Human Anatomy

Human Anatomy

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Human Anatomy

The study of adult human morphology is known as human anatomy. There are two categories within it: gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy. The study of anatomical structures that are visible to unassisted vision is known as gross anatomy or anthropotomy. Histology and cytology, which are the studies of how tissues and cells are organized, are also parts of microscopic anatomy, which is the study of tiny anatomical traits with the aid of microscopes. This paper discusses the respiratory and cardiovascular systems of the human anatomy. It also analyzes their functions and the common diseases they are prone to. These systems are very important and work together to ensure that other organs are functioning properly.

The Respiratory System

The combination of tissues and organs that aids in breathing is known as the respiratory system. It consists of your bloodstream, lungs, and airways. The respiratory system also includes the muscles that propel your lungs (Tu et al., 2013). Together, these components help the body circulate oxygen and eliminate waste gases like carbon dioxide. The respiratory system does more than just allow you to breathe in and out.

Parts of the Respiratory System and their Functions

The first organ to begin the cycle of respiration by inhaling and the last to finish it off is the nose. It is made up of two exterior apertures called nostrils that are separated by a septum. In order to filter undesirable microorganisms and dirt debris, tiny hair follicles are found in the nose canals. The larynx is the following organ (Ionescu, 2013). These two cartilaginous cords are located where the throat and trachea converge. It is also known as the voice box or Adam’s apple. It is in charge of sound production. The pharynx is a large, hollow area located after the larynx. The pharynx is directly accessible through the nasal cavities of the nose. As a result, it provides a route for meals as well as for gas. The food is prevented from entering the windpipe by the elastic cartilage known as the epiglottis (Ionescu, 2013). The trachea, or windpipe, is located below the pharynx. It is a tubular cartilaginous structure that is controlled in size and hardened by C-shaped rings. In the area of the breastbone, it splits in half. The term bronchi, refers to these two tracheal splits. The tubes that finally connect to the lungs are called bronchi. In each of the lungs, these tubes further divide to create additional tubules known as bronchioles (Ionescu, 2013). These further split into tiny tubules, which end in alveoli, a sac-like formation. The primary structures involved in gaseous exchange right now are alveoli. The alveoli are tiny sacs with flimsy single-celled walls through which diffusion occurs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. The primary organ that serves as the centre of breathing is the lung.

Common Respiratory Diseases

The respiratory system being a very vital part of the human anatomy is at the risk of various health conditions. One of the main conditions is asthma which is the long term inflammation of the lungs hence difficulty in breathing. There are also allergies to substances such as pollen, mold or dusts which cause inflammation of the airways (Cowan, 2017). The breathing infections can also be exposed to infections such as flu, cold, pneumonia and bronchitis. There are diseases such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which limit the system’s ability to transfer oxygen to organs that need it and take out the unwanted gases. Old age can also limit the respiratory system’s function since the organs are also aging. However, the system can also be damaged through exposure to harmful gases, secondhand smoke and radioactive gases (Cowan, 2017). People who find themselves in such situations should wear masks to avoid inhalation. Having healthy diets and daily exercise helps strengthen the respiratory system. With the current Covid-19, washing hands and wearing of the masks is very essential to avoid the virus damaging the breathing system.

The Cardiovascular System

The heart, blood channels, and blood make up the cardiovascular system. Its main job is to carry deoxygenated blood back to the lungs and to carry nutrients and blood rich in oxygen to all regions of the body. The heart is a powerful organ which circulates blood throughout the body (Schneck, 2014). There is also closed system of blood vessels work with the heart to transfer blood from various organs. They include the arteries, veins and capillaries. The arteries transfer blood away from the heart while the veins transfer blood to the heart. Capillaries are very tiny vessels which aid transferring blood to and from various body tissues.

Parts of the Cardiovascular System and their Functions

Two upper chambers, known as atria, and two lower chambers, known as ventricles, make up the heart’s four unique chambers. The atria and ventricles are divided by a septum wall. The various chambers’ blood flow is regulated by valves. Blood travels along a certain path throughout the heart. Through the inferior vena cava and superior vena cava veins, blood that is anemic returns to the body and enters the right atrium (Schneck, 2014). The tricuspid valve allows blood to enter the right ventricle. Blood is pumped from the right ventricle through the pulmonary valve and out the major pulmonary artery. The blood subsequently enters the lungs via the left and right pulmonary arteries. Here, breathing causes the body to absorb oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. The blood is now abundant in oxygen as a result. Four pulmonary veins carry the blood back to the heart, where it enters the left atrium (Schneck, 2014). The mitral valve allows blood to enter the left ventricle. Blood is pumped from the left ventricle into the aorta, a significant artery, through the aortic valve. Blood is sent from this artery to the rest of the body.

Common Cardiovascular Diseases

The cardiovascular system being a vital part of the human anatomy is also at risk of various diseases. The main known risk is heart attack. A heart attack occurs if the heart does not receive enough blood probably due to a tear or blockage in the artery. It reduces the heart’s ability to receive oxygen (Kathiresan & Srivastava, 2012). A stroke occurs when the brain does not receive enough blood supply mainly due to a blood clot or bleeding in areas around the brain. Another occurrence is heart failure which is the heart’s inability to supply enough blood to other body parts. The heart may also experience abnormal rhythm which is known as arrhythmia. Old people are at more risk of these diseases since their organs are stiffer due to aging (Kathiresan & Srivastava, 2012). High blood pressure also increases the risk of getting sick. The diseases can be avoided by doing regular physical exercise, eating balanced diets and avoiding being overweight.

Conclusion

Both the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system are vital organs of the human anatomy. The respiratory system is in charge of breathing in oxygen and breathing out unwanted gases such as the carbon dioxide. The oxygen is then carried by the blood to the heart where it is pumped to all other body tissues. After the oxygen is used up, the body tissues release carbon dioxide which is carried back to the heart then to the lungs and later breathed out. These two systems are connected and one cannot function well without the other. It is also very clear that regular physical exercise and eating balanced diets keep both systems in check.

References

Cowan, M. L. (2017). Diseases of the respiratory system. Reptile Medicine and Surgery in Clinical Practice, 299-306.

Ionescu, C. M. (2013). The human respiratory system: an analysis of the interplay between anatomy, structure, breathing and fractal dynamics. Springer Science & Business Media.

Kathiresan, S., & Srivastava, D. (2012). Genetics of human cardiovascular disease. Cell, 148(6), 1242-1257.

Schneck, D. J. (2014). An outline of cardiovascular structure and function. In Biomedical Engineering Fundamentals (pp. 1-14). CRC Press.

Tu, J., Inthavong, K., & Ahmadi, G. (2013). The human respiratory system. In Computational fluid and particle dynamics in the human respiratory system (pp. 19-44). Springer, Dordrecht.