Levels of Organization (from simplest to most complex)

Atoms → Molecules → Macromolecules →Organelles → Cells →Tissues →

Organs → Organ Systems → Organism

General Organization of the Body:

Axial Portion - head, neck, trunk | Appendicular Portion - arms & legs

1. Several body cavities and layers of membranes within cavities

2. Variety of organs and organ systems within cavities
(VISCERA = internal organs. also: "visceral organs")

What does "eviscerate" mean?

Body Cavities (see p.9)

Dorsal Cavity | Ventral Cavity

1. Thoracic Cavity - right and left separated by mediastinum.

2. Abdominopelvic Cavity (abdominal + pelvic cavity)

DIAPHRAGM - separates thoracic and abdominal cavity

SEROUS MEMBRANE - two layers, covers organs

outer layer = PARIETAL layer and forms a "lining"

inner layer = VISCERAL layer, covers the surface of organs

1. Pleura (or pleural membrane) - surrounds the lungs

2. Pericardium (or pericardial membrane) - surrounds the heart
3. Peritoneum (or peritoneal membrane) - surrounds organs within the
abdominopelvic cavity

*Between the layers of each membrane is a lubricating fluid which is called

SEROUS FLUID

ORGAN SYSTEMS How doe

Body covering. Skin, hair, nails, sweat glands.
1. Integumentary
- protect underlying tissues, regulate body temperature
2. Skeletal Bones, ligaments, cartilage
 - Support, movement, protection; production of blood cells
Muscles of the body
3. Muscular
- Movement, posture, production of body heat
Brain, spinal cord, nerves
4. Nervous
- Communication, mental activities
Glands = pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes
5. Endocrine
- Secretion of hormones, chemical communication
Mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines,
6. Digestive
- Breakdown of food (digestion), absorbtion
Heart, blood vessels, blood.
7. Circulatory
- Transports materials throughout the body.
8. Lymphatic ( Immune System) - fights infections
Kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra
8. Urinary
- filters wastes from the blood, maintains water balance
9. Reproductive Reproductive organs, primarily the ovaries (females) and testes (males)
Anatomical Position Proximal / Distal

Superior / Inferior Superficial / Deep

Medial / Lateral Sagittal | Transverse | Frontal

(coronal)
Anterior/ Posterior
thoracic cavity
contains the heart and lungs and is divided midsagittally by the mediastinum into left and right.
pericadial cavity
surrounds heart
abdominal cavity
contains liver, stomach, pancreas, spleen, most small and large intestines
Pelvic cavity
The space formed by the hipbones and contains primarily the organs of the reproductive and
excretory systems
potential space
space between visceral and parietal pleura - usually nonexistant only containing small amount
serious fluid to