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Foundations of Human Anatomy & Physiology I: Concepts, Terminology, and Organization

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Course Overview

Required Materials

  • Pearson's Mastering A&P and eText: Online access for interactive learning and assignments.

  • Human Anatomy & Physiology, 11th ed., by Marieb and Hoehn: Primary textbook for course content.

  • A&P I Lab Manual, 4th ed., by HCC faculty: Laboratory manual for hands-on activities (available via Canvas).

Assessment Structure

  • Exams (including final): 50% of total grade

  • Discussion assignments: 12%

  • Homework/other assignments: 3%

  • Lab assignments/assessments: 35%

Grades are calculated by combining lecture and lab points. Minimum of 59.5% in both lecture and lab required to pass.

Percentage

Letter Grade

89.5 – 100%

A

79.5 – 89.4%

B

69.5 – 79.4%

C

59.5 – 69.4%

D

<59.5%

F

Core Concepts and Terminology

Major Learning Objectives

  • Define anatomy and its subdivisions.

  • Define physiology and its relationship with anatomy.

  • Describe the structure of the human body and associated terms.

  • List organ systems and discuss their composition and functions.

  • Explain homeostasis and the effects of negative and positive feedback mechanisms.

  • Identify components of control mechanisms.

  • Use anatomical position, directional, and regional terms.

  • Describe body planes, cavities, serous membranes, and abdominopelvic regions/quadrants.

Subdivisions of Anatomy

Overview

Anatomy is the study of the structure and interrelationships of body parts. It is divided into several subdivisions, each focusing on different aspects of the body.

Subdivision

Description

Examples/Techniques

Gross Anatomy

Study of structures visible to the naked eye

Systemic, Regional

Microscopic Anatomy

Study of structures requiring magnification

Histology (tissues), Cytology (cells)

Developmental Anatomy

Study of structural changes throughout life

Embryology, Fetology, Gerontology

Pathological Anatomy

Study of structural changes caused by disease

Pathology

Radiographic Anatomy

Study of body structures using imaging techniques

X-ray, CT scan, MRI, PET, Ultrasound

Examples of Imaging Techniques

  • X-ray: Uses electromagnetic radiation to visualize solid structures.

  • CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: Motorized X-ray source creates 3D images.

  • PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan: Uses radioactive tracers to visualize metabolic activity.

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses strong magnets and radio waves for high-definition images.

  • Ultrasound: Uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize soft tissues.

Levels of Organization in the Human Body

Hierarchical Structure

The human body is organized into increasing levels of complexity:

  1. Chemical Level: Atoms and molecules (e.g., C, H, O, N, P, S, Na+, K+, Ca2+).

  2. Cellular Level: Cells are the basic units of life (e.g., erythrocytes, adipocytes, osteocytes, neurons).

  3. Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells performing a common function. Four major tissue types:

    • Epithelial tissue

    • Connective tissue

    • Muscle tissue

    • Nervous tissue

  4. Organ Level: Structures composed of two or more tissue types (e.g., heart, liver, stomach).

  5. Organ System Level: Groups of organs working together (e.g., integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine).

  6. Organism Level: The complete living being.

Human Body Organ Systems

Major Organ Systems and Functions

  • Integumentary System: Protects body, regulates temperature, sensory reception.

  • Skeletal System: Supports and protects organs, stores minerals, produces blood cells.

  • Muscular System: Movement, posture, heat production.

  • Nervous System: Fast-acting control system, responds to stimuli.

  • Endocrine System: Slow-acting control system, secretes hormones.

  • Cardiovascular System: Transports nutrients, gases, wastes.

  • Lymphatic/Immune System: Defends against infection, returns fluids to blood.

  • Respiratory System: Gas exchange (O2 in, CO2 out).

  • Digestive System: Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients.

  • Urinary System: Eliminates wastes, regulates water and electrolytes.

  • Reproductive System: Produces offspring.

Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms

Definition and Importance

Homeostasis is the ability to maintain relatively constant internal conditions despite external changes. It involves dynamic equilibrium and is essential for survival.

Feedback Systems

  • Negative Feedback: Most common; reduces or reverses the effect of the original stimulus to maintain stability.

    • Example: Regulation of blood pressure, body temperature, blood glucose levels.

  • Positive Feedback: Amplifies the original stimulus; less common and often associated with rapid change or disease.

    • Example: Blood clotting, childbirth (oxytocin release).

Components of Homeostatic Systems

  • Receptor: Detects change (stimulus).

  • Control Center: Processes information and determines response.

  • Effector: Carries out response to restore balance.

Example Equation: Homeostatic Regulation

General feedback loop:

Standardized Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical Position

  • Body is erect

  • Feet flat on the floor

  • Arms at sides, palms facing forward

  • Head and eyes facing forward

Directional Terms

Term

Definition

Superior (Cranial)

Above; toward the head

Inferior (Caudal)

Below; toward the tail

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front/belly

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back

Medial

Toward the midline

Lateral

Away from the midline

Intermediate

Between medial and lateral

Proximal

Closer to origin/attachment

Distal

Farther from origin/attachment

Superficial (External)

Toward the surface

Deep (Internal)

Away from the surface

Regional Terms

  • Specific names for body areas (e.g., thoracic, abdominal, pelvic, brachial, femoral).

Body Planes and Sections

  • Sagittal Plane: Divides body into right and left portions.

    • Midsagittal: Equal right and left halves.

    • Parasagittal: Unequal right and left portions.

  • Transverse (Horizontal) Plane: Divides body into superior and inferior portions.

  • Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides body into anterior and posterior portions.

Body Cavities

  • Dorsal Body Cavity: Contains brain and spinal cord.

  • Ventral Body Cavity: Contains thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Serous Membranes

  • Parietal Layer: Lines cavity walls.

  • Visceral Layer: Covers organs.

  • Serous Fluid: Lubricates between layers.

Membrane

Location

Function

Pericardium

Heart

Protects and lubricates heart

Pleura

Lungs

Protects and lubricates lungs

Peritoneum

Abdominal organs

Protects and lubricates digestive organs

Abdominopelvic Regions and Quadrants

  • Regions: Nine regions used for anatomical study (e.g., epigastric, umbilical, hypogastric).

  • Quadrants: Four quadrants (RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ) used clinically to localize pain or pathology.

Example: Clinical Application

  • Appendicitis: Pain typically in the right lower quadrant (RLQ).

Additional info: Some content inferred and expanded for clarity and completeness, including definitions, examples, and table formatting.

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