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BIOL 2401 Human Anatomy & Physiology I: Course Syllabus and Study Guide

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Course Overview

Introduction

BIOL 2401 Human Anatomy & Physiology I is the first part of a two-course sequence designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of the human body. The course covers cells, tissues, and organs of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and special senses systems, emphasizing the interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. Laboratory sessions offer hands-on learning experiences for exploration of human system components and basic physiology.

Course Structure and Content

Main Topics Covered

  • Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (Ch. 1)

  • Histology (Ch. 4)

  • The Integumentary System (Ch. 5)

  • Bones and Skeletal Tissue (Ch. 6)

  • The Skeletal System (Ch. 7)

  • Articulations (Joints) (Ch. 8)

  • The Muscular System (Ch. 9)

  • Muscle Tissue and Physiology (Ch. 10)

  • Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue (Ch. 11)

  • The Central Nervous System (Ch. 12)

  • The Peripheral Nervous System (Ch. 13)

  • The Autonomic Nervous System and Homeostasis (Ch. 14)

  • The Special Senses (Ch. 15)

Each topic is explored through both lecture and laboratory components, with emphasis on structural and functional relationships, homeostasis, and physiological regulation.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

The Human Body: An Orientation

  • Anatomy and Physiology: Define and describe their subdivisions.

  • Principle of Complementarity: Explain how structure and function are interrelated.

  • Levels of Structural Organization: Identify and explain relationships from chemical to organismal levels.

  • Organ Systems: List, identify components, and explain major functions of the 11 organ systems.

  • Functional Characteristics: List characteristics necessary to maintain life.

  • Homeostasis: Define and explain its significance; describe negative and positive feedback mechanisms.

  • Anatomical Position and Terms: Describe anatomical position, directions, regions, planes, and body cavities.

  • Abdominopelvic Regions: Name quadrants/regions and list contained organs.

Histology: The Living Fabric

  • Epithelial Tissue: Structural and functional characteristics, types, chief functions, and locations.

  • Glands: Define, classify, and differentiate between exocrine/endocrine and multicellular/unicellular glands.

  • Connective Tissue: Common characteristics, structural elements, types, and functions.

  • Muscle Tissue: Compare and contrast three types; describe structure and function.

  • Nervous Tissue: General characteristics.

  • Membranes: Structure and function of cutaneous, mucous, and serous membranes.

The Integumentary System

  • Skin Layers: Two main layers and subcutaneous tissue.

  • Epidermis: Tissue types, major layers, and functions.

  • Dermis: Tissue types, major layers, and functions.

  • Skin Color: Factors contributing to skin color.

  • Hair Follicle: Parts and functions; relationship with arrector pili muscles.

  • Sweat and Oil Glands: Structure, location, composition, and function of secretions.

  • Eccrine vs. Apocrine Glands: Comparison.

  • Skin Functions: At least five functions.

Bones and Skeletal Tissue

  • Cartilage Tissue: Functional properties and major locations.

  • Bone Functions: Seven important functions.

  • Bone Classes: Four classes with examples.

  • Bone Anatomy: Gross anatomy of flat and long bones; locations and functions of marrow, cartilage, periosteum, and endosteum.

  • Bone Markings: Functional importance.

  • Bone Histology: Compact vs. spongy bone.

  • Chemical Composition: Organic and inorganic components.

  • Ossification: Intramembranous vs. endochondral.

  • Long Bone Growth: Process at epiphyseal plates.

  • Bone Cells: Osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts; locations and functions.

  • Bone Remodeling: Regulation by hormones and physical stress.

The Skeleton

  • Skull Bones: Names, descriptions, and markings.

  • Vertebral Column: Structure, components, and curvatures.

  • Vertebrae: Typical structure and regional features.

  • Thoracic Cage: Bones and structure.

  • Pectoral Girdle: Bones, structure, arrangement, and function.

  • Upper Limb Bones: Names and markings.

  • Pelvic Girdle: Bones, strength, and function.

  • Lower Limb Bones: Names and markings.

Joints (Articulations)

  • Definition: Joint or articulation.

  • Classification: By structure and function.

  • Fibrous Joints: Structure and examples.

  • Cartilaginous Joints: Structure and examples.

  • Synovial Joints: Structural characteristics.

  • Body Movements: Common movements and examples.

  • Synovial Joint Types: Six types based on movement.

Muscle and Muscle Tissue

  • Muscle Types: Comparison of three basic types.

  • Functions: Four important functions.

