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Human Anatomy & Physiology (BIOL 109) - Structured Study Notes

Study Guide - Smart Notes

Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.

Course Overview

Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology

Human Anatomy and Physiology is the study of the structure and function of the human body. This course covers the major organ systems, their organization, and their roles in maintaining homeostasis. It is designed for students pursuing careers in allied health professions or those seeking foundational knowledge for personal or academic reasons.

  • Anatomy: The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

  • Physiology: The study of the function of body parts and how they work to carry out life-sustaining activities.

  • Major Organ Systems: Integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, immune, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive.

  • Applications: Preparation for careers such as Radiology Technician, Physical Therapist, Veterinary Technician, and Medical Laboratory Technician.

Additional info: This course is not a substitute for BIOL 110, 220, or 221 and does not satisfy the Anatomy & Physiology prerequisite for the Nursing Program.

Course Goals and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Identify the major human body systems and their organs.

  • Describe the organization of the human body at molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and organ system levels.

  • Explain homeostasis and its importance in maintaining stable internal conditions.

  • Describe the functions of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

  • Explain how the nervous and endocrine systems allow communication between parts of the body.

  • Apply knowledge of major nutritional needs of the body to digestive system function.

  • Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the human body across different racial and cultural groups, including disease prevalence and health disparities.

  • Use technology to measure physiological parameters (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory volumes, urine constituents).

  • Compare results of physiological tests to published standards.

  • Find, evaluate, and use sources of information, including scientific and non-scientific materials.

  • Utilize appropriate academic resources to analyze ethical and moral issues related to medical treatments and procedures.

Major Topics

Topics Covered in the Course

  • Introductory Chemistry

  • Cell Structure and Function

  • Tissue Organization

  • Integumentary System

  • Osteology and Articulation

  • Muscular System

  • Nervous System

    • Central Nervous System

    • Peripheral Nervous System

    • Special Senses

  • Endocrine System

  • Circulatory System

  • Respiratory System

  • Lymphatic System

  • Digestive System

  • Urinary System

  • Reproductive Systems

    • Male

    • Female

  • Global topics in human anatomy and physiology

Academic Integrity

Definition and Importance

Academic integrity is a core value at CCBC, requiring students to act honestly and ethically in all academic work. Violations include cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized sharing of course materials.

  • Plagiarism: Using another person's work or ideas without proper citation.

  • Cheating: Using unauthorized materials or assistance during exams or assignments.

  • Consequences: Violations may result in sanctions according to the Student Code of Conduct.

Netiquette Statement

Online Communication Guidelines

Netiquette refers to the rules of conduct for online communication. Students are expected to communicate with professionalism, courtesy, and kindness in all virtual interactions.

  • Applies to emails, discussion boards, virtual assessments, and social media.

  • Respectful language and behavior are required at all times.

Evaluation and Grading

Assessment Methods

Student performance is evaluated through a combination of lecture-based and lab-based assessments.

  • Unit Exams: Multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer/essay questions.

  • Quizzes: Short quizzes on lecture material.

  • Research Assignment: Poster presentation on disease mechanisms, treatments, and demographics.

  • Final Exam: Comprehensive, covering all course topics.

  • Lab Practicals: Three practical exams testing ability to identify structures in lab.

  • Prelab Homework/Lab Notebook: Regular checks for completion and accuracy.

Grading Breakdown

Category

Percentage of Grade

Details

Lecture Based Material

60%

  • Lecture Exams: 25%

  • Lecture Quizzes: 15%

  • Written Assignment (Poster): 10%

  • Comprehensive Final: 10%

Lab Based Material

40%

  • Lab Practicals: 30%

  • Lab Quizzes and Prelab Homework: 10%

Grade Calculation Formula

Grades are calculated using weighted averages:

  • Add all the percentage grades you earned per category.

  • Divide the total by the number of grades in that category.

  • Multiply the average by the weighted percentage assigned to the category.

  • Add all weighted percentages together for your final grade.

Example: If you score 80% on lecture exams (worth 25%), your contribution to the final grade from this category is points.

Course Materials

Required Texts and Equipment

  • Textbook: Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology, Eighth Edition, Martini & Bartholomew (with Mastering A&P Access Code).

  • Lab Workbook: Introduction to Human Biology Laboratory Workbook, Version 4, by Mateja (Open Educational Resource).

  • Equipment: Chemical splash goggles (lab safety glasses).

Course Logistics

Class Meetings and Communication

  • Lecture: DN1 (T/R) 19:40–21:05, CRBL 231

  • Laboratory: DN1 Tuesday & Thursday 18:00–19:25, CRBL 102

  • Instructor: George Mateja

  • Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 16:00–17:00, E211A

  • Email: gmateja@ccbcmd.edu

  • Response Time: 24–48 hours (weekdays); emails sent on weekends will be answered by Monday.

Key Terms and Concepts

Definitions

  • Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

  • Cell: The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

  • Tissue: A group of similar cells that perform a specific function.

  • Organ: A structure composed of two or more tissue types that performs a specific function.

  • Organ System: A group of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Example: Homeostasis Equation

Homeostasis can be represented by feedback mechanisms:

This sequence describes how the body detects and responds to changes to maintain equilibrium.

Summary Table: Major Organ Systems and Functions

Organ System

Main Function

Key Organs

Integumentary

Protection, temperature regulation

Skin, hair, nails

Skeletal

Support, movement, protection

Bones, joints

Muscular

Movement, heat production

Muscles

Nervous

Control, communication

Brain, spinal cord, nerves

Endocrine

Regulation, hormone production

Glands (pituitary, thyroid, etc.)

Cardiovascular

Transport of nutrients and gases

Heart, blood vessels

Lymphatic

Immunity, fluid balance

Lymph nodes, lymph vessels

Respiratory

Gas exchange

Lungs, trachea

Digestive

Breakdown and absorption of food

Stomach, intestines

Urinary

Waste elimination, water balance

Kidneys, bladder

Reproductive

Production of offspring

Ovaries, testes

Additional info:

  • Some details, such as the exact content of lab practicals and the full list of required assignments, were inferred from standard Anatomy & Physiology course structures.

  • Definitions and examples were expanded for clarity and completeness.

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