The larynx is situated below where the pharynx divides into the trachea and the oesophagus. It is contained partly within the rami of the mandible and extends caudally into the neck. Vocal folds and vestibular folds are present in the larynx and due to this, it is more commonly known as the voice box.

The abomasum is the fourth chamber in the ruminant. It functions similarly to the carnivore stomach as it is glandular and digests food chemically, rather than mechanically or by fermentation like the other 3 chambers of the ruminant stomach.

Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Human Body

1.1 Overview of Anatomy and Physiology .

1.2 Introduction to Anatomy Module 3: Structural Organization of the Human Body

1.3 Introduction to Anatomy Module 4: Functions of Human Life

1.4 Requirements for Human Life .

1.5 Homeostasis .

1.6 Anatomical Terminology .

1.7 Medical Imaging .

The ileum is the terminal portion of the small intestine and continues from the jejunum. It opens into the caecum at the ileocaecal orifice. The intestinal epithelium is mainly absorptive, with much less digestion occurring compared to the duodenum and the jejunum.

Olfaction is the sense of smell, which is the ability to perceive and distinguish odours. Most mammals have a good sense of smell, but most birds generally do not. The sense of smell is well-developed in carnivores (predators) and ungulates (prey). Fish also have a fairly well-developed sense of smell. Olfactory and gustatory receptors can combine to contribute to flavour.

The trachea is the tube linking the cricoid cartilage of the larynx to the bronchi, forming part of the conducting system which transports air from the external environment to the lungs. The oesophagus lies dorsally to the trachea. The cervical part of the trachea lies generally in the median position, although this varies slightly depending on the position of the head. The thoracic part of the trachea crosses the aortic arch, thus its positioning is moved slightly to the right at this level. The trachea bifurcates to form the two bronchi at the level of the 4th-6th intercostal space.

The lungs are the site for gaseous exchange, and are situated within the thoracic cavity. They occupy approximately 5% of the body volume in mammals when relaxed, and their elastic nature allows them to expand and contract with the processes of inspiration and expiration.

Gastrulation is the process of forming the three germ layers; ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. It is achieved through a series of highly coordinated cell movements. Cells that will form the endodermal and mesodermal organs are brought inside the embryo, whilst cells that will form ectoderm move to spread out over the outside of the embryo.

The thymus has a key role in the maturation of prothymocytes into mature T cells. In juvenile animals the thymus produces significant numbers of new T lymphocytes but as the animal matures this production decreases and T cell population is maintained by division of mature T cells.

The forebrain (proencephalon) is the largest part of the brain, most of which is cerebrum. Other important structures found in the forebrain include the thalamus , the hypothalamus and the limbic system. The cerebrum is divided into two cerebral hemispheres connected by a mass of white matter known as the corpus callosum.

The Oviduct is the tube that links the ovary to the uterus and which the ovulated oocyte travels down to become fertilised by sperm present in the female tract. It is also refered to as the Fallopian tube, Uterine tube or Ovarian tube.

Oogenesis is the process of producing the female gametes, the Ovum, from the primordial germ cells. The majority of the steps in oogenesis, up to the point of producing primary oocytes, occur pre-natally. Therefore, females are born with all of the Primary Oocytes that they will ever have as primary oocytes do not divide further.

The hind brain is also called the rhombencephalon and is the brain stem that provides the connection between the spinal cord and the rest of the brain. The hind brain contains many vital structures including the Medulla Oblongata, the Pons (the link between the cerebellum, forebrain and mid-brain) and the majority of the cranial nerves, III to XII. In general the brain stem governs essential functions that are carried out sub-consciously via reflexes.

The mediastinum divides the thoracic cage into two halves. It extends from the Spine to the Sternum and contains many structures including blood vessels, nerves, oesophagus, trachea and heart.

The pharynx is part of both the respiratory and digestive system. Both systems have entrances to the pharynx but they are separated from each other by the soft palate. During exercise or during respiratory distress, the mouth can be used as an additional opening of the respiratory system and then the oropharynx also becomes an air-way.

The Anatomy Cookbook has been written to accompany an anatomy and physiology course for bioengineers who would otherwise have missed out on the opportunity to study real organ systems at first hand. It is not an alternative to a standard anatomy text, it acts more as a laboratory supplement. The fun bit is that your kitchen takes the place of the dissection room. Each recipe provides an insight into one or more organs, and all you need to do is go to the supermarket and be prepared to think about your food in a radically different way.

In this videocast Donal McNally talks about the reasons that led to and rationale behind the release of his anatomy cook book on the internet.

Presentation delivered June 2009

Suitable for Undergraduate Study

Dr Donal McNally, Associate Professor and Reader in Bioengineering, Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering.

Teaching and learning resources for A&P 2.  Please check back as I intend to add more.  

The cecum is a blind ending diverticulum of the large intestine and it exists at the junction of the ileum and the ascending colon. Its size and physiological importance varies between species. It is a site of microbial fermentation, absorption and transportation.

The Diaphragm is a dome-shaped musculotendinous sheet separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It is convex on its cranial surface. In the neutral position between full inspiration and full expiration, the most cranial part of the diaphragm is in line with the 6th rib.

The hypothalamus is a small area in the ventral diencephalon of the forebrain, in the floor of the third ventricle, and is a functional link between the nervous and endocrine systems.