importance of injuries to it and the value of its
proper care. The epidermis, dermis, and
subcutaneous tissue layers comprise what is
commonly known as the skin. Each of these layers
performs functions essential to helping the body
maintain homeostasis and each plays an important
role in the wound repair process.

30. THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
THE HAIR
Hair is a tactile sensory organ, while also playing
a role in sexual stimulation and attraction. It
covers the entire body except the palms, soles,
and parts of the sex organs. The two types of
hair are vellus and terminal.

31. THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
THE NAILS
Nails are found at the most distal ends of fingers
and toes and are primarily for protection. Nails
are strong yet flexible and provide a sharp edge
for scratching, scraping, and clawing. They are
made up of the nail plate, the nail bed, the
proximal nail fold, and the nail root.

32. BODY SYSTEMS
THE BLOOD
Blood is a body fluid that delivers necessary substances
such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transport
metabolic waste products away from the cells. Blood are
produced by the process known as the hematopoiesis in
the hematopoietic system. Hematopoietic system is the
body system that deals with the production and
development of blood cells, consisting of the bone
marrow, liver, spleen, kidneys, and the blood itself.
Hematopoiesis is the process through which pluripotent
stem cells differentiate into various types of blood cells.
Pluripotent stem cell is a cell from which the various
types of blood cells can form.

33. COMPONENTS OF BLOOD
Blood consists of liquid, or plasma, and formed
elements such as red blood cells, white blood
cells, and platelets.

34. PLASMA
Plasma is a thick, pale yellow fluid that is 90–92
percent water and 6–7 percent proteins and 2–3
percent of Fats, carbohydrates, electrolytes,
gases, and certain chemical messengers. Plasma
transports the cellular components of blood and
dissolved nutrients throughout the body and, at
the same time, transports waste products from
cellular metabolism to the liver, kidneys, and
lungs, where they can be removed from the
body.

35. RED BLOOD CELLS
The primary function of blood is to transport
oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. The red blood
cell (RBC), or erythrocyte, is a biconcave disc that
does not have a nucleus when mature. It contains
hemoglobin molecules that transport oxygen.
Hemoglobin comprises four subunits of globin,
each bonded to a heme (iron-containing) molecule.
Each globin subunit can bind with one oxygen
molecule; thus, each complete hemoglobin
molecule can carry up to four oxygen molecules.

36. WHITE BLOOD CELLS
White blood cells, called leukocytes circulate
through the bloodstream and tissues, providing
protection from foreign invasion. White blood
cells (WBCs) are extremely mobile, traveling
through the bloodstream to wherever they are
needed in order to fight infection. White blood
cells follow chemical signals (chemotaxis) to the
infection site and then engulf and destroy an
invader by phagocytosis.

37. PLATELETS
Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small fragments
of large cells. Like the other blood cells
described so far, megakaryocytes come from an
undifferentiated stem cell in the bone marrow.
The hormone thrombopoietin are responsible
for the production of platelets. Platelets play
role in clot formation

38. HEMOSTASIS
Hemostasis—from hemo (blood) and stasis
(standing still)—is the term used to describe the
combined three mechanisms that work to
prevent or control blood loss. These
mechanisms include:
i. Vascular spasms
ii. Platelet plugs
iii. Stable fibrin blood clots (coagulation)

39. Thank You For Listening
QUESTIONS

40. References
1. Bledsoe, B. E., Cherry, R. A., & Porter, R. S.
(2014). Essentials of Paramedic Care Update.
Second Edition Pearson New International
Edition. Anatomy & Physiology P(129-206).
2. Sanders, M. J., Lewis, L. M., Quik, G., &
McKenna, K. (2012). Mosby ’ s Paramedic
Textbook. Fourth Edition. St. Louis, Mo.,
Elsevier/Mosby Jems. Anatomy &
Physiology P(146-209).