Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology I: Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology I

This course provides a foundational introduction to the structure and function of the human body, focusing on the major organ systems and their regulation. Students will learn about cellular physiology, tissue organization, and the principles of homeostasis, with emphasis on the nervous and endocrine systems. The course includes lectures, assignments, and exams designed to assess understanding and application of key concepts.

• Course Duration: September - December, 2025

• Instructor: Dr. J. Carnegie, PhD, M.Ed.

• Lecture Times: Tuesdays 11:30-12:50, Fridays 13:00-14:20

• Textbook: Human Anatomy & Physiology (Marieb & Hoehn, 12th edition, Pearson)

• Course Website: ANP1111

Course Structure and Evaluation

Exams and Assignments

Students will complete three exams and several assignments throughout the term. Exams will cover lecture material, textbook readings, and online resources. Assignments are designed to reinforce key concepts and encourage independent study.

• Exam 1: Topics 1-4 (Friday, September 26th)

• Assignments: Due dates and topics are specified in the syllabus

• Grading: Exams, assignments, and online activities contribute to the final mark

Component	Final Mark (%)
Exam 1 (Topics 1-4)	15
Exam 2 (Topics 5-8)	15
Mastering A&P (Chapter Assignments)	5
Student Self-Assessment Assignments	5
Final Exam (Topics 1-14)	60

Main Topics and Subtopics

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

This section introduces the basic terminology and concepts used in anatomy and physiology, including levels of organization and homeostasis.

• Definition of Key Terms: atom, molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organ system

• Hierarchy of Anatomical Structure: Organization from smallest to largest: atom → molecule → organelle → cell → tissue → organ → organ system → organism

• Homeostasis: The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions. Example: Regulation of body temperature.

• Role of Nervous and Endocrine Systems: Key regulators of homeostasis

• Hypothalamus: Integrates autonomic and endocrine functions

2. Tissues: Types and Functions

This topic covers the four basic tissue types in the human body and their specialized functions.

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

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

• Muscle Tissue: Responsible for movement; types include skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle

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

• Classification of Epithelia: Based on cell shape (squamous, cuboidal, columnar) and layers (simple, stratified)

• Connective Tissue Fibers: Collagen, elastic, reticular

• Example: Stratified squamous epithelium in the skin

3. The Integumentary System

The integumentary system includes the skin and its accessory structures, providing protection and sensory functions.

• Layers of the Skin: Epidermis (outer), dermis (middle), hypodermis (deepest)

• Cells of the Epidermis: Keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells

• Accessory Structures: Hair, nails, sweat glands, sebaceous glands

• Functions: Protection, temperature regulation, sensation

• Burns: Classified by degree (first, second, third)

• Example: Hair follicles produce hair for protection and insulation

4. Skeleton & Joints

This section explores the structure and function of the skeletal system and joints, including bone classification and joint movement.

• Axial Skeleton: Skull, vertebral column, rib cage

• Appendicular Skeleton: Limbs and girdles

• Bone Structure: Compact bone, spongy bone, marrow

• Joint Types: Fibrous, cartilaginous, synovial

• Movements: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation

• Example: The knee is a synovial joint allowing flexion and extension

5. Muscles of the Body

This topic covers the organization and function of skeletal muscles, including muscle fiber structure and contraction mechanisms.

• Muscle Fiber Anatomy: Sarcolemma, sarcoplasm, myofibrils

• Types of Muscle Tissue: Skeletal (voluntary), cardiac (involuntary), smooth (involuntary)

• Muscle Contraction: Sliding filament theory; actin and myosin interaction

• Major Muscle Groups: Muscles of facial expression, mastication, tongue, vertebral column

• Example: Biceps brachii flexes the forearm at the elbow

Key Definitions and Concepts

• Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment

• Hierarchy of Organization: Levels from atom to organism

• Types of Tissues: Epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous

• Bone Classification: Long, short, flat, irregular

• Joint Movements: Flexion, extension, rotation, abduction, adduction

Important Formulas and Equations

• Surface Area to Volume Ratio: Important in cell physiology $\text{Surface Area to Volume Ratio} = \frac{\text{Surface Area}}{\text{Volume}}$

• Muscle Contraction (Sliding Filament Theory): $\text{Force} = \text{Number of Cross-Bridges} \times \text{Force per Cross-Bridge}$

Additional Info

• Students are encouraged to use the textbook and online resources for further study.

• Assignments and exams are scheduled throughout the term; check the course website for updates.

• Academic integrity is emphasized; plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited.