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U N I T 1
Overview of
Anatomy and
Physiology
Lecture Outline
01
Meaning, Definition & Importance
Anatomy, Physiology, scope and relevance
02
Types of Anatomy & Anatomical Terms
Gross, microscopic, regional, systemic & body movement
terminology
03
Cell — Structure, Function & Types
Organelles, cell division, specialised cells
04
Tissues — Classification & Functions
Epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous tissue
05
Body Systems — Overview
11 organ systems, structure and function
1
Meaning, Definition, Need &
Importance
of Anatomy and Physiology
What is Anatomy?
Definition & Etymology
Anatomy (Greek: ana = up, apart + temnein = to cut) — the scientific study of body structure and the
spatial relationships among its parts.
Ross & Wilson (12th ed.):
"The study of the structure of the body and the physical relationships between its parts."
Tortora & Derrickson:
"The science of body structures and the relationships among them."
Marieb & Hoehn:
"A science that investigates the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another."
What is Physiology?
Definition & Etymology
Physiology (Greek: physis = nature + logos = study) — the science of the functions of the body and how
its parts work individually and collectively.
Ross & Wilson:
"The study of the functions of the body parts and how they work together to support life."
Tortora & Derrickson:
"The science of body functions — how the body parts work and carry out their life-sustaining activities."
Marieb & Hoehn:
"The science that investigates the functions of living organisms and their parts."
Anatomy vs Physiology - The Inseparable Pair
ANATOMY - Structure
• Morphology of bones,
muscles, organs
• Location and spatial
relationships
• Macroscopic & microscopic
levels
• Studied via dissection,
imaging
• Answers: WHAT and WHERE
PHYSIOLOGY - Function
• Mechanisms of muscle
contraction
• Cardiovascular, respiratory
dynamics
• Homeostatic regulatory
processes
• Studied via experimentation
& models
• Answers: HOW and WHY
↔
Interdependent
Need & Importance of Anatomy & Physiology
Why BPES students must master these sciences
🏃 Sports Performance
Knowledge of muscle architecture, joint
mechanics and energy systems is
foundational to designing effective training
programmes.
🩺
Injury Prevention &
Rehabilitation
Identifying vulnerable anatomical structures
and understanding tissue repair physiology
guides safe return to sport.
🧪 Exercise Physiology
Understanding cardiovascular, respiratory
and metabolic responses to exercise is the
basis of fitness assessment and prescription.
📋 Physical Education Pedagogy
Teachers require A&P knowledge to explain
correct technique, posture and movement
efficiency to students.
🔬 Research & Innovation
Sports science research-from biomechanics
to nutrition-relies on anatomical and
physiological frameworks.
⚖️
Health & Wellness
Promotion
Understanding homeostasis, organ function
and disease aetiology enables evidence-
based health education.
2
Types of Anatomy &
Anatomical Terms Related to Body Movements
Types of Anatomy
Gross (Macroscopic) Anatomy
Study of structures visible to the naked eye. Divided into Regional
anatomy (body area e.g., thorax, abdomen) and Systemic anatomy
(organ systems).
Microscopic Anatomy
Study of structures too small for the naked eye. Subdivided into
Cytology (cells) and Histology (tissues).
Developmental Anatomy
Structural changes from fertilisation through old age. Embryology
focuses on the prenatal period.
Radiographic (Imaging) Anatomy
Study using X-ray, MRI, CT scan and ultrasound. Critical for clinical
diagnosis and sports medicine.
Surface Anatomy
External features of the body used to locate deeper structures. Key
for physical assessment and palpation skills.
Pathological Anatomy
Structural changes caused by disease. Links anatomy to clinical
medicine and sports injury pathology.
Body Planes & Axis
Body Planes
Sagittal Plane
Divides body into Left & Right portions. Mid-sagittal (median) =
equal halves.
Frontal (Coronal) Plane
Divides body into Anterior (front) & Posterior (back) portions.
Transverse (Horizontal) Plane
Divides body into Superior (upper) & Inferior (lower) portions.
Oblique Plane
Cuts at an angle; used in imaging and sectional anatomy.
Body Axis
Sagittal axis
runs horizontally from the back (posterior) to the front
(anterior). It is formed by the intersection of the sagittal
and transverse planes.
