Module 7:

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy: 

structural composition of the body

Physiology: 

Function of a particular organ

Homeostasis:

A state of equilibrium or balance in the body internal environment maintained by compensating for charges ( feedback and regulation )

Tissues:

Groups of similar cells that work together to perform a special function 

There are four basic types of tissue:

Connective: supports and connects all parts of body; includes adipose (fat), cartilage, bone and blood 

Epithelial: covers and protects body and mind organs, vessels, and cavities

Muscles: contracts to produce movement 

Nerve: Nerve tissue is specialized for intercellular communication by the conduction of electrical impulses and release of chemical messages.

Skeletal System

The skeletal system includes all the bones, plus the connective tissue at the joints. It functions to support the body, provide movement, and protect

the internal organs. Bones also store the minerals phosphorus and calcium, and the marrow of certain bones is the site of hematopoiesis, formation of

blood cells.

Bones: Type of defense connective tissue which consists of bone cells surrounded by hard deposits of calcium salts.

Bone is living tissues with their own network of blood and lymph vessels and nerves, There are 206 bones in the adult skeleton. Bones are classified by their shapes:

  

               Flat ( ribs )

  

                Irregular (  vertebrae )

                Long ( femur )

  

               - Short (carpals )

 Joints:  Junction or union between two or more bones 

 Freely movable joints have synovial cavity 

Atrophy

The wasting away, decreasing in size, and weakening of the muscles from lack of use.

Contractures

The permanent and often painful stiffening of a jointed muscle.

Arthritis

inflammation of the joints causing stiffness and pain, decreased mobility, pain and stiffness increase in cold or damp weather

Arthritis may be treated in these ways:

Anti-inflammatory medications (aspirin or ibuprofen)

Local applications of heat

Range of Motion Exercises

Osteoporosis

a condition in which the bones become brittle and weak; may be due to age, lack of hormones during menopause, not enough calcium in bones,

Remember these facts about osteoporosis:

Causes bones to become brittle.

Occurs more commonly in women after menopause.

Menopause

the stopping of menstrual periods.

These are some signs and symptoms of osteoporosis:

Brittle Bones

Lower Back Pain

Stooped posture

The following can be done to prevent injuries from osteoporosis:

Move residents with osteoporosis very carefully

Follow care plan regarding medication, and calcium supplements, which might be used to treat osteoporosis.

Fall prevention's the key to avoiding fractures.

Muscular System

Functions 

    Moves body ( via contraction of muscles cells )

    Maintains posture ( via muscles tone )

  

    Produces heat ( from muscle cell metabolism )

    Aids in organ function and blood circulation 

Skeletal muscles move the skeleton, allowing the vast range of activities that make up daily life. Cardiac muscle pumps the blood for the circulatory system. The primary function of smooth muscle is to regulate the passage of materials through vessels.

   Cardiac muscles: Walls and layers of the heart; used pump blood

 

   Skeletal muscles: attach to bones; produces movement and joints 

   Smooth muscles: Wall of hollow organs; produces peristalsis

Atrophy

The wasting away, decreasing in size, and weakening of the muscles from lack of use.

Integumentary System

The integumentary system, also knows as skin, forms the outer covering of the body. It includes the skin, hair, nails, and sweat glands and is the largest organ. The principal functions of the integumentary system are protection, thermoregulation (control of body temperature), and sensation. 

The skin forms an effective barrier against invasion by microbes and chemicals. Evaporation of sweat from the surface of the skin is the major means by which humans cool themselves. 

Sensory cells embedded in the skin allow the brain to receive information about the environment.

Functions:

Protect the body from bacterial invasion, dehydration, sun rays 

Regulate body temperature 

Eliminates some waste through sweat 

Received environmental stimuli ( heat, cold, touch, pain )

 Skin layers:

Epidermis: Outermost and thinnest later of the skin.

