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Assessment & Critical Care · Chapter 6 Not started
Anatomy and Physiology
The body systems and directional language every assessment and radio report is built on.
Key points
- Anatomical position is the reference: standing, facing forward, palms forward. Medial/lateral, proximal/distal, anterior/posterior, superior/inferior all assume it.
- The respiratory system moves oxygen in and carbon dioxide out; the cardiovascular system circulates it — perfusion is the delivery of oxygenated blood to tissues.
- The nervous system splits into central (brain, spinal cord) and peripheral; injuries to the CNS are among the least forgiving.
- The musculoskeletal system provides structure, protection, and movement — long bone anatomy (diaphysis, epiphysis, growth plates) matters for fracture care, especially in children.
- Skin regulates temperature, prevents fluid loss, and is the first infection barrier — its color, temperature, and moisture are a live readout of perfusion.
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