Anatomy & Physiology I: Course Structure and Key Topics (Fall 2025-2026)

Anatomy & Physiology I: Course Structure and Key Topics

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to human anatomy and physiology, focusing on the structure and function of tissues, the integumentary system, the skeletal system, muscular system, and the nervous system. Both theoretical and practical laboratory sessions are included to reinforce learning through hands-on experience.

Main Topics and Subtopics

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

An overview of the course, including orientation to human body systems and foundational terminology.

• Definition: Anatomy is the study of the structure of body parts; physiology is the study of the function of those parts.

• Example: Understanding the difference between the structure of the heart (anatomy) and how it pumps blood (physiology).

2. Tissues: The Living Fabric (Chapter 4)

This topic covers the four basic tissue types in the human body: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.

• Epithelial Tissue: Covers body surfaces and lines cavities; functions include protection, absorption, and secretion.

• Connective Tissue: Supports, protects, and binds other tissues; includes bone, blood, and adipose tissue.

• Muscle Tissue: Responsible for movement; types include skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.

• Nervous Tissue: Conducts electrical impulses; found in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

• Example: The skin contains epithelial tissue on its surface and connective tissue underneath.

3. The Integumentary System (Chapter 5)

The integumentary system includes the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands. It serves as a barrier and plays a role in temperature regulation and sensation.

• Key Functions: Protection, sensation, thermoregulation, vitamin D synthesis.

• Layers of Skin: Epidermis (outer), dermis (middle), hypodermis (deepest).

• Example: Sweat glands in the skin help regulate body temperature.

4. The Skeletal System (Chapters 6-8)

This section explores the bones of the human body, their classification, structure, and function, as well as joints and skeletal landmarks.

• Bone Classification: Long, short, flat, irregular, and sesamoid bones.

• Functions: Support, protection, movement, mineral storage, blood cell formation.

• Example: The femur is a long bone that supports body weight and enables movement.

5. The Muscular System (Chapters 9-10)

Focuses on the structure and function of muscles, including muscle tissue types, major muscle groups, and mechanisms of contraction.

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

• Muscle Contraction: Involves actin and myosin filaments sliding past each other.

• Equation: $\text{Force} = \text{Mass} \times \text{Acceleration}$ (basic principle in muscle movement)

• Example: The biceps brachii contracts to flex the forearm.

6. The Nervous System (Chapters 11-13)

Covers the organization and function of the nervous system, including neurons, neuroglia, the central and peripheral nervous systems, and reflex activity.

• Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord; processes information.

• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Nerves outside the CNS; transmits signals.

• Reflex Arc: Pathway for reflex actions; involves sensory neuron, interneuron, and motor neuron.

• Equation: $\text{Nerve Impulse Speed} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}}$

• Example: The knee-jerk reflex is a simple neural pathway.

7. Laboratory and Practical Sections

Hands-on sessions include microscope work, tissue and bone identification, muscle and nerve dissections, and cat/sheep spinal cord dissections.

• Microscopy: Used to study tissue histology and cell structure.

• Dissection: Provides practical understanding of anatomical structures.

• Staining: Techniques to highlight specific tissue components.

• Example: Dissecting a sheep brain to identify major regions.

8. Exams and Assessment Structure

Exams are scheduled throughout the semester, covering theoretical and practical knowledge of each major system.

• Exam 1: Chapters 1, 4, and 5 (Introduction, Tissues, Integumentary System)

• Exam 2: Chapters 6, 7, and 8 (Bones and Skeletal System)

• Exam 3: Chapters 9-10 (Muscles)

• Final Exam: Chapters 11-13 (Nervous System)

9. Sample Table: Major Tissue Types and Their Functions

The following table summarizes the four major tissue types and their primary functions:

Tissue Type	Main Function	Location Example
Epithelial	Protection, absorption, secretion	Skin, lining of GI tract
Connective	Support, binding, storage	Bone, blood, adipose tissue
Muscle	Movement	Skeletal muscles, heart, digestive tract
Nervous	Signal transmission	Brain, spinal cord, nerves

10. Additional Info

• Special Activities: Guest speakers and special laboratory sessions are included to enhance learning.

• Academic Recess: Scheduled breaks for holidays and academic recess.

• Review Sessions: Provided before major exams for comprehensive preparation.

Additional info: The above notes are structured based on the course schedule and topics listed in the provided syllabus images. Where specific content was not detailed, standard academic context for Anatomy & Physiology I was added to ensure completeness and usefulness for exam preparation.