Frontal axis
runs horizontally from side to side (left to right). It is formed
by the intersection of the frontal and transverse planes.
Vertical axis
runs vertically from the bottom (inferior) to the top
(superior). It is formed by the intersection of the
sagittal and frontal planes.
Anatomical Directional Terms
Standard terminology for precise anatomical description (Tortora & Marieb)
Term Meaning Clinical Example
Superior / Inferior Toward head / Toward feet The knee is superior to the ankle
Anterior / Posterior Toward front / Toward back Sternum is anterior to vertebral column
Medial / Lateral Toward midline / Away from midline Ulna is medial to radius
Proximal / Distal Closer to origin / Farther from origin Femur is proximal to tibia
Superficial / Deep Toward surface / Away from surface Skin is superficial to muscle
Ipsilateral / Contralateral Same side / Opposite side Right arm and right leg are ipsilateral
Body Cavities
Spaces that house and protect internal organs
Anatomical Terms - Body Movements (Part I)
Joint movement terminology essential for exercise science
Flexion
Decreases angle between bones at a joint (bending)
e.g. Bending elbow to curl a dumbbell
Extension
Increases angle between bones at a joint (straightening)
e.g. Straightening knee in terminal phase of kick
Hyperextension
Extension beyond anatomical position; may risk injury
e.g. Bending neck backward
Abduction
Movement of limb away from midline of body
e.g. Raising arm laterally (star jump)
Adduction
Movement of limb toward midline of body
e.g. Lowering arm back to side
Circumduction
Circular movement combining flex., ext., abd., add.
e.g. Bowling arm action in cricket
Anatomical Terms - Body Movements (Part II)
Rotational and special movements
Rotation (Medial / Lateral)
Pivoting bone around its longitudinal axis toward or away from
midline
e.g. Shoulder rotation in throwing
Pronation / Supination
Forearm rotation: palm down (pronation) or palm up (supination)
e.g. Racket grip changes in tennis
Inversion / Eversion
Sole of foot turns inward (inversion) or outward (eversion)
e.g. Ankle sprains — lateral inversion injury
Dorsiflexion / Plantarflexion
Foot dorsiflexes toward shin; plantarflexes away (pointing toes)
e.g. Running gait cycle
Elevation / Depression
Body part moves superiorly (elevation) or inferiorly (depression)
e.g. Shoulder shrug (elevation) / lowering
Protraction / Retraction
Anterior (protraction) or posterior (retraction) movement in
transverse plane
e.g. Scapular protraction in push-up
3
The Cell
Structure, Functions & Types
The Cell - Fundamental Unit of Life
Cell Definition: The smallest structural and functional unit of the body capable of performing all basic life functions
independently.
~37.2 Trillion
Cells in the human adult
body
200+ Types
Specialised cell types
identified
10–100 µm
Typical diameter range
3 Core Parts
Plasma membrane,
Cytoplasm, Nucleus
General Characteristics of a Human Cell:
• Surrounded by a selectively permeable plasma membrane
• Contains cytoplasm with specialised membrane-bound organelles
• Genetic information encoded in DNA housed within the nucleus
• Carries out metabolism, growth, reproduction and responsiveness
Cell Organelles - Structure & Function
Plasma Membrane
Cell membrane is the selective barrier of the cell → it controls what enters
and leaves → it also has receptor proteins.
This is explained by the fluid mosaic model.
Nucleus
Nucleus is the control centre of the cell → it contains DNA → its pores
allow materials to pass in and out → the nucleolus makes ribosomal
RNA.
Mitochondria
Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell → it makes ATP through aerobic
respiration → it has its own DNA and is abundant in muscle cells.
Ribosomes
Protein synthesis happens on ribosomes → free ribosomes make proteins for
use inside the cell, while bound ribosomes on rough ER make secretory
proteins.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Rough ER makes and transports proteins → Smooth ER makes lipids,
detoxifies harmful substances, and stores calcium.
Golgi Apparatus
Golgi apparatus is the post office of the cell → it modifies, packages, and
sorts proteins for secretion or use inside the cell.
Lysosomes
Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes → they break down worn-out
organelles, bacteria, and cell debris.
