Course: Career Communication

Anatomy and Body Systems

To understand the location of specific signs or symptoms, it is necessary to examine topographic anatomy.

The respiratory system consists of the lungs and the airway. This system functions to take in air through the airway and transport it to the lungs. In the lungs, red blood cells absorb the oxygen and release carbon dioxide so it can be expelled from the body.

The circulatory system consists of the heart (the pump), the blood vessels (the pipes), and blood (the fluid). Its role is to transport oxygenated blood to all parts of the body and to remove waste products, including carbon dioxide.

The skeletal system consists of the bones of the body. These bones function to provide support, to protect vital structures, and to manufacture red blood cells.

The muscular system consists of three kinds of muscles: voluntary (skeletal) muscles, smooth (involuntary) muscles, and cardiac (heart) muscles. Muscles provide both support and movement. The skeletal system works with the muscular system to provide motion. Sometimes these two systems together are called the musculoskeletal system.

The nervous system consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and individual nerves. The brain serves as the central computer, and the nerves transmit messages between the brain and the body.

The digestive system consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. This system breaks down usable food for use by the body and eliminates solid waste.

The genitourinary system consists of the organs of reproduction together with the organs involved in the production and excretion of urine.

The skin covers all parts of the body. It protects the body from the environment, regulates the internal temperature of the body, and transmits sensations from the skin to the nervous system.

A basic understanding of the body systems provides you with the background you need to treat the illnesses and injuries you will encounter as an emergency responder.

An understanding of some of the changes that occur at different stages within the life cycle helps you to understand and treat the wide variety of patients you will encounter.

Vital signs change at different parts of the life cycle. It is important for you to understand these changes so that you will understand the values you encounter in patients of different ages.