Human Anatomy and Physiology II: Course Overview and Study Guide

Study Guide - Smart Notes

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Course Introduction

This course is a continuation of the study of human anatomy and physiology, focusing on the endocrine, blood, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, urinary, digestive, and reproductive systems. It also covers fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance, as well as prenatal development. The course is designed for college students pursuing studies in health sciences and related fields.

Course Structure and Requirements

Lecture and Lab: The course consists of both lecture and laboratory components. Students are responsible for completing both to receive full credit.
Prerequisites: Completion of BIO 141 with a grade of C or better.
Textbook: Mastering A&P with Pearson eText (Amerman, 2024, 3rd Edition, ISBN 13: 824017424798).
Technology: Reliable access to a computer and internet is required. Exams may require a webcam and Lockdown Browser with Respondus Monitor.

General Education Core Competencies

Critical Thinking: Ability to use information, ideas, and arguments from relevant sources to solve problems and make well-reasoned conclusions.
Scientific Literacy: Ability to apply scientific methods and concepts to make informed decisions and engage with issues related to the natural and physical world.

Major Topics and Learning Outcomes

Endocrine System

The endocrine system consists of glands that secrete hormones to regulate body functions and maintain homeostasis.

Components: Includes glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, and gonads.
Functions: Regulates metabolism, growth, reproduction, and stress responses.
Homeostasis: Hormones act as chemical messengers to maintain internal balance.
Example: Insulin from the pancreas regulates blood glucose levels.

Blood and Hematopoiesis

Blood is a connective tissue composed of plasma and formed elements (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets).

Functions: Transport of gases, nutrients, wastes, and hormones; immune defense; clotting.
Hematopoiesis: The process of blood cell formation, primarily in the bone marrow.
Blood Groups: Classification based on antigens (e.g., ABO, Rh systems).
Example: Type O blood lacks A and B antigens and is a universal donor.

Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system includes the heart and blood vessels, responsible for circulating blood throughout the body.

Heart Anatomy: Four chambers (right/left atria, right/left ventricles), valves, and major vessels.
Cardiac Cycle: Sequence of events in one heartbeat, including systole and diastole.
Blood Vessels: Arteries, veins, and capillaries; structure and function.
Blood Flow and Resistance: Governed by vessel diameter, blood viscosity, and pressure gradients.
Hemodynamics: Study of blood flow; key equation: where is the pressure difference and is resistance.
Example: Blood pressure is highest in arteries and lowest in veins.

Lymphatic and Immune Systems

The lymphatic system returns interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and is integral to immune defense.

Lymphatic Organs: Lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils.
Immune Response: Innate (nonspecific) and adaptive (specific) immunity.
Cell-Mediated and Humoral Immunity: T cells (cell-mediated), B cells (antibody-mediated).
Example: Vaccines stimulate adaptive immunity by exposing the body to antigens.

Respiratory System

The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange, supplying oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.

Anatomy: Nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, alveoli.
Pulmonary Ventilation: Movement of air in and out of the lungs (breathing).
Gas Transport: Oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported in the blood, primarily bound to hemoglobin or dissolved in plasma.
Regulation: Controlled by respiratory centers in the brainstem.
Example: During exercise, increased CO2 stimulates faster breathing.

Digestive System

The digestive system breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.

Major Organs: Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder.
Functions: Ingestion, digestion, absorption, and defecation.
Enzymes: Catalyze breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Example: Amylase in saliva begins starch digestion in the mouth.

Urinary System

The urinary system removes waste products from the blood and regulates water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance.

Organs: Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra.
Nephron: Functional unit of the kidney; filters blood and forms urine.
Homeostasis: Regulates blood volume, pressure, and pH.
Example: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) increases water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance

Maintaining the proper balance of fluids, electrolytes, and pH is essential for normal cellular function.

Electrolytes: Ions such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl- are critical for nerve and muscle function.
Acid-Base Balance: Maintained by buffers, respiratory, and renal mechanisms.
Key Equation: Henderson-Hasselbalch equation for pH:
Example: Bicarbonate buffer system helps maintain blood pH.

Reproductive System and Development

The reproductive system enables the production of offspring and includes processes of fertilization, embryonic, and fetal development.

Male Organs: Testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, penis.
Female Organs: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina.
Fertilization: Union of sperm and egg to form a zygote.
Development: Embryonic and fetal stages, placental formation, pregnancy, and parturition (birth).
Example: Estrogen and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Course Schedule Overview

The course follows a structured schedule, covering each major system in sequence. Exams are spaced throughout the semester to assess understanding of each section.

Date	Topic	Exam	Chapter
26-Aug	Introduction & Endocrine System		16
2-Sep	Endocrine System/Cardiovascular System: Heart		17
9-Sep	Cardiovascular System: Heart		17
16-Sep	Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels	Exam 1 - Ch. 16, 17
23-Sep	Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels		18
30-Sep	Cardiovascular System: Blood		19
7-Oct	Lymphatic System and Immunity/Respiratory System		20
14-Oct	Respiratory System	Exam 2 - Ch. 18-20	21
21-Oct	Digestive System		22
28-Oct	Digestive System: Metabolism and Nutrition		23
4-Nov	NO CLASS - ELECTION DAY
11-Nov	Urinary System	Exam 3 - Ch. 21-23	24
18-Nov	Urinary System		24
25-Nov	Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis		25
2-Dec	Reproductive System and Development		26, 27
9-Dec	Exam 4 - Ch. 24-25 and Cumulative Final

Assessment and Grading

Lecture Exams: 50% of final grade; multiple choice, true/false, matching, and short essay questions.
MAP Reading Reviews: 5%
MAP Quizzes: 5%
Lab: 40%
Grading Scale:
- A: 90-100%
- B: 80-89%
- C: 70-79%
- D: 60-69%
- F: 59% or below

Policies and Procedures

Attendance: Required for all scheduled classes and labs. Missing more than 15% of sessions may result in withdrawal.
Late Work/Make-up Exams: Only accepted for extenuating circumstances with documentation.
Academic Integrity: Use of generative AI for assignments is prohibited; violations may result in disciplinary action.
Communication: Students should check Canvas and email regularly for updates and assignments.

Student Support Resources

Library
Canvas Support
Academic Support Services
Telehealth Support Program
Important Websites: Canvas, Library

Summary Table: Major Organ Systems Covered

System	Main Functions	Key Organs/Structures
Endocrine	Hormone secretion, regulation of metabolism, growth, reproduction	Pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads
Blood	Transport, immunity, clotting	Red/white blood cells, platelets, plasma
Cardiovascular	Circulation of blood, nutrient/waste transport	Heart, arteries, veins, capillaries
Lymphatic/Immune	Fluid balance, immune defense	Lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, lymphatic vessels
Respiratory	Gas exchange (O2/CO2)	Lungs, trachea, bronchi, alveoli
Digestive	Breakdown and absorption of nutrients	Stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas
Urinary	Waste removal, water/electrolyte balance	Kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra
Reproductive	Production of gametes, development of offspring	Testes, ovaries, uterus, penis, vagina

Additional info: This guide is based on the official course syllabus and is intended to provide a structured overview for exam preparation and review. For detailed study, refer to the assigned textbook chapters and laboratory materials.