Liver And Biliary System The liver, like the pancreas, develops embryologically as a glandular outgrowth of the primitive foregut . The major functions of the liver may be summarised as follows: Fat metabolism Oxidising triglycerides to produce energy Synthesis of…
Introduction The function of the gastrointestinal (GI) system is to break down food for absorption into the body. This process occurs in five main phases: ingestion , fragmentation , digestion , absorption and elimination of waste products. Digestion is the…
Introduction The digestive process commences in the oral cavity with the ingestion, fragmentation and moistening of food but, in addition to its digestive role, the oral cavity is involved in speech, facial expression, sensory reception and breathing. The major structures…
Introduction Respiration is a term used to describe two different but interrelated processes: cellular respiration and mechanical respiration . Cellular respiration is the series of intracellular biochemical processes by which the cell produces energy by metabolism of organic molecules (see…
Introduction All living tissues are subject to the constant threat of invasion by disease-producing foreign agents and microorganisms (pathogens), i.e. bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and multicellular parasites such as worms. These organisms may invade the body, multiply and destroy functional…
Introduction The skeletal system is formed from highly specialised types of supporting/connective tissue. The tissues are made up of collagen and acellular matrix, as well as the cells which synthesise them. Bone provides a rigid protective and supporting framework, the…
Introduction The skin is the largest organ in the body, both in weight and surface area. It shows significant regional variation, with the thickest skin being found on the soles of the feet while the thinnest is the delicate skin…
Introduction The circulatory system mediates continuous movement of all body fluids, its principal functions being the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues as well as transport of carbon dioxide and metabolic waste products from the tissues. The circulatory…
Introduction The nervous system provides rapid and precise communication between different parts of the body via the action of specialised nerve cells called neurones . These highly specialised cells are interconnected and function to gather and process information and then…
Introduction Although all cells are capable of some sort of movement, the dominant function of several cell types is to generate force through contraction . In these specialised contractile cells, movement is generated by interaction of the proteins actin and…