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Articles & Books From Maggie A. Norris
Article / Updated 10-29-2025
The anatomical regions (shown in the diagrams below) compartmentalize the human body. Just like on a map, a region refers to a certain area. The body is divided into two major portions: axial and appendicular.The axial body runs right down the center (axis) and consists of everything except the limbs, meaning the head, neck, thorax (chest and back), abdomen, and pelvis.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-20-2022
The human body is a beautiful and efficient system well worth study. In order to study and talk about anatomy and physiology, you need to start from an agreed-upon view of the human body. Anatomical position for the human form is the figure standing upright, eyes looking forward, upper extremities at the sides of the body with palms turned out.
Anatomy Essentials For Dummies (9781119590156) was previously published as Anatomy Essentials For Dummies (9781118184219). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product. The core concepts you need to ace Anatomy Perfect for those just starting out or returning to Anatomy after some time away, Anatomy Essentials For Dummies focuses on core concepts taught (and tested on!
Article / Updated 06-14-2017
Terms that indicate direction make no sense if you're looking at the body the wrong way. You likely know your right from your left, but ignoring perspective can get you all mixed up. Stand up straight. Look forward. Let your arms hang down at your sides and turn your palms so they're facing forward. You are now in anatomical position.
Article / Updated 06-14-2017
Your body's reactions that convert fuel (specifically glucose) to usable energy (ATP molecules) include glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (aerobic respiration) and anaerobic respiration, and oxidative phosphorylation. Together, these reactions are referred to as cellular respiration.These are complex pathways, so expect to take some time to understand them.
Article / Updated 06-14-2017
Almost all the structures of anatomy are built of cells, and almost all the functions of physiology are carried out within cells. A comprehensive list of cell functions would be impossible, but you can group cell functions into a few main categories.
Building cells
Cells arise from other cells and nowhere else.
Article / Updated 06-14-2017
Taxonomy is the science that seeks to classify and organize living things, expressed as a series of mutually exclusive categories. The highest (most inclusive) category is domain, of which there are three: Archea, Eubacteria, Eukaryota. Each of these domains is split into kingdoms, which are further divided until each individual organism is its own unique species.
Article / Updated 06-14-2017
A watery environment is a requirement for a great proportion of your body's metabolic reactions (the rest need a lipid, or fatty, environment). The body contains a lot of water: in your blood, in your cells, in the spaces between your cells, in your digestive organs, here, there, and everywhere.Not pure water, though.
Article / Updated 06-14-2017
Biology is a very special application of the laws of chemistry and physics. Biology follows and never violates the laws of the physical sciences, but this fact can sometimes be obscured in the complexity and other special characteristics of biological chemistry and physics.Following is a review of some of the principles of chemistry and physics that have special application in anatomy and physiology.
Article / Updated 06-14-2017
The 280 days, usually expressed as 40 weeks, are the human gestational period (length of pregnancy). This period is divided, again by convention, into three trimesters, though nothing specific marks the transition from one to the next.Officially, by convention, Day 1 of a pregnancy is the first day of the woman's previous menstrual period.
