Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab: Course Overview and Study Guide

Course Overview: Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab

Course Description

This course is the second semester of a two-part sequence in human anatomy and physiology. It focuses on the interrelationships of organ systems, including the endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems. The course includes both lecture (3 hours) and laboratory (2 hours) components.

Prerequisites

• Completion of BIOL 137 (Anatomy & Physiology I) with a grade of C or higher is recommended.

Course Learning Outcomes

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

1. Explain basic principles of inorganic and organic chemistry as they apply to physiological processes.

2. Describe basic cell structure and physiology.

3. Describe the structure and function of major tissue types.

4. Recognize the complementarity of structure and function.

5. Describe basic metabolic processes of organ systems.

6. Explain the interrelationships between organ systems and physiological processes.

7. Explain the major homeostatic mechanisms utilized by each body system in response to internal and external environmental changes.

8. Explain physiological and anatomical mechanisms of common dysfunctions.

Major Organ Systems Covered

• Endocrine System: Regulation of body functions via hormones.

• Reproductive System: Production of gametes, hormonal regulation, and reproductive cycles.

• Cardiovascular System: Heart structure and function, blood vessels, and circulation.

• Lymphatic System: Immune response, lymphatic vessels, and lymphoid organs.

• Digestive System: Breakdown and absorption of nutrients, structure of the alimentary canal.

• Respiratory System: Gas exchange, mechanics of breathing, and regulation of respiration.

• Urinary System: Filtration of blood, urine formation, and fluid/electrolyte balance.

Key Academic Concepts

Chemistry in Physiology

• Inorganic Chemistry: Study of non-carbon compounds, such as water, salts, acids, and bases.

• Organic Chemistry: Study of carbon-containing compounds, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

• Application: Understanding chemical reactions (e.g., hydrolysis, dehydration synthesis) is essential for grasping metabolic processes.

Cell Structure and Function

• Cell Membrane: Phospholipid bilayer controlling entry and exit of substances.

• Organelles: Specialized structures (e.g., mitochondria, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum) performing distinct cellular functions.

• Cell Physiology: Processes such as cellular respiration, protein synthesis, and cell division.

Major Tissue Types

• Epithelial Tissue: Covers body surfaces and lines cavities.

• Connective Tissue: Supports, binds, and protects organs (e.g., bone, blood, adipose tissue).

• Muscle Tissue: Responsible for movement (skeletal, cardiac, smooth muscle).

• Nervous Tissue: Conducts electrical impulses for communication.

Structure-Function Complementarity

• Biological structures are adapted to their functions (e.g., alveoli in lungs maximize gas exchange due to their large surface area).

Metabolic Processes

• Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to release energy.

• Anabolism: Synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones.

• Example Equation (Cellular Respiration):

$C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{energy (ATP)}$

Homeostasis

• Maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

• Negative Feedback: Most common mechanism (e.g., regulation of blood glucose levels).

• Positive Feedback: Less common, amplifies changes (e.g., blood clotting, labor contractions).

Common Dysfunction Mechanisms

• Understanding pathophysiology (e.g., diabetes mellitus as a dysfunction of insulin regulation).

Course Structure and Assessment

Lecture and Laboratory Components

• Lecture: Covers theoretical concepts, system overviews, and physiological mechanisms.

• Laboratory: Hands-on activities, dissections, experiments, and practical application of lecture material.

Graded Components

Component	Description	Points
Lecture Module Quizzes	5 quizzes, various question types	25 each
Lecture Module Exams	5 exams, comprehensive questions	50 each
Final Exam	Cumulative, covers all modules	200
Homework (Mastering A&P)	Chapter assignments	15 each
Laboratory Exercises	Lab activities, quizzes, practicals	Varies

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is required for all class and laboratory sessions.

• Missing more than 20% of sessions or required activities may result in being dropped from the course or receiving a failing grade.

Required Materials

• Textbook: Human Anatomy & Physiology, 2024 edition, Pearson Education.

• Lab Manual: Available on Blackboard.

• Technology: Reliable internet and a laptop or desktop computer are required.

Academic Integrity

• All work must be original and completed independently unless otherwise specified.

• Plagiarism, cheating, and misuse of artificial intelligence tools are strictly prohibited.

Support and Accommodations

• Students with disabilities should contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for accommodations.

• Laptop loaner programs and campus resources are available for technology needs.

Summary Table: Major Organ Systems and Functions

Organ System	Main Functions
Endocrine	Hormone production, regulation of metabolism, growth, and reproduction
Reproductive	Production of gametes, support of fetal development (female), hormonal regulation
Cardiovascular	Transport of nutrients, gases, wastes; regulation of temperature and pH
Lymphatic	Immune response, fluid balance, absorption of dietary fats
Digestive	Breakdown and absorption of nutrients, elimination of waste
Respiratory	Gas exchange (O2/CO2), regulation of blood pH
Urinary	Filtration of blood, removal of waste, regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance

Additional info: These notes are based on the course syllabus and introductory materials. For detailed study of each system, refer to the assigned textbook chapters and laboratory manual.