Anatomy & Physiology I: Course Overview and Study Guide

Course Introduction

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to human anatomy and physiology, focusing on the structure and function of the human body. The primary systems covered include the nervous and endocrine systems, with additional emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie physiological processes.

Course Objectives

• Understand the structure and function of major body systems, especially the nervous and endocrine systems.

• Explain cellular and molecular mechanisms that support homeostasis and physiological regulation.

• Apply scientific reasoning to analyze physiological processes and pathophysiology.

• Demonstrate laboratory skills in physiology, including data collection, analysis, and scientific reporting.

Prerequisites

• Completion of Biosci 106 (or challenge exam) or Bio 172L AND either Chem 119 or Biosci 110 (or equivalent courses from other colleges).

• Note: There is no equivalent course for Biosci 106 or 172L.

Required Materials

• Textbook: Principles of Human Physiology by Cindy L. Stanfield (with Mastering A&P access).

• Lab Manual: Physiology Laboratory Manual by Dr. E. Coatney.

• Recommended: The Physiology Coloring Book by Kapit, Macey, and Meisami.

• Other Equipment: Calculator, 12 colored pencils or pens.

Class Rules and Policies

• No open shoes or broken glass in lab (safety hazard).

• No open food or drink in the lab.

• No animals or photography of any kind allowed during frog labs.

• No swearing or foul language; violations may result in removal from class.

Grading Breakdown

Component	Points
Online Quizzes	90
Midterms (3 x 100)	300
Cumulative Final	110
Lab Assignments	250
Online Assignments	250
Total	1000

Grading Scale: 90%+ = A; 80%+ = B; 70%+ = C; 60%+ = D; below 60% = F.

Major Topics and Weekly Schedule

Week	Date	Topic
1	08/25	Bio-Chemistry/ Basic Cell/ Metabolism
2	09/01	No School: Labor Day
3	09/08	Enzymes/ Protein Synthesis/ Diffusion
4	09/15	Membrane Transport/ Active Transport/ Resting Potential/ Local Potentials/ Summation
5	09/22	Action Potentials/ Neural Conduction/ Synaptic Transmission/ Receptors/ ANS/ Endocrine
6	09/29	Mid-term Exam
7	10/06	Neuromuscular Junction/ Skeletal Muscle Contraction/ Metabolism
8	10/13	No School: Indigenous People's Day
9	10/20	Cardiac Physiology/ Cardiac Output/ Frank-Starling Law/ Circulation
10	10/27	EKG/ Blood Pressure/ Blood Flow/ Smooth Muscle
11	11/03	Vascular Control/ Blood Flow
12	11/10	Respiration: Mechanics/ Gas Exchange/ Hemoglobin-Oxygen Binding
13	11/17	Digestion: Phases/ System Anatomy/ Absorption
14	11/24	Renal: Filtration/ Reabsorption/ Secretion/ Clearance/ Glomerular Filtration Rate
15	12/01	Hormone Regulation: Na+, Water, Blood Pressure, Ca2+ Regulation, Acid-Base Balance
16	12/08	Mid-Term Exam 3
17	12/10	Cumulative Final Exam

Key Concepts and Definitions

Cell Structure and Function

• Cell: The basic structural and functional unit of life. Cells contain organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum.

• Organelle: Specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function (e.g., mitochondria for energy production).

• Membrane Transport: The movement of substances across the cell membrane, including passive (diffusion, osmosis) and active transport mechanisms.

Metabolism and Biochemistry

• Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions in the body, including catabolism (breaking down molecules) and anabolism (building molecules).

• Enzyme: A protein that catalyzes biochemical reactions, lowering the activation energy required.

• Protein Synthesis: The process by which cells build proteins based on genetic instructions.

Neurophysiology

• Resting Membrane Potential: The electrical potential difference across the cell membrane at rest, typically around -70 mV in neurons.

• Action Potential: A rapid, temporary change in membrane potential that propagates along neurons to transmit signals.

• Synaptic Transmission: The process by which neurotransmitters are released from one neuron and bind to receptors on another, facilitating communication.

Muscle Physiology

• Neuromuscular Junction: The synapse between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber.

• Muscle Contraction: Involves the sliding filament theory, where actin and myosin filaments slide past each other to shorten the muscle.

• Metabolism in Muscle: Fast-twitch vs. slow-twitch muscle fibers differ in their metabolic properties and fatigue resistance.

Cardiovascular Physiology

• Cardiac Output: The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute. $Cardiac\ Output = Heart\ Rate \times Stroke\ Volume$

• Frank-Starling Law: The relationship between the volume of blood filling the heart and the force of contraction.

• Blood Pressure: The force exerted by circulating blood on vessel walls.

Respiratory Physiology

• Gas Exchange: The process of oxygen and carbon dioxide moving between alveoli and blood.

• Hemoglobin-Oxygen Binding: Hemoglobin binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues; described by the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve.

Renal and Acid-Base Physiology

• Filtration: The process by which blood is filtered in the glomerulus of the nephron.

• Reabsorption and Secretion: Movement of substances between the filtrate and blood in the nephron.

• Acid-Base Balance: The regulation of pH in body fluids. $pH = -\log_{10}[H^+]$

• Metabolic vs. Respiratory Acidosis/Alkalosis: Disorders of acid-base balance due to metabolic or respiratory causes.

Laboratory Component

• Labs reinforce lecture concepts and develop scientific skills, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Lab topics include enzyme activity, diffusion/osmosis, neural conduction, muscle contraction, cardiovascular dynamics, respiration, and renal physiology.

• Lab safety rules must be followed at all times.

Academic Integrity

• Plagiarism or copying lab assignments will result in a zero and referral to the Dean of Students.

• All work must be original and completed individually unless otherwise specified.

Support Services

• Students with disabilities may receive accommodations through DSPS.

• Free tutoring and online resources are available through the college.

Summary Table: Major Body Systems Covered

System	Main Functions	Key Topics
Nervous	Control and coordination of body activities	Neurons, action potentials, synaptic transmission
Endocrine	Hormonal regulation	Hormones, feedback mechanisms
Muscular	Movement, posture, heat production	Muscle contraction, neuromuscular junction
Cardiovascular	Transport of nutrients, gases, wastes	Heart function, blood flow, blood pressure
Respiratory	Gas exchange	Ventilation, gas transport, hemoglobin
Renal	Waste removal, fluid/electrolyte balance	Filtration, reabsorption, acid-base balance
Digestive	Breakdown and absorption of nutrients	Enzymes, absorption, regulation

Additional info: The course emphasizes scientific methodology, critical thinking, and the integration of lecture and laboratory experiences to prepare students for advanced study in health and biological sciences.