Cytoskeleton
Cytoskeleton is the cell’s support system → microfilaments help
movement, intermediate filaments give strength, and microtubules help
position organelles
Cell Division - Mitosis & Meiosis
MITOSIS - Somatic Cell Division
Interphase Cell grows; DNA replication occurs (S phase)
Prophase Chromosomes condense; spindle forms;
nuclear envelope dissolves
Metaphase Chromosomes align at metaphase plate (cell
equator)
Anaphase Sister chromatids pulled to opposite poles by
spindle fibres
Telophase Nuclear envelopes reform; chromosomes
decondense
Cytokinesis Cytoplasm divides → two genetically identical daughter cells
(2n)
Result: Growth, repair, replacement of somatic cells
MEIOSIS - Reproductive Cell Division
• Two successive divisions (Meiosis I & II)
• Produces 4 haploid (n) daughter cells
• Occurs in gonads (testes, ovaries)
• Crossing over in Prophase I → genetic variation
• Produces gametes (sperm & ova)
• Significance: Sexual reproduction and species
diversity
• Errors → chromosomal abnormalities (e.g.
Trisomy 21)
Result: 4 genetically unique haploid cells
Types of Human Cells - Structural Specialisation
Structure reflects function - key principle
Skeletal Muscle Cells (Fibres)
Structure: Long, cylindrical,
multinucleated, striated
Function: Voluntary movement, force
generation
Cardiac Muscle Cells
Structure: Branched,
mono/binucleated, intercalated discs
Function: Involuntary rhythmic
heart contraction
Smooth Muscle Cells
Structure: Spindle-shaped,
uninucleated, non-striated
Function: Involuntary
contraction in viscera, vessels
Neurons (Nerve Cells)
Structure: Cell body + axon +
dendrites; myelin sheath
Function: Electrical impulse
generation & transmission
Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)
Structure: Biconcave disc,
anucleate, flexible membrane
Function: O₂ / CO₂ transport via
haemoglobin
Epithelial Cells
Structure: Closely packed,
avascular, polarity
Function: Covering/lining;
secretion; absorption
4
Tissues
Classification, Structure & Functions
Tissues - Definition & Primary Types
Tissue Definition: A group of similar cells and the material surrounding them
(extracellular matrix) that work together to perform a specific function
01 Epithelial Tissue
Covers body surfaces, lines cavities, forms glands. Functions:
protection, absorption, secretion, sensation.
02 Connective Tissue
Most widespread; binds, supports, protects organs. Includes bone,
cartilage, blood, adipose, fibrous tissue.
03 Muscle Tissue
Specialised for contraction. Three types: skeletal, cardiac, smooth.
Converts chemical to mechanical energy.
04 Nervous Tissue
Generates and transmits electrical impulses. Neurons and supporting
neuroglia (glial cells).
Epithelial Tissue - Structure, Types & Functions
Characteristics: Avascular (no blood supply); cells tightly packed; rests on basement membrane;
rapid mitosis for replacement; apical-basal polarity.
