IMPORTANT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Anatomical Terms and Organization of the Human Body
(GNM 1st Year – Anatomy & Physiology)
🔴 LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (10 MARKS)
Q1. Explain the organization of the human body.
Answer:
The human body is organized in a systematic manner from the simplest level to the most complex level. This organization helps the body to function efficiently.
The levels of organization are as follows:
1. Chemical Level
This is the simplest level of organization. It includes atoms and molecules such as water, oxygen, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. These substances form the basic building blocks of cells.
2. Cellular Level
Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life. Different types of cells perform different functions in the body, such as nerve cells, muscle cells, and blood cells.
3. Tissue Level
A tissue is a group of similar cells performing a common function. The four main types of tissues are epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous tissue.
4. Organ Level
An organ is formed by different tissues working together to perform a specific function. Examples include the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
5. System Level
A system is a group of organs working together to perform a major function. For example, the digestive system helps in digestion and absorption of food.
6. Organism Level
This is the highest level of organization and refers to the complete human body functioning as a single unit.
Q2. Describe the anatomical position and directional terms.
Answer:
Anatomical Position
Anatomical position is the standard reference position of the human body used for anatomical descriptions.
In anatomical position:
- The body is standing erect
- Head is facing forward
- Arms are by the side of the body
- Palms are facing forward
- Feet are together and toes pointing forward
All anatomical descriptions are based on this position, even if the patient is lying down.
Directional Terms
Directional terms are used to describe the location of one body part in relation to another.
Some important directional terms are:
- Superior – towards the upper part of the body
- Inferior – towards the lower part of the body
- Anterior – towards the front of the body
- Posterior – towards the back of the body
- Medial – towards the midline of the body
- Lateral – away from the midline
- Proximal – nearer to the point of origin
- Distal – farther from the point of origin
- Superficial – near the surface
- Deep – away from the surface
These terms help in accurate communication among healthcare professionals.
Q3. Explain the systems of the human body.
Answer:
A system is a group of organs working together to perform a specific function.
The major systems of the human body are:
- Skeletal system – provides support and protection
- Muscular system – helps in movement
- Nervous system – controls and coordinates body activities
- Circulatory system – transports blood and nutrients
- Respiratory system – helps in breathing
- Digestive system – digestion and absorption of food
- Urinary system – excretion of waste products
- Reproductive system – reproduction
- Endocrine system – hormone secretion
- Integumentary system – protection of the body
Each system works together to maintain normal body function.
🟠 SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (5 MARKS)
Q1. Define anatomy and physiology.
Anatomy is the branch of science that deals with the study of the structure of the human body and its parts.
Physiology is the branch of science that deals with the study of the functions of the human body and its parts.
Q2. Define anatomical position.
Anatomical position is the standard reference position of the human body used for description. In this position, the body is standing erect, head facing forward, arms by the side, palms facing forward, and feet together.
Q3. What are anatomical terms?
Anatomical terms are special terms used to describe the position, direction, and location of body parts accurately and uniformly.
Q4. Write a short note on body planes.
Body planes are imaginary lines used to divide the body for study and examination.
Types of body planes are:
- Sagittal plane – divides the body into right and left
- Frontal (coronal) plane – divides the body into front and back
- Transverse plane – divides the body into upper and lower
Q5. Define body cavity and name its types.
A body cavity is a hollow space in the body that contains and protects internal organs.
Types of body cavities:
- Dorsal cavity
- Ventral cavity
Q6. Write a short note on dorsal and ventral cavities.
Dorsal cavity includes:
- Cranial cavity – contains the brain
- Spinal cavity – contains the spinal cord
Ventral cavity includes:
- Thoracic cavity – contains heart and lungs
- Abdominal cavity – contains digestive organs
- Pelvic cavity – contains urinary bladder and reproductive organs