LESSON 2
ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, AND PATHOLOGY IMPORTANT TO PHARMACOLOGY
Section I. PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
2-1. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
a. Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body. Often, you may be more
interested in functions of the body. Functions include digestion, respiration, circulation,
and reproduction. Physiology is the study of the functions of the body.
b. The body is a chemical and physical machine. As such, it is subject to certain
laws. These are sometimes called natural laws. Each part of the body is engineered to
do a particular job. These jobs are functions. For each job or body function, there is a
particular structure engineered to do it.
c. In order to read and understand basic concepts in pharmacology, you must
be familiar with certain topics in anatomy, physiology, and pathology. It is not the intent
of this subcourse to discuss these areas in detail. Instead, the content of this lesson
should give you the knowledge required to complete this subcourse. If you want, you
can read texts and references that discuss these areas in detail.
2-2. ORGANIZATION OF THE HUMAN BODY
The human body is organized into cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and the
total organism.
a.
Cells are the smallest living unit of body construction.
b. A tissue is a grouping of like cells working together. Examples are muscle
tissue and nervous tissue.
c. An organ is a structure composed of several different tissues performing a
particular function. Examples include the lungs and the heart.
d. Organ systems are groups of organs, which together perform an overall
function. Examples are the respiratory system and the digestive system.
e.
The total organism is the individual human being. You are a total organism.
MD0804
2-2