  • Skeletal Muscle Structure: Gross and microscopic anatomy.

  • Myofibrils, Sarcoplasmic Reticulum, T Tubules: Structure and function.

  • Sliding Filament Model: Muscle contraction mechanism.

  • Neuromuscular Junction: Events leading to contraction.

  • Action Potential: Generation and propagation.

  • Excitation-Contraction Coupling: Steps leading to cross bridge activity.

  • Motor Unit and Muscle Twitch: Definition and phases.

  • ATP Regeneration: Three methods during contraction.

  • EPOC and Muscle Fatigue: Definitions and causes.

  • Smooth vs. Skeletal Muscle: Gross and microscopic anatomy.

The Muscular System

  • Muscle Roles: Prime movers, antagonists, synergists, and fixators.

Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue

  • Nervous System Functions: Basic functions.

  • Divisions: Structural and functional divisions.

  • Neuroglia: Types and functions.

  • Neuron: Structure and functional roles.

  • Nerve vs. Tract; Nucleus vs. Ganglion: Differences.

  • Myelin Sheath: Importance and formation.

  • Neuron Classification: By structure and function.

  • Ion Channels: Types.

  • Resting Membrane Potential: Electrochemical basis.

  • Graded vs. Action Potentials: Comparison.

  • Action Potential: Generation and propagation.

  • Saltatory vs. Continuous Conduction: Definitions.

  • Synapse: Definition.

  • Neurotransmitters: Classes and examples.

The Central Nervous System

  • Brain Regions: Names and locations.

  • Ventricles: Names and locations.

  • Cerebral Cortex: Lobes, fissures, and functional areas.

  • Diencephalon: Subdivisions and functions.

  • Brain Stem: Regions and functions.

  • Cerebellum: Structure and function.

  • Limbic System and Reticular Formation: Roles.

  • Language and Memory: Brain areas involved.

  • Protection: Meninges, cerebrospinal fluid, blood-brain barrier.

  • Spinal Cord: Gross and microscopic structure.

The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity

  • Definition: Peripheral nervous system and components.

  • Sensory Receptors: Classification by stimulus, location, and structure.

  • Sensation and Perception: Events leading to perception.

  • Sensory Perception: Main aspects.

  • Nerve Structure: General structure.

  • Ganglion: Definition and location.

  • Reflex Arc: Components; autonomic vs. somatic reflexes.

The Autonomic Nervous System

  • Definition: Autonomic nervous system and relationship to PNS.

  • Somatic vs. Autonomic: Effectors, pathways, neurotransmitters.

  • Parasympathetic vs. Sympathetic: Functions and effects on organs.

  • Cholinergic and Adrenergic Fibers: Types and receptors.

The Special Senses

  • Eye: Structure, function, layers, lens, humors, and accessory structures.

  • Vision: Pathway of light, focusing, and neural signal conversion.

  • Rods vs. Cones: Roles in vision.

  • Smell and Taste: Location, structure, pathways, and activation.

  • Ear: Structure and function of outer, middle, and internal ears.

  • Sound Conduction: Pathway to internal ear fluids.

  • Balance: Role of semicircular canals and vestibule in equilibrium.

Course Schedule and Assessment

Exams and Grading

  • Exam 1: The Human Body: An Orientation, Histology, Integumentary System

  • Exam 2: Skeletal System

  • Exam 3: Muscular System

  • Exam 4: Nervous System, Central Nervous System, Peripheral Nervous System, Autonomic Nervous System, Special Senses

  • Final Exam: Comprehensive, covering all topics

Grading is based on exams (60%), homework (20%), and a comprehensive final (20%). The final exam is mandatory and cannot be dropped.

Student Support and Resources

  • Textbook: HUMAN ANATOMY+PHYS.(LL)-PACKAGE, Amerman, Pearson, 3rd Edition

  • Online Access: MasteringA&P required

  • Support Services: Tutoring, mental health, fitness center, library, IT help desk, academic accommodations

General Education Core Objectives

  • Critical Thinking: Inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis, problem solving

  • Communication Skills: Reading, speaking, listening

  • Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Computer literacy, information extraction, analysis, organization

  • Teamwork: Collaboration, conflict resolution, consideration of differing opinions

Institutional Policies

  • Repeating Courses: Additional fees for third attempt

  • Dropping/Withdrawing: Procedures and guidelines

  • Academic Integrity: Expectations and support

  • COVID Protocol: Follow CDC guidelines

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