Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology
Why this domain underpins everything
Every treatment decision you make is a physiological argument. Learn structure (anatomy), function (physiology) and dysfunction (pathology) as a chain: cell → tissue → organ → system.
Core systems
- Skin: epidermis (stratum basale, spinosum, granulosum, lucidum on palms/soles only, corneum), dermis (papillary and reticular; collagen, elastin, vessels, nerves, glands, follicles) and subcutaneous layer (fat, insulation, shock absorption).
- Skeletal: the adult skeleton has 206 bones, split into axial (skull, vertebral column, rib cage) and appendicular. Functions: support, protection, movement, mineral storage, blood cell formation.
- Muscular: skeletal (voluntary, striated), smooth (involuntary, organ walls) and cardiac. Facial muscles of expression insert into skin rather than bone.
- Circulatory and lymphatic: arteries carry blood away from the heart, veins return it; capillaries are the exchange site. The lymphatic system has no pump and depends on muscle movement and breathing.
- Nervous and endocrine: rapid electrical control versus slower hormonal control.
- Respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems: know the function of each organ group and one relevance to treatment.
Pathology
Classify by cause: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, inflammatory, pigmentation, ageing and lesions (primary and secondary). Recognising a contagious or undiagnosed condition and referring is a safety competence, not a diagnostic one.
Traps
Questions love the order of the epidermal layers, artery-versus-vein direction, and the difference between a sign (observable) and a symptom (reported). Never diagnose - describe and refer.
Rule of thumb
For the epidermis remember Come, Let's Get Sun Burnt - Corneum, Lucidum, Granulosum, Spinosum, Basale. If a question asks "which layer", count from the outside in; if it describes a structure, ask what function it serves.