Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture (BIO 215T) – Study Guide and Course Overview

Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture (BIO 215T) – Study Guide and Course Overview

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the anatomy and physiology of humans, with a focus on the structure and function of major organ systems. Emphasis is placed on the integumentary, nervous, respiratory, and circulatory systems, as well as the study of cells and tissues. The course is designed for students in biology, nursing, and related health sciences.

Course Objectives

• Distinguish the anatomy and underlying physiological processes applicable to health and disease states across the lifespan.

• Incorporate knowledge from anatomy and physiology to understand disease processes and normal healthy states.

• Explore clinical applications of anatomy and physiology.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Describe the normal structure and function of the body for all studied organ systems.

• Differentiate microscopic descriptions of tissues as it applies to normal and disease anatomy.

• Demonstrate the ability to explain abnormalities of cells, tissues, or gross anatomy and how these can cause disease in the human body.

• Explain how a disease process can affect the body and create an imbalance in homeostasis.

Major Topics and Weekly Structure

1. Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

An overview of the human body, including definitions, levels of organization, and the importance of homeostasis.

• 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.

• Levels of Organization: Chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, organism.

2. Chemistry of Life

Basic chemistry concepts relevant to biological systems, including atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions.

• Atoms and Molecules: Atoms are the smallest units of matter; molecules are combinations of atoms.

• Macromolecules: Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids are essential for cellular function.

• Water: The most abundant compound in the body, vital for chemical reactions and temperature regulation.

• pH and Buffers: The body maintains pH within a narrow range (7.35–7.45) for optimal enzyme activity.

3. Cells

The cell is the basic unit of life. This topic covers cell structure, function, and cellular processes.

• Cell Membrane: A selectively permeable barrier that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

• Organelles: Specialized structures within the cell (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum).

• Cell Division: Mitosis and meiosis are processes for growth and reproduction.

• Cellular Respiration: The process by which cells generate ATP from glucose and oxygen. Equation: $C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ATP$

4. Tissues

Tissues are groups of similar cells that perform a common function. There are four primary tissue types.

• Epithelial Tissue: Covers body surfaces and lines cavities.

• Connective Tissue: Supports, protects, and binds other tissues (e.g., bone, blood, adipose).

• Muscle Tissue: Responsible for movement (skeletal, cardiac, smooth).

• Nervous Tissue: Initiates and transmits electrical impulses.

5. Integumentary System (Skin)

The integumentary system includes the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands. It protects the body and regulates temperature.

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

• Layers of Skin: Epidermis (outer), dermis (middle), hypodermis (inner/subcutaneous).

• Clinical Relevance: Burns, infections, and skin cancers.

6. Nervous System

The nervous system controls and coordinates body activities by transmitting electrical signals.

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

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

• Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Controls involuntary functions (sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions).

• Neurons: Specialized cells for communication.

• Neurotransmitters: Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses.

7. Special Senses

Special senses include vision, hearing, taste, smell, and equilibrium. These senses provide information about the environment.

• Receptors: Specialized cells that detect stimuli.

• Pathways: Sensory information is transmitted to the brain for interpretation.

8. Respiratory System

The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange between the body and the environment.

• Major Organs: Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs.

• Gas Exchange: Occurs in the alveoli of the lungs.

• Respiratory Equation: $O_2 + C_6H_{12}O_6 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O + ATP$

• Clinical Relevance: Asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

9. Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system transports nutrients, gases, hormones, and wastes throughout the body.

• Heart: Pumps blood through the body.

• Blood Vessels: Arteries, veins, and capillaries.

• Blood: Composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

• Blood Pressure Equation: $\text{Blood Pressure} = \text{Cardiac Output} \times \text{Peripheral Resistance}$

• Clinical Relevance: Hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart attack.

10. Homeostasis and Disease

Homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment. Disease can result from the disruption of homeostasis.

• Feedback Mechanisms: Negative and positive feedback regulate physiological processes.

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

• Imbalance: Can lead to conditions such as diabetes, dehydration, or acidosis.

Course Assessment Structure

Assessment in this course is based on exams, quizzes, and case studies. The grading scale ensures that students must achieve a minimum of a "C" to meet program requirements.

Assessment	Points
Exam 1	70
Exam 2	60
Exam 3	50
Final Exam (Cumulative)	60
Quizzes (12 x 5 points each)	60
Case Studies (5 x 2 points each)	10
Total	310

Grading Scale

Grade	Percentage
A+	97-100
A	93-96.9
A-	90-92.9
B+	87-89.9
B	83-86.9
B-	80-82.9
C+	77-79.9
C	70-76.9
D+	67-69.9
D	65-66.9
F	0-64.9

Expectations and Academic Integrity

• Student Responsibility: Students are expected to keep up with assignments, lectures, and communications.

• Academic Integrity: Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of dishonesty are strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.

• Respectful Communication: Professional and respectful language is required in all interactions.

Accommodations and Support

• Disability Services: Accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities.

• Pregnancy and Parenting: Support is available for students who are pregnant or parenting.

• Technical Assistance: Help Desk and online resources are available for technical support.

Weekly Topic Schedule (Sample)

Week	Topic
1	Welcome to the Human Body
2	Chemistry (Online lecture)
3	Cells
4	Tissues
5	Integumentary System (Skin)
6	Nervous Tissue
7-8	Central Nervous System (CNS)
9-10	Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
11	Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
12	Special Senses
13	Respiratory
14	Cardiac
15	Vascular

Additional info: For more detailed study, refer to the required textbook: Marieb, Elaine N., Human Anatomy and Physiology, 11th edition, Pearson, 2019.