Table Of ContentAnatomy and
Physiology for
Nurses
at a Glance
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Anatomy and
Physiology for
Nurses
at a Glance
Ian Peate
Professor of Nursing
Head of School
School of Health Studies
Gibraltar
Muralitharan Nair
Independent Nursing Consultant
England
Series Editor: Ian Peate
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Library of Congress Cataloging‐in‐Publication Data
Peate, Ian, author.
Anatomy and physiology for nurses at a glance / Ian Peate, Muralitharan Nair.
p. ; cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-118-74631-8 (paper)
I. Nair, Muralitharan, author. II. Title.
[DNLM: 1. Anatomy–Nurses’ Instruction. 2. Physiological Phenomena–Nurses’ Instruction. QS 4]
QP38
612–dc23
2014032708
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print
may not be available in electronic books.
Cover image: PASIEKA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Set in 9.5/11.5pt Minion by SPi Publisher Services, Pondicherry, India
1 2015
Contents
Preface vii
Abbreviations viii
Acknowledgements ix
How to use your revision guide x
About the companion website xi
PPaarrtt 11 Foundations 1
1 The genome 2
2 Homeostatic mechanisms 4
3 Fluid compartments 6
4 Cells and organelles 8
5 Transport systems 10
6 Blood 12
7 Inflammation and immunity 14
8 Tissues 16
PPaarrtt 22 The nervous system 19
9 The brain and nerves 20
10 Structures of the brain 22
11 The spinal cord 24
12 The blood supply 26
13 The autonomic nervous system 28
14 Peripheral nervous system 30
PPaarrtt 33 The heart and vascular system 33
15 The heart 34
16 Blood flow through the heart 36
17 The conducting system 38
18 Nerve supply to the heart 40
19 Structure of the blood vessels 42
20 Blood pressure 44
21 Lymphatic circulation 46
PPaarrtt 44 The respiratory system 49
22 The respiratory tract 50
23 Pulmonary ventilation 52
24 Control of breathing 54
25 Gas exchange 56
PPaarrtt 55 The gastrointestinal tract 59
26 The upper gastrointestinal tract 60
27 The lower gastrointestinal tract 62
v
28 The liver, gallbladder and biliary tree 64
29 Pancreas and spleen 66
30 Digestion 68
PPaarrtt 66 The urinary system 71
31 The kidney: microscopic 72
32 The kidney: macroscopic 74
33 The ureter, bladder and urethra 76
34 Formation of urine 78
PPaarrtt 77 The male reproductive system 81
35 External male genitalia 82
36 The prostate gland 84
37 Spermatogenesis 86
PPaarrtt 88 The female reproductive system 89
38 Female internal reproductive organs 90
39 External female genitalia 92
40 The breast 94
41 The menstrual cycle 96
PPaarrtt 99 The endocrine system 99
42 The endocrine system 100
43 The thyroid and adrenal glands 102
44 The pancreas and gonads 104
PPaarrtt 1100 The musculoskeletal system 107
45 Bone structure 108
46 Bone types 110
47 Joints 112
48 Muscles 114
PPaarrtt 1111 The skin 117
49 The skin layers 118
50 The skin appendages 120
51 Epithelialisation 122
52 Granulation 124
PPaarrtt 1122 The senses 127
53 Sight 128
54 Hearing 130
55 Olfaction 132
56 Gustation 134
Appendices
Appendix 1 Cross-references to chapters in Pathophysiology for Nurses at
a Glance 136
Appendix 2 Normal physiological values 138
Appendix 3 Prefixes and suffixes 140
Appendix 4 Glossary 147
Further reading 150
Index 151
vi
Preface
In order to care effectively for people (sick or well) the nurse has The integration and application of evidence-based theory to
to have an understanding and insight into anatomy and practice is a key component of effective and safe health care. This
physiology. goal cannot be achieved without an understanding of anatomy and
The human body is composed of organic and inorganic mole- physiology.
cules that are organised at a variety of structural levels; despite this Living systems can be expressed from the very smallest level;
an individual should be seen and treated in a holistic manner. If the the chemical level, atoms, molecules and the chemical bonds
nurse is to provide appropriate and timely care, it is essential that connecting atoms provide the structure upon which living activity
they can recognise illness, deliver effective treatment and refer is based. The smallest unit of life is the cell. Tissue is a group of cells
appropriately with the person at the centre of all they do. that are alike, performing a common function. Organs are groups
Nurses are required to demonstrate a sound knowledge of of different types of tissues working together to carry out a specific
anatomy and physiology with the intention of providing safe activity. Two or more organs working together to carry out a
and effective nursing care. This is often assessed as a part of a particular activity is described as a system. Another system that
programme of study. The overall aim of this concise text is to possesses the characteristics of living things is an organism, with
provide an overview of anatomy and physiology and the related the capacity to obtain and process energy, the ability to react to
biological sciences that can help to develop your practical caring changes in the environment and to reproduce.
skills and improve your knowledge with the aim of you becoming Anatomy is associated with the function of a living organism
a caring, kind and compassionate nurse. It is anticipated that you and as such it is almost always inseparable from physiology.
will be able to deliver increasingly complex care for the people Physiology is the science dealing with the study of the function of
you care for when you understand how the body functions. cells, tissues, organs and organisms; it is the study of life.
This text provides you with the opportunity to apply the content This At A Glance provides you with structure and a
to the care of people. As you begin to appreciate how people comprehensive approach to anatomy and physiology.
respond or adapt to pathophysiological changes and stressors you
will be able to understand that people (regardless of age) have Ian Peate
specific biological needs. Muralitharan Nair
vii
Abbreviations
ACTH Adrenocorticotropic hormone HR Heart rate
ADH Antidiuretic hormone K+ Potassium
ANP Atrial natriuretic peptide kPa Kilo Pascals
ANS Autonomic nervous system Mg2+ Magnesium
ATP Adenosine triphosphate mmHg Millimetres of mercury
AV Atrioventricular mRNA Messenger ribonucleic acid
BBB Blood–brain barrier Na+ Sodium
BP Blood pressure NH3 Ammonia
Ca2+ Calcium O Oxygen
2
CCK Cholecystokinin PCA Posterior cerebral artery
Cl Chloride PCO Partial pressure of carbon dioxide
2
CNS Central nervous system PO Partial pressure of oxygen
2
CRH Corticotrophin releasing hormones PCT Proximal convoluted tubule
CSF Cerebrospinal fluid pH A measure of the acidity or basicity of an aqueous
CO Carbon dioxide solution
2
CRC Cardio-regulatory centre PNS Parasympathetic nervous system
CSF Cerebrospinal fluid PRH Prolactin-releasing hormone
DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid RBC Red blood cells
EPO Erythropoietin RER Rough endoplasmic reticulum
FSH Follicle-stimulating hormone SER Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
GH Growth hormone RNA Ribonucleic acid
GHRIF Growth hormone release-inhibiting factor tRNA Transfer ribonucleic acid
H+ Hydrogen rRNA Ribosomal ribonucleic acid
H O Water SA Sinoatrial
2
Hb Haemoglobin SNS Sympathetic nervous system
HCG Human chorionic gonadotrophin TSH Thyroid-stimulating hormone
HCL Hydrochloric acid WBC White blood cell
viii