Type Layers Cell Shape Location Function
Simple Squamous 1 Flat
Alveoli, capillaries, serous
membranes
Diffusion, filtration
Simple Cuboidal 1 Cube-like
Kidney tubules, small
glands
Secretion, absorption
Simple Columnar 1 Tall column GI tract lining Absorption, secretion
Pseudostratified Columnar
1 (appears
layered)
Column/
irregular
Respiratory tract Mucus secretion, cilia sweep
Stratified Squamous Multi
Flat
(surface)
Skin, oral cavity,
oesophagus
Protection from abrasion
Transitional
Multi
(distensible)
Variable Urinary bladder, ureter
Stretching to accommodate
volume
Connective Tissue - Types & Functions
Most abundant and widely distributed tissue in the body
Loose Connective Tissue
• Areolar CT - 'packing material'; surrounds vessels, nerves, organs
• Adipose CT - insulation, energy storage, organ cushioning
• Reticular CT - framework of lymphoid organs, liver, bone marrow
Dense Connective Tissue
• Dense Regular CT - tendons, ligaments (collagen fibres parallel)
• Dense Irregular CT - dermis, joint capsules (fibres multi-directional)
• Elastic CT - aorta, vocal cords (elastic fibres predominate)
Specialised Connective
Tissue
• Cartilage - Hyaline (articular surfaces), Fibrocartilage (menisci, IVDs),
Elastic (ear, epiglottis)
• Bone (Osseous) - compact & spongy; rigid support, mineral reservoir
• Blood - Fluid CT; erythrocytes, leucocytes, platelets in plasma
Muscle Tissue & Nervous Tissue
Muscle Tissue
Skeletal
Striated; voluntary; multinucleated; cylindrical
fibres; fatigable
Cardiac
Striated; involuntary; mono/binucleated; branched;
intercalated discs; autorhythmic; resistant to fatigue
Smooth
Non-striated; involuntary; spindle-shaped;
uninucleated; visceral (sheets); slow sustained
contraction
Nervous Tissue
Neurons (Nerve Cells)
• Cell body (soma) - contains nucleus
• Dendrites - receive impulses toward cell body
• Axon - conducts impulses away; myelinated
• Synapse - junction for impulse transmission
• Types: sensory, motor, interneurons
Neuroglia (Supporting Cells)
• Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia (CNS)
• Schwann cells, satellite cells (PNS)
• 10× more numerous than neurons
• Provide structural, metabolic support
5
Body Systems
Structure, Functions & Interrelationships
The 11 Organ Systems of the Human Body
Integumentary
Protection, temperature regulation,
sensory reception
Skeletal
Support, protection, movement, mineral
storage, haematopoiesis
Muscular
Movement, posture, heat production
Nervous
Communication, control, integration of
body functions
Endocrine
Hormonal regulation of growth,
metabolism, reproduction
Cardiovascular
Transport of O₂, CO₂, nutrients,
hormones, waste
Lymphatic/Immune
Fluid balance, immunity, fat absorption
(lacteals)
Respiratory
Gas exchange (O₂ in / CO₂ out), pH
regulation, phonation
Digestive
Ingestion, digestion, absorption of
nutrients, elimination
Urinary
Filtration of blood; excretion of metabolic
waste; fluid/electrolyte balance
Reproductive
Production of gametes; continuation of
the species; hormone secretion
Skeletal System - Structure & Functions
206 bones in the adult human body. Divided into Axial (80 bones: skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage) and
Appendicular (126 bones: limb girdles and limbs) skeletons.
Functions
• Support - framework for body; provides shape
• Protection - skull (brain), vertebrae (cord), ribcage
(heart, lungs)
• Movement - levers for muscle attachment
• Mineral storage
• Hematopoiesis - red/white blood cell production in
red bone marrow
• Energy storage yellow marrow (adipose tissue)
Bone Classification
Long bones:
Femur, humerus, tibia - levers for movement
Short bones:
Carpals, tarsals - stability with limited motion
Flat bones:
Skull, scapula, sternum - protect organs, muscle
attachment
Irregular bones:
Vertebrae, hip bones - complex shape, mixed function
Sesamoid bones:
Patella - protect tendons from compression
Key Systems for Exercise - Muscular,
Cardiovascular & Respiratory
Muscular System Structure: ~640 skeletal muscles; muscle fibres, tendons, connective tissue sheaths (epimysium, perimysium,
endomysium)
• Prime movers, antagonists, synergists, fixators
• Three fibre types: Type I (slow oxidative), Type IIa (fast oxidative-glycolytic), Type IIx (fast
glycolytic)
• Functions: movement, posture, joint stability, heat production
Cardiovascular System Structure: Heart (4 chambers, 4 valves), ~100,000 km blood vessels: arteries, arterioles, capillaries,
venules, veins
• Cardiac output = HR × Stroke Volume
• Systemic & Pulmonary circuits
• Transport: O₂, CO₂, nutrients, hormones, immune cells, heat
Respiratory System Structure: Upper airways: nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx; Lower airways: trachea, bronchi, bronchioles,
alveoli; Respiratory muscles: diaphragm, intercostals
