BIO 2331 Anatomy and Physiology I: Syllabus and Core Concepts Study Guide

Course Overview

This study guide summarizes the key information and foundational concepts from the syllabus for BIO 2331 Anatomy and Physiology I at Cuyahoga Community College. The course provides an introduction to the structure and function of the human body, focusing on cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels, and is designed for students preparing for health professions or advanced scientific study.

Faculty and Course Information

• Faculty: Dr. Colleen Nye

• Textbook: Human Anatomy and Physiology by Marieb, 11th Edition (Pearson)

• Class Format: Asynchronous, online

• Prerequisites: Sufficient score on Biology Placement Test or completion of introductory chemistry/biology courses

Course Description

The course covers the structure and function of the human body, emphasizing:

• Cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels of organization

• Structure and function of skeletal, muscular, integumentary, and nervous systems

• Laboratory experiences including microscope observations, anatomical models, and video demonstrations

Learning Outcomes

A. Fundamental Knowledge of Human Structure and Function

• Describe the relationship between anatomy and physiology

• Define and list the different levels of structural organization of the body

• Relate the concepts of homeostasis and integration to life functions

• Describe the structure of a cell and explain the function of cellular organelles

• Discuss the functions of the cell membrane (e.g., osmosis, diffusion, filtration, active/passive transport, endocytosis, exocytosis, action potential, receptor binding)

• Describe the structure and function of the four primary tissue types

• Locate the basic body membranes and discuss their functions

B. Structure and Function of Human Systems

• Describe and differentiate between the gross and microscopic anatomy of the organs, cells, and tissues of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, integumentary, and endocrine systems

• Integrate the anatomical features of the human body with life functions

• List the steps involved in osmosis

• Describe the physiology of muscle contraction

• Describe the nature of a nervous impulse and explain integration of nervous impulses at the synapse

• Compare the physiological, physical, and psychological effects of hyper- and hypo-secretion of hormones

• Explain the regulatory role of the nervous and endocrine systems in maintaining homeostasis

Core Course Content

A. Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

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

• Life Processes:

  • Metabolism

  • Excitability

  • Conductivity

  • Growth

  • Contractility

  • Differentiation

  • Reproduction

• Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment

B. Major Body Systems Covered

• Integumentary system

• Skeletal system

• Muscular system

• Nervous system

• Endocrine system

C. Nervous System: Organization and Physiology

• Organization: Central and peripheral nervous systems

• Histology: Structure of neurons and neuroglia

• Physiology:

  • Nerve Impulse:

    • Resting potential

    • Action potential

    • Repolarization

    • Refractory period

    • Saltatory transmission

  • Conduction Across a Synapse:

    • Role of neurotransmitters

    • Synaptic delay

    • Excitatory and inhibitory transmissions

  • Spinal cord and brain structure and function

  • Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

D. Endocrine System

• Hormone function and regulation

• Effects of hormone imbalances

Grading and Assessment

• Exams (4): 50% (each exam 12.5%)

• Lab practical exams: 25% (each 12.5%)

• Assignments: 20%

• Attendance/participation: 5%

Grading Scale:

Grade	Percentage
A	100-90%
B	89-80%
C	79-70%
D	69-60%
F	59% or less

Academic Policies and Support

• Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism or cheating on any exam will result in a 0 for that exam and may lead to course failure or dismissal.

• Withdrawal: Students may withdraw by the published deadlines; see syllabus for specific dates.

• Accessibility: Accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities.

• Attendance Tracking: Regular attendance and participation are expected, especially for students receiving financial aid.

Weekly Course Schedule (Sample)

Date	Topic	Textbook Chapter
Mon 9 Sep	Syllabus Overview/The Human Body: An Orientation	1
Wed 11 Sep	The Human Body: An Orientation	1
Mon 16 Sep	Cells: The Living Units	3
Wed 18 Sep	Cells: The Living Units	3
Mon 23 Sep	Tissues: The Living Fabric	4
Wed 25 Sep	Tissues: The Living Fabric	4
Mon 30 Sep	Exam 1 (Chapters 1,3,4)
Mon 7 Oct	The Integumentary System	5
Mon 14 Oct	Bones and Skeletal Tissues	6
Mon 21 Oct	Joints	8
Mon 28 Oct	Muscles and Muscle Tissue	9
Mon 4 Nov	Nervous System and Nervous Tissue	11
Mon 18 Nov	The Autonomic Nervous System	14
Mon 2 Dec	The Endocrine System	16

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 and its parts.

• Homeostasis: The ability of the body to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

• Metabolism: All chemical reactions that occur within the body.

• Excitability: The ability of cells to respond to stimuli.

• Neurotransmitter: Chemical messenger released by neurons to transmit signals across a synapse.

Important Equations and Concepts

• Homeostatic Regulation: Often described as a feedback loop: $\text{Stimulus} \rightarrow \text{Receptor} \rightarrow \text{Control Center} \rightarrow \text{Effector} \rightarrow \text{Response}$

• Resting Membrane Potential: $V_m = V_{in} - V_{out}$ Where $V_m$ is the membrane potential, $V_{in}$ is the potential inside the cell, and $V_{out}$ is the potential outside the cell.

Additional Info

• Students are expected to complete weekly assignments and participate in online discussions.

• Make-up exams require documentation of emergency or professional/medical necessity.

• Religious accommodations are available upon request.