Anatomy & Physiology I: Course Overview and Core Concepts

Course Overview

Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology I

This course is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of the structure and function of molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems in human health and disease. The course emphasizes the integration of biological systems and the physiological mechanisms that maintain homeostasis in the human body.

• Scope: Covers molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels of biological organization.

• Goal: To understand how the human body functions in health and disease, and how physiological systems are regulated.

• Approach: Emphasizes scientific reasoning, problem-solving, and application of physiological principles to real-world scenarios.

Core Learning Objectives

Key Competencies and Skills

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Explain the structure and function of molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

   • Describe how each level of biological organization contributes to overall body function.

   • Relate structure to function at each level (e.g., how the structure of a neuron enables its function in communication).

2. Understand control strategies used by the body to regulate physiological functions.

   • Describe feedback mechanisms (negative and positive feedback).

   • Explain how homeostasis is maintained through regulatory systems.

3. Discuss the significance of maintaining homeostasis.

   • Define homeostasis as the maintenance of a stable internal environment.

   • Explain why homeostasis is critical for survival and health.

   • Provide examples of homeostatic regulation (e.g., body temperature, blood glucose).

4. Name the physiological systems of the human body and their major organs.

   • List major systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive.

   • Identify major organs within each system.

5. Explain the integration of knowledge across systems.

   • Describe how systems interact to maintain homeostasis (e.g., nervous and endocrine systems in regulating blood pressure).

   • Discuss the role of cell-cell communication and signaling in physiological regulation.

6. Demonstrate the use of scientific method and analytical reasoning.

   • Apply scientific reasoning to solve physiological problems.

   • Interpret data and draw conclusions from experiments and case studies.

7. Develop critical thinking skills to solve physiologically relevant problems.

   • Analyze case studies and clinical scenarios.

   • Predict outcomes based on physiological principles.

Key Terms and Definitions

• Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

• Negative Feedback: A control mechanism that reduces the output or activity of any organ or system back to its normal range of functioning.

• Positive Feedback: A control mechanism that amplifies a response in the same direction as the initial stimulus.

• Organ System: A group of organs that work together to perform one or more functions.

• Cell-Cell Communication: The process by which cells communicate with each other through chemical signals.

Examples and Applications

• Example of Negative Feedback: Regulation of blood glucose levels by insulin and glucagon.

• Example of Positive Feedback: Blood clotting cascade during injury.

• Application: Understanding how failure of homeostatic mechanisms can lead to disease (e.g., diabetes mellitus).

Major Organ Systems of the Human Body

System	Main Organs	Primary Functions
Integumentary	Skin, hair, nails	Protection, temperature regulation, sensation
Skeletal	Bones, joints	Support, movement, protection, blood cell production
Muscular	Skeletal muscles	Movement, posture, heat production
Nervous	Brain, spinal cord, nerves	Coordination, communication, response to stimuli
Endocrine	Glands (pituitary, thyroid, etc.)	Hormone production, regulation of metabolism and growth
Cardiovascular	Heart, blood vessels	Transport of nutrients, gases, wastes
Lymphatic	Lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels	Immune response, fluid balance
Respiratory	Lungs, trachea	Gas exchange (O2/CO2)
Digestive	Stomach, intestines, liver	Breakdown and absorption of nutrients
Urinary	Kidneys, bladder	Excretion of wastes, regulation of fluid balance
Reproductive	Ovaries, testes	Production of gametes, reproduction

Scientific Reasoning in Physiology

Application of the Scientific Method

• Formulate hypotheses based on observations.

• Design experiments to test physiological mechanisms.

• Analyze data and draw evidence-based conclusions.

Prerequisites and Required Materials

• Prerequisites: Introductory biology and chemistry courses (e.g., EBIO 1210/1220, MCDB 1150/2150, CHEM 1113/1131/1111, PHYS 2010/2020, IPHY 3410/3450/3460).

• Textbook: Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach by Silverthorn et al., 8th Edition.

Assessment and Grading

Evaluation Components

• Exams: Midterm and final exams (multiple-choice, cumulative for final).

• Assignments: Homework assignments, worksheets, and participation.

• iClickers: Used for in-class participation and formative assessment.

Component	Weight
Exams (Lecture)	58%
Final Exam	25%
Participation	4%
Assignments	13%
Homework	13%
iClicker	4%

Additional Academic Information

• Attendance: Required for exams and participation activities.

• Make-up Policy: No make-up exams or extra credit; lowest exam and recitation scores may be dropped under certain circumstances.

• Academic Integrity: Adherence to the university's honor code is mandatory.

• Accommodations: Available for students with documented disabilities.

• Religious Observances: Reasonable accommodations provided for religious holidays.

Summary

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to human anatomy and physiology, focusing on the integration and regulation of body systems. Students will develop scientific reasoning skills, understand the importance of homeostasis, and apply physiological concepts to health and disease.