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Anatomy & Physiology I: Exam 1 Study Guide and Syllabus Overview

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Chapters 1 and 2: Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

Overview

This section introduces the foundational concepts of anatomy and physiology, including definitions, structural organization, and key terminology. Understanding these basics is essential for further study in the field.

  • Anatomy: The study of body structure (form), including the names and locations of body parts.

  • Physiology: The study of body function, describing how anatomical structures work.

  • Sub-disciplines: Examples include gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy, and developmental anatomy.

  • Regional Anatomy: Focuses on specific areas of the body (e.g., brachial, lumbar, carpal).

  • Axial vs. Appendicular: Axial refers to the head, neck, and trunk; appendicular refers to limbs.

Structural Organization

  • Levels of Organization: Atom → Molecule → Organelle → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism.

  • Directional Terms: Used to describe locations (e.g., anterior/posterior, superior/inferior).

Body Planes and Cavities

  • Body Planes: Frontal (coronal), transverse, sagittal.

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

  • Membranes: Parietal (lines cavity), visceral (covers organ).

Homeostasis

  • Definition: The maintenance of a stable internal environment.

  • Feedback Systems: Negative feedback (most common, e.g., body temperature regulation), positive feedback (e.g., blood clotting).

  • Set Point: The ideal value for a physiological parameter.

Microscopy

  • Microscope Use: Understanding the parts and functions of a microscope is essential for lab work.

Elements & Matter

Basic Chemistry for Anatomy & Physiology

  • Elements: Pure substances consisting of one type of atom (e.g., C, H, O, N).

  • Atoms: Composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

  • Atomic Number: Number of protons in the nucleus.

  • Isotopes: Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

  • Ions: Atoms that have gained or lost electrons.

Chemical Bonds

  • Covalent Bonds: Atoms share electrons.

  • Ionic Bonds: Transfer of electrons from one atom to another.

  • Hydrogen Bonds: Weak attractions between polar molecules.

Metabolism

  • Anabolism: Building larger molecules from smaller ones (requires energy).

  • Catabolism: Breaking down molecules into smaller units (releases energy).

  • Dehydration Synthesis: Joins molecules by removing water.

  • Hydrolysis: Breaks molecules by adding water.

Enzymes

  • Definition: Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.

  • Active Site: The region on the enzyme where the substrate binds.

  • Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity: Temperature, pH, substrate concentration.

Oxidation-Reduction (Redox) Reactions

  • Oxidation: Loss of electrons.

  • Reduction: Gain of electrons.

pH and Buffers

  • pH Scale: Measures hydrogen ion concentration; ranges from 0 (acidic) to 14 (basic).

  • Buffers: Substances that minimize changes in pH.

  • Formula:

Macromolecules

  • Carbohydrates: Sugars and starches; primary energy source.

  • Lipids: Fats, oils, and steroids; energy storage and membrane structure.

  • Proteins: Made of amino acids; function as enzymes, structural components, etc.

  • Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA; store and transmit genetic information.

Protein Structure

  • Primary Structure: Sequence of amino acids.

  • Secondary Structure: Alpha helices and beta sheets.

  • Tertiary Structure: 3D folding of a single polypeptide chain.

  • Quaternary Structure: Association of multiple polypeptide chains.

Lab Practical and Exam Information

Exam Structure

  • Both the lecture exam and lab practical are taken back-to-back on the same day.

  • Lab practical is taken as the second exam.

  • Students should be prepared to start the lab practical immediately after the lecture exam.

Lab Reports Submission

  • Lab reports must be uploaded as a single file (Word or PDF) to the designated dropbox in the Lab module.

  • Submit all files at once when the dropbox is available.

  • Late submissions may result in point deductions.

Images and Visuals for Study

Key Images to Review

  • Body Cavities

  • Body Planes/Sections

  • Body Regions

  • Abdominopelvic Regions and Quadrants

Additional info: Students are encouraged to review images from the textbook chapters as well as any additional images provided by the instructor.

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