First Aid, Lesson 3: The Human Body

This is a review for students who have taken human biology or studied the basics of human physiology.

Describe the primary areas of the body.

• Extremities- arms and legs
• Thorax-chest area
• Abdomen- area below the chest, the stomach area, including the diaphragm
• Pelvis-area below the abdomen, including the hip
• Spine-the back and neck, from the base of the brain to the tailbone

List the 10 body systems and explain a key function of each.

1. Respiratory-provides oxygen and removes carbon dioxide
2. Cardiovascular-moves blood throughout the body
3. Nervous- controls movement, body functions and sensory perception, consciousness
4. Musculoskeletal- gives the body shape and strength. Makes movement possible.
5. Integumentary-skin and related structures
6. Gastrointestinal-Extracts nutrients from food, eliminates wastes.
7. Immune-helps fight disease.
8. Endocrine- produces hormones that regulate body functions
9. Urinary-removes liquid wastes from the body
10. Reproductive- makes reproduction possible

For each body system, describe at least one injury or illness that affects the functioning of that system.

1. Respiratory-airway obstruction, choking
2. Cardiovascular-stroke, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction
3. Nervous- altered mental status, paralysis
4. Musculoskeletal- fracture, dislocation, sprain
5. Integumentary-frostbite, burns
6. Gastrointestinal-vomiting and diarrhea from illnesses or conditions
7. Immune-HIV, wound infections
8. Endocrine- diabetes
9. Urinary-injury to the bladder or kidneys signaled by blood in urine, dehydration
10. Reproductive- injury to reproductive organs, childbirth (not an injury or illness, but is something that one may need to use first aid techniques to assist with)