Anatomy & Physiology – General A&P Concepts
General A&P Concepts
Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology Lessons
Massage therapists need a strong understanding of anatomy and physiology (A&P) concepts and terminology, both for the MBLEx and for working with clients. The A&P lessons in this MBLEx Prep Course cover key topics, including:
- A review of essential anatomy (structure) and physiology (function) for each of the 12 systems of the body
- Explanations of important concepts for understanding how the body works
- Definitions of relevant A&P and massage therapy terminology
- Lessons on tissue healing and repair
- An overview of energetic anatomy for the MBLEx
The lessons are organized by body system for easier learning.
Introduction to A&P Terminology
Anatomy is the study of body structures and their relationships.
Physiology is the study of how body parts, systems, and the entire organism function.
Gross anatomy refers to anatomical structures visible to the naked eye (without a microscope).
Histology is the study of tissues at a microscopic level, including their appearance, organization, and function.
Levels of Organization in the Body
From largest to smallest:
Organism → organ system → organ → tissue → cells → organelles → molecules → atoms
Organ: A self-contained group of tissues that performs a specific function (e.g., heart, lungs, stomach, spleen, kidneys).
Tissue: A group of cells with a similar structure that work together for a specific function (e.g., muscle tissue, bone tissue, nervous tissue, connective tissue).
Cell: The smallest unit of life. Specialized structures within the cell, called organelles, perform specific tasks (e.g., mitochondria, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum).
There are 12 major body systems covered on the MBLEx: Circulatory, Digestive, Endocrine, Integumentary, Lymphatic, Muscular, Nervous, Reproduction, Respiratory, Skeletal, Special Senses, and Urinary. *Special Senses is sometimes grouped under the nervous system.
Some resources may group certain systems together differently. For example, you might see references to the cardiopulmonary system (heart and lungs), neuromuscular system (nerves and muscles), immune system (which includes parts of the lymphatic system), or genitourinary system (urinary and reproductive organs). Special Senses is also often categorized as part of the Nervous System.
Body Cavities
A body cavity is a space within the body that contains organs and is surrounded and protected by membranes and other structures. There are two main body cavities: ventral and dorsal.
The ventral cavity is located in the anterior trunk. It is divided into two smaller body cavities:
- Thoracic cavity (chest): Contains the heart and lungs. It includes:
- Left and right pleural cavities (each surrounds a lung)
- Mediastinum (central space between the lungs)
- Pericardial cavity (surrounds the heart)
- Abdominopelvic cavity: Located in the lower trunk, between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor. It is divided into smaller cavities:
- Abdominal cavity: Contains most of the digestive organs and the kidneys.
- Pelvic cavity: Contains the urinary bladder, reproductive organs, and part of the large intestine.
The dorsal cavity is located in the posterior aspect of the trunk and head. It is divided into two cavities:
- Cranial cavity: Space inside the skull, housing the brain.
- Vertebral cavity: Long, narrow cavity containing the spinal cord.
There are also smaller cavities in the body, such as the nasal cavity and oral cavity.
The 4 Primary Tissue Types
The body is composed of 4 main tissue types, which are categorized by structure and function.
- Muscle tissue contracts when stimulated and produces movement. Types include:
- Skeletal muscle (voluntary movement)
- Cardiac muscle (heart)
- Smooth muscle (involuntary movement in organs)
- Connective tissue supports, binds, and protects structures in the body. Examples include:
- Bone
- Tendons & ligaments
- Fascia
- Synovial membranes
- Adipose (fat)
- Blood
- Nervous tissue generates and propagates electrochemical signals, allowing communication throughout the body.
- Epithelial tissue covers body surfaces, lines internal cavities, and forms glands. Examples include:
- Skin
- Mucous membranes (lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts)
- Serous membranes (lining of body cavities)
- Cutaneous membrane (outer skin layer)