Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 210) Syllabus and Course Competencies Study Guide

Course Overview

Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 210) is a foundational course for students pursuing careers in allied health fields. The course provides an intensive study of the human body as an integrated whole, covering all major body systems, their structures, and functions. The course includes both lecture and laboratory components, emphasizing the interrelationship of body systems and the application of anatomical and physiological concepts.

Course Structure and Requirements

• Credit Hours: 4 (3 lecture, 3 lab)

• Textbook: Human Anatomy and Physiology, 11th Edition by Elaine Marieb and Katja Hoehn

• Grading:

  • 4 Tests: 60%

  • 4 Lab Practicals: 10%

  • Final Lab Practical: 10%

  • Mastering A&P Assignments: 5%

  • Final Exam: 15%

• Technology: D2L (Learning Management System), Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Honorlock (for proctoring)

• Support: Student Success Center, Library, TRIO SSS, Bookstore

Major Course Competencies and Learning Objectives

Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

This section introduces the fundamental concepts of anatomy and physiology, including terminology, levels of organization, and the concept of homeostasis.

• Anatomy: The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

• Physiology: The study of the function of the body’s structural machinery.

• Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment.

• Levels of Organization: Chemical → Cellular → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism

• Body Cavities: Dorsal (cranial, vertebral), Ventral (thoracic, abdominopelvic)

• Directional Terms: Superior, inferior, anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, proximal, distal, superficial, deep

• Body Regions: Axial, appendicular, quadrants, and regional terms

• Organ Systems: Integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive

The Chemical Basis of Life

This section covers the chemical principles underlying biological processes, including atomic structure, bonding, pH, and the major classes of biomolecules.

• Atoms and Elements: Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Elements are substances composed of only one type of atom.

• Atomic Number vs. Atomic Weight: Atomic number = number of protons; Atomic weight = protons + neutrons.

• Ions and Electrolytes: Ions are charged atoms; electrolytes are substances that release ions in water.

• Types of Bonds: Ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonds

• pH Scale: Measures hydrogen ion concentration; pH < 7 is acidic, pH = 7 is neutral, pH > 7 is basic.

• Inorganic Substances: Water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, salts

• Organic Molecules: Carbohydrates (monosaccharides), lipids (glycerol, fatty acids), proteins (amino acids), nucleic acids (nucleotides)

• Reactions: Synthesis (anabolism), decomposition (catabolism)

Cells: The Living Units

This section explores the structure and function of cells, including organelles, membrane transport, and the cell cycle.

• Cell Membrane: Composed of phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates; regulates entry and exit of substances.

• Organelles: Nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes, cytoskeleton

• Transport Mechanisms: Passive (diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion), active (active transport, endocytosis, exocytosis)

• Osmosis: Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane

• Cell Cycle: Interphase (G1, S, G2), mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase), cytokinesis

• Cell Differentiation: Process by which cells become specialized

Metabolism

This section discusses the chemical reactions in the body, focusing on enzymes, metabolic pathways, and cellular respiration.

• Anabolism vs. Catabolism: Anabolism builds molecules; catabolism breaks them down.

• Enzymes: Biological catalysts that speed up reactions; have specific substrates and active sites.

• ATP: Adenosine triphosphate, the main energy currency of the cell. Equation: $\mathrm{ATP} \rightarrow \mathrm{ADP} + \mathrm{P}_i + \text{energy}$

• Cellular Respiration: Glycolysis (anaerobic), Krebs cycle and electron transport chain (aerobic)

• Metabolic Pathways: Series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions; regulated by negative feedback

DNA Replication & Protein Synthesis

This section covers the structure and function of nucleic acids, the process of DNA replication, and the steps of protein synthesis.

• Nucleotides: Building blocks of nucleic acids; consist of a sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous base

• DNA vs. RNA: DNA is double-stranded, contains deoxyribose; RNA is single-stranded, contains ribose

• DNA Replication: Semi-conservative process producing two identical DNA molecules

• Protein Synthesis: Involves transcription (DNA to mRNA) and translation (mRNA to protein)

• Types of RNA: mRNA (messenger), tRNA (transfer), rRNA (ribosomal)

Tissues: The Living Fabric

This section introduces the four basic tissue types and their characteristics, functions, and locations.

