Anatomy & Physiology I: Course Syllabus, Lab Schedule, and Study Guide

Course Overview

This course provides a foundational understanding of the basic structure and function of the human body. It covers the organization of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems, as well as the physiological principles that govern their function. The course also introduces the major types of microorganisms that affect humans and discusses disease transmission and prevention. Laboratory activities complement lecture material to reinforce key concepts.

Course Structure and Grading

• Lecture Topics: Organization of the human body, tissues, movement, control, special senses, circulation, energy supply, continuity, and microbiology.

• Lab Activities: Microscopy, tissue classification, skeletal and muscular system dissection, organ system physiology, and environmental sampling.

• Grading Breakdown:

  • Tests: 50%

  • Quizzes/Attendance (Lab and Lecture): 20%

  • Lab: 30% (includes lab activities/worksheets and 1 lab report)

Major Units and Learning Objectives

UNIT I: Introduction to the Human Body – Organization and General Plan

This unit introduces the basic concepts of anatomy and physiology, focusing on the organization of the body from the cellular to the organismal level.

• Define: Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.

• Levels of Organization: Describe the hierarchy from cells to tissues, organs, organ systems, and the whole organism.

• Body Systems: Identify the major organ systems and their general functions.

• Homeostasis: Explain the concept and importance of homeostasis in maintaining internal stability.

• Medical Terminology: Define basic terms used in anatomy and physiology.

UNIT II: Tissues, Glands, and Membranes – The Skin

This unit explores the structure and function of tissues, glands, and membranes, with a focus on the integumentary system (skin).

• Tissue Types: Define tissue and list the four major types (epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous).

• Epithelial Tissue: Structure, function, and locations of 3 types of epithelial tissue.

• Glands: Differentiate between endocrine and exocrine glands.

• Membranes: Characteristics of mucous and serous membranes.

• Skin Structure: Describe the layers and accessory structures of the skin.

• Functions of Skin: Protection, sensation, temperature regulation, excretion, and synthesis of vitamin D.

• Medical Terminology: Terms related to tissues, glands, and membranes.

UNIT III: Movement and Support

This unit covers the skeletal and muscular systems, emphasizing their roles in movement, support, and protection.

• Bone Types: Name and describe different types of bones (long, short, flat, irregular, sesamoid).

• Skeletal System Functions: Support, protection, movement, mineral storage, blood cell production.

• Axial vs. Appendicular Skeleton: Compare and contrast these two divisions.

• Joints: Types of joints (fibrous, cartilaginous, synovial) and their movements.

• Muscle Types: Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle characteristics.

• Muscle Contraction: Describe the sliding filament theory and neuromuscular junction.

• Major Muscles: Identify and locate major skeletal muscles.

• Medical Terminology: Terms related to the musculoskeletal system.

UNIT IV: Coordination and Control

This unit examines the organization and function of the nervous system, including neurons and neural pathways.

• Nervous System Organization: Central vs. peripheral nervous system; somatic vs. autonomic divisions.

• Neuron Structure: Cell body, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath.

• Signal Transmission: Action potentials and synaptic transmission.

• Reflex Arcs: Components and significance in rapid responses.

• Brain and Spinal Cord: Major regions and their functions.

UNIT V: Special Senses and Hormonal Regulation

This unit introduces the special senses (vision, hearing, taste, smell, equilibrium) and the endocrine system's role in regulation.

• Special Senses: Structure and function of the eye, ear, tongue, and nose.

• Endocrine System: Major glands (pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, etc.) and their hormones.

• Hormonal Regulation: Mechanisms of hormone action and feedback loops.

UNIT VI: Circulation and Body Defense

This unit covers the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, focusing on transport and immune defense.

• Heart Anatomy: Chambers, valves, and major vessels.

• Blood Flow: Pathway through the heart and body.

• Blood Components: Red cells, white cells, platelets, plasma.

• Lymphatic System: Lymph nodes, vessels, and immune function.

UNIT VII: Energy Supply and Use

This unit discusses metabolism, nutrition, and the body's energy systems.

• Metabolism: Anabolism and catabolism; ATP production.

• Cellular Respiration: Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain.

• Nutrition: Macronutrients and micronutrients for healthy functioning.

UNIT VIII: Continuity

This unit addresses the reproductive system and mechanisms of inheritance.

• Reproductive Anatomy: Male and female reproductive organs.

• Fertilization and Development: Basic processes of human reproduction.

UNIT IX: Microbiology Concepts

This unit introduces microorganisms, their classification, and their impact on human health and disease.

• Microorganism Types: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa.

• Pathogenicity: How microorganisms cause disease.

• Prevention: Disease transmission and prevention strategies.

Sample Table: GCC Grading Policy

Letter	Numerical	GPA
A	93-100	4.0
A-	90-92	3.7
B+	87-89	3.3
B	83-86	3.0
B-	80-82	2.7
C+	77-79	2.3
C	73-76	2.0
C-	70-72	1.7
D+	67-69	1.3
D	63-66	1.0
F	0-62	0.0

Key Definitions

• 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 despite external changes.

• Pathophysiology: The study of how normal physiological processes are altered by disease.

Example: Homeostasis Equation

Homeostasis is often maintained by negative feedback mechanisms, which can be represented as:

$\text{Stimulus} \rightarrow \text{Receptor} \rightarrow \text{Control Center} \rightarrow \text{Effector} \rightarrow \text{Response}$

Additional info:

• Some content was inferred and expanded for clarity and completeness based on standard Anatomy & Physiology I syllabi and learning objectives.

• Lab schedule and activities are summarized; specific exercises may vary by institution.