BackBIO 153: Anatomy & Physiology I Lab – Study Guide and Course Overview
Study Guide - Smart Notes
Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.
Course Overview
This course is a laboratory experience designed to illustrate and reinforce topics in Anatomy and Physiology I. It covers the detailed study of cells, tissues, the structure and function of the skeleton, the muscles, and the nervous and endocrine systems of the human body. The course emphasizes hands-on investigation, anatomical terminology, and the application of scientific methods in the health sciences.
Course Objectives
Knowledge Integration: Provide students with a broad foundation for further study in health sciences, including pre-med, pre-dental, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, nursing, and related fields.
Skill Development: Emphasize laboratory safety, use of anatomical terms, and application of scientific methods.
Critical Thinking: Encourage students to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information about the structure and function of the human body.
Basic Concepts Covered
Anatomical Orientation: Understanding body planes, sections, and anatomical directions.
Cells and Tissues: Study of cell structure and function, and classification of tissues.
Organ Systems: Examination of major organ systems, including:
Integumentary System
Skeletal System
Muscular System
Nervous System
Endocrine System
Cardiovascular System
Lymphatic System
Digestive System
Respiratory System
Urinary System
Metabolism and Homeostasis
Human Growth and Development
Specific Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Describe laboratory safety protocols and apply safe practices.
Use proper anatomical terms to describe directions, planes, sections, and cavities.
Identify the structure and function of typical human cells and the four basic tissue types.
Use a microscope to investigate anatomical and histological specimens.
Describe the gross and microscopic structure of organs, as well as key landmarks on bones and muscles.
Identify muscles of the human body, including actions, origins, and insertions.
Identify major bones and bony landmarks of the human skeleton.
Describe the structure and function of the nervous and endocrine systems.
Identify the major organs of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems.
Appreciate the relationship between anatomical structure and physiological function.
Apply dissection techniques to investigate anatomical structure.
Appreciate the complexity of the human body and its design.
Assessment and Grading
Daily Lab Participation: 15 points per lab, up to 120 points total. Participation and attendance are critical for success.
Modified Mastering Anatomy & Physiology Assignments: 160 points possible. Online assignments must be completed for full credit.
Lab Practicum Exams: 3 exams, each worth 240 points (total 720 points). Practicums test identification and understanding of anatomical structures and concepts.
Late Work Policy: Late homework is penalized 25% per day, up to 4 days. No credit after 4 days.
Attendance: Mandatory for all labs. Absences must be excused in advance or documented.
Grading Scale
Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
A | 93.3%–100% |
A- | 90.0%–93.2% |
B+ | 86.7%–89.9% |
B | 83.3%–86.6% |
B- | 80.0%–83.2% |
C+ | 76.7%–79.9% |
C | 73.3%–76.6% |
C- | 70.0%–73.2% |
D+ | 66.7%–69.9% |
D | 63.3%–66.6% |
D- | 60.0%–63.2% |
F | <60% |
Lab Schedule Overview
Week | Lab Topic | Homework |
|---|---|---|
1 | No lab | Homework (due 9/7) |
2 | Lab Safety; Language of Anatomy and Microscope | Intro to Mastering A&P (due 9/14) |
3 | Cells and Tissues | Lab #2 Histology (due 9/21) |
4 | Axial Skeleton I: Cranium and Facial | Lab #3 Axial Skeleton (due 10/5) |
5 | Axial Skeleton II: Thoracic & Spine | Lab #5 & 4 Axial Skeleton (due 10/5) |
6 | Lab Practicum #1 | |
7 | Appendicular Skeleton | Lab #5 Appendicular Skeleton (due 10/12) |
8 | Muscles | Lab #6 Muscles (due 10/26) |
9 | Lab Practicum #2 | |
10 | Nervous System: CNS Brain and Spinal Cord (Dissection) | Lab #7 CNS (due 11/2) |
11 | Nervous System: Special Senses, Eye and Ear (Dissection) | Lab #8 Special Senses (due 11/16) |
12 | Lab Practicum #3 | |
13 | Thanksgiving Break | |
14 | No Lab | |
15 | No Lab |
Additional info: Schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the professor.
Required Materials
Textbook: Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab Manual "Fetal Pig Version" (13th edition) or electronic version.
Online Access: Modified Mastering Anatomy & Physiology for homework and assignments.
Lab Safety Equipment: Lab coat and goggles required for dissection labs.
Academic Integrity and Policies
Academic Honesty: Cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized use of materials are strictly prohibited.
Attendance: Mandatory for all labs; absences must be excused in advance or documented.
Disability Services: Accommodations available for students with documented disabilities.
Recording Policy: No recording of class sessions without instructor permission.
Key Terms and Concepts
Anatomical Position: The standard reference position for the body in the study of anatomy.
Planes and Sections: Imaginary lines used to divide the body into sections (e.g., sagittal, coronal, transverse).
Histology: The study of tissues at the microscopic level.
Dissection: The process of carefully cutting and separating tissues to study their relationships.
Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.
Example: Anatomical Directions
Superior (Cranial): Toward the head end of the body.
Inferior (Caudal): Away from the head, toward the lower part of the body.
Anterior (Ventral): Toward the front of the body.
Posterior (Dorsal): Toward the back of the body.
Medial: Toward the midline of the body.
Lateral: Away from the midline of the body.
Formulas and Equations
Surface Area to Volume Ratio: Important in understanding cell size and function.
Study Tips
Review lab manual and textbook before each lab session.
Actively participate in lab activities and ask questions for clarification.
Use anatomical models, diagrams, and online resources to reinforce learning.
Practice identifying structures on models, diagrams, and cadaver images.
Complete all online assignments on time to reinforce lab concepts.
Additional info: For more detailed explanations and images, refer to the lab manual and online resources provided by your instructor.
