HELPFUL FACTS ON HUMAN ANATOMY AND

PHYSIOLOGY
Anatomy is the study of the functional areas or
parts of human body.
Physiology is the study of biological and chemical
processes in the human body.
Cells are the simplest units of living matter
that can maintain life and reproduce themselves.
Every person is made up of billions of cells. A cell
is composed of 3 major parts: a) the cell
membrane; b) the cell nucleus; (main body) and
c) cytoplasm (liquid).
HIMAS Asian Wellness and Spa Academy
22 Handbook on Spa and Massage
The human body can be likened to the
universe made up of very small parts organized to
function as a unit , according to Susan Salvo in her
Book, Massage Therapy, Principles and Practice.
The stages of life are as follows:
a) Chemical stage
deals with the
biochemistry of the body.
b) Cellular stage deals with cells and its
internal processes.
c) Tissue stage group of cells that
performs specific functions.
d) Organ stage contains two or more
groups that carry on
specific functions.
e) Organism stage
highest stage of
organization presenting a
living individual.
The human body systems:
A. Skeletal system - it consists of bones, cartilage,
ligaments and tendons and accounts for about 20
percent of the body weight. They provide a rigid
HIMAS Asian Wellness and Spa Academy
23 Handbook on Spa and Massage
frame work, known as the skeleton, that support
and protect the soft organs of the body. The large
bones of the lower limbs support the trunk when
standing. The skeleton also protects the soft body
parts. The fused bones of the cranium surround the
brain to protect it from injury. Vertebrae surround
and protect the spinal cord and bones of the rib
cage help protect the heart and lungs of the thorax.
Fast facts:
? There are 206 bones in the
human body.
? The bone which is
commonly broken is the
clavicle, also called the
collar bone.
? Bones help in the
production of white and
red blood cells.
B. Muscular System gives shape to the
individual?s physique. It also helps in the
movement of the body by contraction.
Fast facts:
? An adult person have at least 650

HIMAS Asian Wellness and Spa Academy

24 Handbook on Spa and Massage
muscles in his body.
? Satorius muscle, found between the
hip and the inner thigh is considered
to be the longest muscle.
? Stapedius, found in the middle of the ear ,
is the smallest muscle.
C. Integumentary system or skin system
is the
organ system that includes the skin, hair, nails and
related glands.
Fast facts:
? Skin is the largest organ in the human
body.
? It s weight is 12-15% of the total body
weight.
? The three layers of the skin are: epidermis,
dermis, and subcutaneous fat.
? The dermis is sometimes called the true
skin
because it consists of elastic layers
containing
blood vessels that nourish the skin.
D. Circulatory system - is composed of the heart,
which is a muscular pumping device, and a closed
system of vessels called arteries, veins, and
capillaries. It is the organ system that passes
HIMAS Asian Wellness and Spa Academy
25 Handbook on Spa and Massage
nutrients, gases, hormones, blood cells and other
nutrients to and from cells of the body. Blood is
pumped by the heart around a closed circuit of
vessels as it passes again and again through the
various "circulations" of the body.
Fast facts:
? It takes about 20 seconds for a red blood
cell to circle the whole body.
? Blood travels in veins back to the right side
of the heart.
? The average size of a heart is as big as
one?s own fist.
? The heart is located at the middle part of
the chest and
tilted a little towards the left.
E. Lymphatic and immune system - consists of
organs, ducts, and nodes. It is home to
lymphocytes, small white blood cells that are the
key players in the immune system. The immune
system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs
that work together to defend the body against
attacks by disease causing microorganisms such as
bacteria,viruses, parasites, and fungi.
HIMAS Asian Wellness and Spa Academy
26 Handbook on Spa and Massage
Fast facts:
? The spleen is the largest organ in the
lymphatic system
? Enlarged lymph nodes are a sign of
infection in colds and sore throats.
? The system acts life a filter that removes

foreign bodies to prevent

Infections.
F. Digestive system
is a series of complex
organs and glands that process food for
utilization of body cells. It consists of the
mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach,
small intestine, large intestine rectum and
anus. The salivary glands, liver, gallbladder,
and pancreas are major accessory
organs that have a role in digestion.
Fast facts:
? The human mouth can produce 3 pints of
saliva a day.
? Chewing is the first stage of digestion.
? The enzymes in the mouth help break
down food.
HIMAS Asian Wellness and Spa Academy
27 Handbook on Spa and Massage
Diagram of the digestive system
G. Respiratory system helps supply blood with
oxygen for transport to all parts of the body. It
works with the circulatory system to provide this
oxygen and to remove the waste products of
metabolism. It also helps to regulate pH of the
blood. The nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi
and lungs are parts of the respiratory system.
Fast facts:
? In human beings, the right lung is larger
than the left lung to accommodate the
heart.
HIMAS Asian Wellness and Spa Academy
28 Handbook on Spa and Massage
? The droplets that come out from coughing
are spread up to 3 feet. People are advised
to cover the mouth when coughing.
Diagram of the respiratory system
H. Urinary system is the organ system that
produces, stores and eliminates urine and waste
products of cellular metabolism. It includes the two
kidneys, two ureters, bladder, urethra and two
sphincter muscles. The principal function of the
urinary system is to maintain the volume and
composition of body fluids within normal limits.
HIMAS Asian Wellness and Spa Academy
29 Handbook on Spa and Massage
Fast facts:
? The health status of a person can be
determined through his/her urine.
? Urine can be tested to find out if a person
has urinary tract infection.
? The ancient Romans used urine as a
bleaching agent in washing clothes.
I. Nervous system - is responsible for sending,
receiving and processing
of nerve impulses in the body. It is the major
controlling, regulatory, and communicating
system in the body. It is the center of all
mental activity including thought, learning, and
memory. Through its receptors, the nervous
system keeps us in touch with our environment,

both external and internal. It consist of two

parts: The central nervous system (main) and
the peripheral nervous system (accessory).
Fast facts:
? There are millions of nerve cells in the
human body.
? As we grow older, the brain loses a gram of
its weight every year.
HIMAS Asian Wellness and Spa Academy
30 Handbook on Spa and Massage
? The nervous system transmits nerve
impulses at a tremendous speed of 100
meters per second.
J. Endocrine system
acts through chemical
messengers called hormones that influence
growth, development, and metabolic activities. It
coordinates the activities of the organ systems. The
pituitary gland at the base of the brain is the
master gland.
Fast facts:
? A specialist in the endocrine system is an
endocrinologist
? The sex hormones are produced in the
gonads. Gonads are ovaries in females,
testes in males.
? The endocrine system influences cell and
function of the body
K. Reproductive system - is a system within an
organism which works together toward
reproduction. It consists of gonads, associated
ducts and external genital. Within the context of
producing offspring, the reproductive system has
four functions:
? To produce egg and sperm cell.
? To transport and sustain these cells
HIMAS Asian Wellness and Spa Academy
31 Handbook on Spa and Massage
? To nurture the developing offspring
? To produce hormones
Fast facts:
? The urologist is a physician that specializes
in male reproductive system.
? The specialist on women?s reproductive
system is called a gynecologist.
? Dysmenorrhea is the term called painful?
or difficult menstruation?.