Avascular ( no blood vessels ) 

Produces skin pigment melanin

Dermis: Inner layer of the skin 

Composed of elastic and fibrous connective tissue

Contains blood and lymph vessels oil and sweat glands 

Subcutaneous: Connective and adipose tissue; Connects skin to surface muscles

Nervous System

Function is to control and coordinate activities of various body systems by electrical impulses and chemical substances sent and received 

Two functions 

Somatic: voluntary movement of skeletal muscle

Autonomic: involuntary movement of cardiac and smooth muscles 

Central nervous system ( CNS ) 

Brain and spinal cord 

Surrounded and cushioned by cavity filled with cerebrospinal fluid 

Protected by three layers of connective tissue 

 

Sensory or afferent nerves: Carry impulses to CNS From sensory receptors in various parts of the body

Motor or efferent nerves: Carry impulses from CNS to organs, glands and muscles

CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT (CVA) - STROKE

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

a condition that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off suddenly by a clot or ruptured blood vessel; also known as a stroke

Signs that a stroke is occurring:

facial numbness or weakness

Slurred speech or difficulty speaking

paralysis on one side of the body

Early treatment of a stroke may be able to reduce the severity of the stroke and minimize the effects it has on the body.

Care Guidelines for a stroke:

Assist with exercise as ordered, keeping safety in mind.

Use terms “weaker” or “involved”, never use the term “bad side”

Residents may experience confusion, memory loss, and emotions, be patient and understanding

Always check on resident’s body alignment

If residents have lost sense of touch or sensation, be aware of the

potentially harmful situations such as closeness to heat and sharp objects.

For transfers:

Always use gait belt

Stand on and support weaker side.

Lead with stronger side.

For assisting with dressing:

Dress weaker side first. Undress stronger side first

Use assistive devices to help resident dress himself / herself

SEIZURES

Seizure:

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It can cause changes in your behavior, movements or feelings, and in levels of consciousness.

The following are signs of the seizure:

Severe shaking

Thrusting arms and legs uncontrollable

Jaw Clenching

Drooling

Inability to swallow

Remember: The primary goal of the caregiver during a seizure is to keep the resident safe.

Digestive System

The digestive system is responsible for the absorption of nutrients into and the elimination of waste from the digestive tract. 

The digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and anus, plus the accessory digestive organs, including the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. 

The purpose of digestion is to break down food into molecules small enough to be absorbed by the intestines. This process includes both mechanical and chemical digestion.

Functions 

Take in food 

Brake food down into usable components for absorption

Eliminate waste products 

Structures  

  

Gastrointestinal tract: ( mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine ) 

Accessory organs: ( Lips, teeth, Tongue, Salivary glands, Liver, Pancreas, gallbladder ) 

DIARREAH

Diarrhea

Frequent elimination of liquid or dimi-liquid feces

Causes:

Infection

Microorganisms

Irritating foods

Medications (antibiotics)

Symptoms:

Abdominal cramps

Urgency

Treatment:

Medication

Change of diet- bananas, rice, apples, tea, and toast (BRAT diet)

CONSTIPATION

Constipation

The inability to eliminate stool, or the difficult and painful elimination of a hard, dry stool.

Causes:

Decreased fluid intake

Poor diet

Inactivity

Medications (Pain Killers)

Aging

Symptoms:

Abdominal swelling

Irritability

No recent record of bowel movement

Treatment:

Enema

Enema:

A specific amount of water, with or without an additive, that is introduced into the colon to eliminate stool.

FECAL IMPACTION

A condition in which the pancreas does not produce enough, or does not properly use insulin.

Insulin:

A hormone that converts glucose into energy for the body.

facts about diabetes:

Two types are type 1(diagnosed in children and young adults, will continue throughout a person’s life) and type 2 (adult-onset and milder)

Signs of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar:

Weakness

Drowsiness

Low blood pressure

Cold sweats

Smell of alcohol

Signs of hyperglycemia or high blood sugar:

Excessive thirst

Hunger

Blurred vision

Nausea and vomiting

Sweet, fruity breath odor

OSTOMIES

Ostomy

A surgically-created opening from an area inside the body to outside.

Remember these facts about ostomies:

May be necessary due to bowel disease, cancer, or trauma. The terms “colostomy” and “ileostomy” tell what part of the intestine was removed and the type of stool that will be eliminated.

In a colostomy, stool will generally be semi-solid.

With an ileostomy, stool may be liquid.