Anatomy and physiology is crucial to any competent massage therapist. You must first understand how our bodies are made up and how they work so that you can then identify things such as what each muscle is called and what action it performs. If you are working on a client and they have a lot of tension in a particular muscle you will need to be able to advise where the tension is and what the likely cause of it is, for example, poor posture or not stretching after working at a computer all day long.
The human body is made up of billions of microscopic cells, which are the most basic living unit in the body. Few cells work independently, as they are designed to function collectively.
All cells have varying shapes and structures, which are determined by their roles. However, they are all made up of the same component parts, including the cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, cilia and microvilli.
The cell membrane helps to contain the contents of the cell whilst allowing products such as oxygen, nutrients and waste to pass through in both directions. The membrane itself consists of two layers of phospholipids, the tails of which are attracted to each other, forming a lipid bilayer. This has liquid qualities and the inner and outer surfaces contain floating protein molecules which act as transport channels for larger molecules.
The nucleus controls the actions of the cells. It contains chromosomes carrying DNA which directs the cells actions.
The cytoplasm refers to all of the contents of the cell except the nucleus. It contains a cytosol gel which is largely made up of water and some nutrients. This is where many of the chemical reactions take place. The cytoplasm also contains ribosomes, which produce protein, and the Golgi body is a large organelle which produces proteins and lipids. Cytoplasm also contains mitochondria, which are double membraned organelles which produce energy and are responsible for cellular respiration. There are also single membraned organelles called lysosomes which collect and break down the waste products of the cell.
The cilia are small hairs found on the surface of some cells which beat to trap and eject dust and bacteria.
The microvilli are found across the surface of the cell and are designed to increase the surface area available for absorption.
Cells have a number of functions, including respiration, cellular respiration, growth, reproduction, excretion, filtration, movement, irritability, diffusion, osmosis, and active transport. The role of the cell will depend upon where in the body it is found.
During respiration, oxygen is absorbed through the cell membrane and oxidises nutrient material. Carbon dioxide is then passed out of the cell in the same way.
Cellular respiration is the process of maintaining a balance of nutrients and waste within the cell so that it can function.
Cell growth takes place until it reaches a state of maturity where it is able to reproduce. This is when cells divide through the process of mitosis. The cells in the skin reproduce when one parent cell divides to form two identical daughter cells. This ensures that each new cell is exactly the same as the previous one, otherwise the skin would be constantly changing.
The cell excretes waste products through the cell membrane whilst the process of filtration allows the movement of fluid across the membrane due to the differences in pressure inside and outside the cell.
Most cells are capable of movement either as a whole, or a single part of the cell. The cell is also subject to irritability, which allows it to respond to stimuli.
Diffusion takes place when chemicals become concentrated outside the cell and small molecules pass through the cell membrane until a balance is reached. Osmosis allows the movement of water through the cell membrane to areas of high chemical concentration in order to dilute the chemicals that cannot pass through using diffusion.
Active transport allows larger molecules to cross the cell membrane against the concentration gradient. Carrier molecules bind themselves to the incoming molecules and release them into the cell.
Each cell has a different life span according to its type and function. In order to maintain the correct cellular level, each cell must reproduce in order to continue life. This reproduction takes place through the division of the cell, where identical daughter cells are created.
There are two types of cellular division: mitosis and meiosis. During mitosis, two identical daughter cells are produced to allow for growth and repair. This division is achieved through the four phases of prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase. When a cell reaches maturity, it is able to divide and reproduce again, thus continuing the cycle.
In meiosis, four daughter cells are produced, each with half the number of chromosomes of the original cell. This is the process by which a new organism is formed by the fusion of a sperm and egg, as in human reproduction, producing a unique individual person.
When similar cells act together to perform a specific function they become a tissue. In this tissue, the cells are able to divide to repair any damage that occurs to the tissue.
The body is made up of four basic types of tissue: epithelial, connective, muscular and nervous. The epithelial tissue is used for protection, absorption and filtration by providing surfaces and linings to areas of the body, particularly hollow organs, ducts and glands. The epithelial tissue includes many different types of cell, all of which are packed tightly together and arranged in continuous sheets. These tissues receive all their nutrients and remove their waste through diffusion as they have no blood supply of their own.
The connective tissue supports and connects different parts of the body. It has a number of different functions including storing energy reserves and helping to provide immunity. With the exception of cartilage and tendons, connective tissue generally has a rich blood supply and nerve supply. Its cells are separated by protein fibres and fluid.
Muscular tissue is paramount in the production of movement as it is capable of contracting and shortening. The fibres of the muscle tissue are made up of elongated cells that provide the facility for contraction. There are three types of muscular tissue. The skeletal muscle tissue helps to maintain posture whilst the smooth muscle tissue moves substances around the body. Cardiac muscular tissue forms the walls of the heart and is not under conscious control.
Nervous tissue is the communication system of the body, and is responsible for controlling and directing most of the processes of the body. It is primarily made up of neurons, which are nerve cells, and neuroglia which are supporting nerve cells.
Adipose tissue is made up of adipocytes, which are specialised fat storage cells. These are present within connective tissue and provide protection for nearby organs. It also helps to reduce heat loss and supply energy if a shortage occurs. It is found under the skin, supporting the organs, within yellow bone marrow and between bundles of muscle fibres.