• Tidal volume ~500 mL at rest; VC ~4.8 L average
• External respiration (lungs) & Internal respiration (tissues)
• During maximal exercise: ventilation rises from 12 to 120+ L/min
Remaining Body Systems - Structure & Function Overview
Nervous System
Structure: CNS (brain, spinal cord) + PNS (cranial, spinal nerves, autonomic)
Function: Sensory input → integration → motor output; controls all body systems
Endocrine System
Structure: Ductless glands: hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas,
gonads
Function: Hormonal regulation: growth, metabolism, stress response, reproductive
function
Integumentary System
Structure: Skin (epidermis + dermis), hair, nails, sweat & sebaceous glands
Function: Protection, thermoregulation, vitamin D synthesis, sensory reception,
excretion
Lymphatic/Immune System
Structure: Lymph vessels, lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, bone marrow
Function: Fluid homeostasis; specific & non-specific immunity; fat absorption
Digestive System
Structure: GI tract (mouth→anus) + accessory organs (liver, pancreas, gallbladder)
Function: Mechanical/chemical digestion; nutrient absorption; waste elimination
Urinary System
Structure: 2 kidneys, 2 ureters, urinary bladder, urethra
Function: Blood filtration; urine formation; osmoregulation; acid-base balance
Reproductive System Structure: Male: testes, vas deferens, prostate, penis; Female: ovaries, uterus, uterine tubes, vagina
Gamete production; hormone secretion; gestation (female); species continuation
Homeostasis - The Unifying Principle of Physiology
Homeostasis (Greek: homoios = same; stasis = standing still): The ability of the body to maintain a
relatively stable internal environment despite continuous changes in the external.
Homeostatic Control System
Receptor (Sensor) Detects change in the internal environment
(stimulus)
Afferent Pathway Sends information to the control centre
Control Centre Integrates information and determines
response (e.g. hypothalamus)
Efferent Pathway Sends instructions to effector
Effector Muscle or gland that carries out corrective
response
Feedback Mechanisms
Negative Feedback
Most common. Output opposes the
input/stimulus. Restores normal range. E.g.: body
temperature regulation; blood glucose regulation;
blood pressure control.
Positive Feedback
Less common. Output amplifies stimulus. E.g.:
childbirth (oxytocin surge), blood clotting cascade,
action potential generation, breastfeeding (let-
down reflex).
Disruption of homeostasis = disease/injury
Levels of Structural Organisation
From atom to organism - the hierarchy of the human body
1
Chemical
Level
Atoms (C, H, O,
N, Ca, P) →
molecules →
macromolecules
(proteins, DNA,
lipids)
2
Cellular
Level
Smallest living
units; 200+ cell
types;
organelles
perform specific
functions
3
Tissue Level
Groups of
similar cells +
extracellular
matrix; 4
primary tissue
types
4
Organ Level
Two or more
tissue types
performing a
specific function
e.g. heart,
stomach, skin
5
Organ
System Level
Groups of
organs with a
common
function e.g.
digestive,
cardiovascular
system
6
Organismal
Level
All organ
systems
functioning
together = the
living human
organism
→ → → → →
Review Questions - Self-Assessment
Answer these before your next tutorial
1 Define anatomy and physiology. Explain with examples why neither can be fully understood without the other.
2 Distinguish between gross anatomy, histology, and radiographic anatomy. Give one practical application of each in sports science.
3 Draw and label the three body planes and five directional terms applied to the lower limb.
4 Describe the structure and function of the following organelles: mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.
5 Classify the four primary tissue types. For each, give two examples of where they are found in the body.
6 Name all 11 body systems and state the primary function of each. Which three systems are most challenged during maximal aerobic
exercise?
7 Explain homeostasis using a negative feedback example relevant to exercise physiology.
8 Define and give a sporting example of: flexion, abduction, pronation, dorsiflexion.
References & Recommended Reading
Primary Textbooks
Ross, J., & Wilson, K. (2018). Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness (13th ed.). Elsevier.
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2017). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (15th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Marieb, E. N., & Hoehn, K. (2019). Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th ed.). Pearson Education.
Thank You
Unit 1: Overview of Anatomy and Physiology
Next Lecture: Unit 2 - The Skeletal System in Depth
"Structure without function is a corpse; function without structure is a ghost." - Paraphrased, Tortora
School of Physical Education & Sports · BPES Semester I