BIO 2111 – Anatomy & Physiology I Lab: Course Overview and Key Topics

Course Overview

This study guide summarizes the main topics and laboratory activities for BIO 2111 – Anatomy & Physiology I Lab. The course focuses on the visual anatomy and hands-on physiology of four major body systems, using laboratory equipment, dissection, and interactive activities. The following notes are organized by the main topics and subtopics as outlined in the course schedule.

Lab Safety and Orientation

Lab Safety Procedures

Understanding and following laboratory safety protocols is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring a safe learning environment.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles when handling specimens or chemicals.

• Proper Handling of Equipment: Use microscopes, dissection tools, and other lab equipment according to instructions.

• Emergency Procedures: Know the location of safety showers, eyewash stations, and fire extinguishers.

• Disposal of Biological Materials: Dispose of animal tissues and other biological waste in designated containers.

Example: During dissections, always cut away from your body and use sharp instruments with care.

Microscope Techniques and Tissues

Microscope Use

Microscopes are essential tools for examining cells and tissues at high magnification.

• Parts of the Microscope: Includes the ocular lens, objective lenses, stage, and light source.

• Focusing: Start with the lowest power objective and use coarse, then fine adjustment knobs.

• Slide Preparation: Properly mount specimens on slides with coverslips to avoid air bubbles.

Example: Observing epithelial tissue under 40x magnification to identify cell layers.

Tissue Types

The human body is composed of four basic tissue types, each with specialized functions.

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

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

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

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

Example: Identifying the differences between simple squamous and stratified squamous epithelium.

Skeletal System

Bone Structure and Function

Bones provide structural support, protect organs, and facilitate movement.

• Types of Bones: Long (femur), short (carpals), flat (skull), and irregular (vertebrae).

• Bone Markings: Features such as foramina, processes, and condyles serve as attachment points for muscles and passageways for nerves and blood vessels.

• Osteon Structure: The basic unit of compact bone, consisting of concentric lamellae around a central canal.

Example: Identifying the humerus and its anatomical landmarks during a bone lab.

Muscular System

Muscle Anatomy and Physiology

Muscles are responsible for voluntary and involuntary movements in the body.

• Skeletal Muscle: Striated, voluntary muscle attached to bones for movement.

• Muscle Contraction: Involves the sliding filament theory, where actin and myosin filaments slide past each other.

• Electromyography (EMG): A technique to measure electrical activity in muscles during contraction.

Example: Using EMG to record muscle activity during a grip strength exercise.

Nervous System

Spinal Cord and Nerves

The nervous system coordinates body functions through electrical and chemical signals.

• Neurons: The functional units of the nervous system, transmitting impulses.

• Reflex Arcs: Simple neural pathways that mediate reflex actions.

• Neurophysiology: Includes studies of nerve conduction and reflex testing.

Example: Testing the patellar reflex to assess spinal cord function.

Special Senses

Overview of Special Senses

Special senses include vision, hearing, taste, smell, and equilibrium, each with specialized organs and pathways.

• Eye Dissection: Examining the anatomy of the eye, including the cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve.

• Hearing and Equilibrium: Understanding the structure of the ear and mechanisms of balance.

Example: Dissecting a sheep eye to identify the lens and retina.

Laboratory Activities and Assessments

Practical Exams and Homework

Regular practical exams and lab homework reinforce understanding of anatomical structures and physiological processes.

• Practical Exams: Assess identification of structures, understanding of functions, and application of lab techniques.

• Lab Homework: Includes exercises, PhysioEx activities, and written assignments to reinforce lab learning.

Sample Laboratory Schedule Table

The following table summarizes the main topics and activities for each week:

Week	Topic	Lab Activities	Lab Homework
1	Lab Safety & Orientation	Lab Safety, Body Orientation	PhysioEx Demo
2	Microscope Techniques & Tissues	Microscope Use, Tissue Identification	PhysioEx #1
3-4	Skeletal System	Bone Identification, Skeletal Exercises	PhysioEx #2
5-6	Muscular System	Muscle Identification, EMG	PhysioEx #2
7-8	Nervous System	Nerve Conduction, Reflex Testing	PhysioEx #3
9	Special Senses	Eye Dissection, Sensory Testing	PhysioEx #4

Additional info: The course includes practical exams and dissection of animal organs (cat, sheep, cow, and others) to reinforce anatomical knowledge.