Janet Rae-Dupree

To successfully study anatomy and physiology, you'll want to understand all the Latin and Greek roots, prefixes and suffixes. Also, make sure to get a good foundational knowledge of anatomic cavities, anatomic positions (standard positions when looking at an anatomical drawing), and anatomic planes.Latin and Greek in anatomy and physiologyScience, especially medicine, is permeated with Latin and Greek terms.

Atoms tend to arrange themselves in the most stable patterns possible, which means that they have a tendency to complete or fill their outermost electron orbits. They join with other atoms to do just that. The force that holds atoms together in collections known as molecules is referred to as a chemical bond. There are two main types and some secondary types of chemical bonds:Ionic bondIonic bonding involves a transfer of an electron, so one atom gains an electron while one atom loses an electron.

Beneath the epidermis, or top layer of skin, is a thicker, fibrous structure called the dermis, or corium. It consists of the following two layers, which blend together: The outer, soft papillary layer contains elastic and reticular (netlike) fibers that project into the epidermis to bring blood and nerve endings closer.

Assisted reproduction goes above and beyond people’s usual ideas about how humans make babies. Here is a glimpse into what humans have been doing to help Mother Nature perpetuate the species. Fertility medication: Used to treat female infertility, these drugs are used primarily to stimulate ovulation. The most widely used drug, clomiphene (known in the U.

Do you feel a sneeze coming on the moment you even hear the word “pollen”? Allergies may feel like they simply cannot have an upside, but don’t wish your hay fever away too fast: Two decades of studies suggest your suffering may not be entirely for naught. When allergies push the immune system into overdrive, they may be doing you a favor — even as they make you miserable.

Muscles make up most of the fleshy parts of the body and average 43 percent of the body’s weight. Muscle tissue is classified in three ways based on the tissue’s function, shape, and structure: Smooth muscle tissue: So-called because it doesn’t have the cross-striations typical of other kinds of muscle, the spindle-shaped fibers of smooth muscle tissue do have faint longitudinal striping.

Whenever you see an anatomical drawing, like the one below, you’re looking at the anatomic position. This standard position (standing straight, looking forward, arms at your side, and facing forward) keeps everyone on the same page when you’re talking anatomy and physiology. Keep this list handy of anatomic d

When you’re talking anatomy and physiology, the body is divided into sections, usually three planes. Separating the body into sections, or cuts, let’s you know which body half is being explained. The anatomic planes are: Frontal or coronal: Divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) Sagit

Science, especially medicine, is permeated with Latin and Greek terms. Latin names are used for every part of the body; and since the Greeks are the founders of modern medicine, Greek terms are common in medical terminology, as well. Latin and Greek roots This table represents some common Latin and Greek root