• Epithelial Tissue: Covers surfaces, lines cavities, forms glands; classified by cell shape and layers

• Connective Tissue: Supports, protects, binds other tissues; includes bone, cartilage, blood, adipose

• Muscle Tissue: Skeletal (voluntary), cardiac (heart), smooth (walls of organs)

• Nervous Tissue: Neurons (transmit impulses), neuroglia (support cells)

The Integumentary System

This section examines the structure and function of the skin and its accessory organs.

• Membranes: Serous, mucous, cutaneous, synovial

• Skin Layers: Epidermis (strata), dermis, hypodermis

• Accessory Organs: Hair, nails, glands (sebaceous, sweat)

• Functions: Protection, temperature regulation, sensation, vitamin D synthesis

• Melanin: Pigment produced by melanocytes; determines skin color

The Skeletal System

This section covers bone structure, function, classification, and development, as well as joints.

• Bone Cells: Osteoblasts (build bone), osteoclasts (break down bone)

• Bone Marrow: Red (hematopoiesis), yellow (fat storage)

• Bone Classification: Long, short, flat, irregular, sesamoid

• Bone Structure: Diaphysis, epiphysis, compact bone, spongy bone, periosteum

• Ossification: Intramembranous (flat bones), endochondral (long bones)

• Joints: Fibrous, cartilaginous, synovial (types: hinge, ball-and-socket, pivot, etc.)

The Muscular System

This section explores muscle tissue types, muscle anatomy, contraction mechanisms, and energy use.

• Muscle Types: Skeletal, cardiac, smooth

• Muscle Fiber Anatomy: Sarcolemma, sarcoplasm, myofibrils, sarcomeres

• Contraction: Sliding filament theory; actin and myosin interaction

• Neuromuscular Junction: Site where nerve meets muscle

• ATP and Oxygen: Required for contraction and relaxation; sources include creatine phosphate, glycolysis, aerobic respiration

• Muscle Fatigue: Caused by lactic acid buildup and oxygen debt

• Types of Contractions: Isometric, isotonic (concentric, eccentric)

The Nervous System

This section details the organization, function, and physiology of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

• Divisions: Central (CNS: brain, spinal cord), Peripheral (PNS: nerves)

• Neurons: Sensory, motor, interneurons; structure includes dendrites, axon, cell body

• Neuroglia: Support cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, ependymal, Schwann cells)

• Action Potential: Electrical impulse along neuron membrane Equation: $\text{Resting potential} \approx -70 \ \mathrm{mV}$

• Synapse: Junction between neurons; neurotransmitter release

• Reflexes: Involuntary responses; knee-jerk, withdrawal

• Meninges: Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater

• Brain Regions: Cerebrum, diencephalon, brain stem, cerebellum

• Autonomic Nervous System: Sympathetic (fight or flight), parasympathetic (rest and digest)

The Senses

This section introduces sensory receptors, somatic and special senses, and the anatomy of the ear and eye.

• Receptor Types: Mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, nociceptors, photoreceptors, chemoreceptors

• Somatic Senses: Touch, pressure, pain, temperature, proprioception

• Special Senses: Vision, hearing, equilibrium, taste, smell

• Ear Anatomy: Outer, middle, inner ear; organ of Corti (hearing), vestibular apparatus (equilibrium)

• Eye Anatomy: Sclera, choroid, retina; pathway of light from cornea to retina

Sample Table: Comparison of Muscle Tissue Types

Feature	Skeletal Muscle	Cardiac Muscle	Smooth Muscle
Location	Attached to bones	Heart	Walls of hollow organs
Control	Voluntary	Involuntary	Involuntary
Striations	Present	Present	Absent
Cell Shape	Long, cylindrical	Branched	Spindle-shaped

Study Tips

• Read textbook chapters and lecture notes thoroughly.

• Use diagrams and models to visualize structures.

• Practice using anatomical terminology and directional terms.

• Review lab practical materials and practice identifying structures on models.

• Utilize online resources and tutoring services as needed.

Additional info: This guide summarizes the syllabus and course objectives, providing a structured overview of the main topics and learning outcomes for Anatomy & Physiology I. For detailed content, refer to the assigned textbook and lecture materials.