Course Calendar Overview

This course calendar outlines the major topics and chapters covered in a college-level Anatomy & Physiology course. It provides a structured sequence for learning foundational concepts, major organ systems, and their physiological functions, along with assessment dates and special instructions for recorded lectures and exams.

Main Topics and Chapter Mapping

Anatomy & Physiology: Key Systems and Concepts

The Cell

The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms. Understanding cellular anatomy and physiology is foundational for studying all body systems.

• Cell Structure: Includes the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, organelles (nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, etc.).

• Cell Function: Cells perform essential processes such as metabolism, growth, response to stimuli, and reproduction.

• Example: Muscle cells (myocytes) are specialized for contraction, while neurons are specialized for signal transmission.

The Integumentary System

The integumentary system consists of the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands. It serves as the body's first line of defense and plays a role in protection, sensation, and thermoregulation.

• Key Functions: Protection from pathogens, regulation of body temperature, sensory reception, and synthesis of vitamin D.

• Layers of Skin: Epidermis (outer), dermis (middle), hypodermis (inner).

• Example: Sweat glands help cool the body through evaporation.

The Skeletal System

The skeletal system provides structural support, protection for internal organs, and facilitates movement through articulations with muscles.

• Osseous Tissue: Bone tissue composed of cells (osteocytes) and extracellular matrix.

• Axial Division: Includes the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.

• Appendicular Division: Includes the limbs and girdles (pectoral and pelvic).

• Articulations: Joints where bones meet, classified by structure and function (e.g., synovial, cartilaginous, fibrous).

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

The Muscular System

The muscular system is responsible for movement, posture, and heat production. It includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle tissues.

• Skeletal Muscle Tissue: Voluntary muscles attached to bones for movement.

• Muscle Organization: Muscles are organized into fascicles, fibers, and myofibrils.

• Axial Musculature: Muscles of the head, neck, and trunk.

• Appendicular Musculature: Muscles of the limbs.

• Example: The biceps brachii flexes the forearm at the elbow.

The Nervous System

The nervous system coordinates body activities by transmitting electrical and chemical signals. It consists of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

• Central Nervous System: Brain and spinal cord.

• Peripheral Nervous System: Nerves and ganglia outside the CNS.

• Functions: Sensory input, integration, motor output.

• Example: Reflex arcs allow rapid response to stimuli.

The Endocrine System

The endocrine system regulates physiological processes through hormones secreted by glands.

• Major Glands: Pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, etc.

• Functions: Growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress response.

• Example: Insulin regulates blood glucose levels.

The Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system transports nutrients, gases, hormones, and wastes throughout the body via blood, heart, and vessels.

• Blood: Composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

• Heart: Four-chambered organ that pumps blood.

• Vessels: Arteries, veins, and capillaries.

• Example: The aorta is the largest artery, carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.

The Lymphoid System

The lymphoid system is involved in immune defense and fluid balance.

• Components: Lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, lymphatic vessels.

• Functions: Filtration of lymph, immune response, absorption of dietary fats.

• Example: Lymph nodes filter pathogens from lymph fluid.

The Respiratory System

The respiratory system enables gas exchange between the body and the environment.

• Organs: Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs.

• Functions: Oxygen intake, carbon dioxide removal, acid-base balance.

• Example: Alveoli are the site of gas exchange in the lungs.

The Digestive System

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

• Organs: Mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas.

• Functions: Mechanical and chemical digestion, absorption, excretion.

• Example: The small intestine absorbs most nutrients from digested food.

The Urinary System

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

• Organs: Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra.

• Functions: Filtration of blood, urine formation, regulation of blood pressure.

• Example: Nephrons in the kidneys filter blood to produce urine.

Assessment Structure

• Exams: Three major exams are scheduled, covering specific chapters and systems.

• Quizzes: Quizzes on the nervous and cardiovascular systems are scheduled after those topics are covered.

• Take-Home Exam: Chapters 10, 11, 12, and 15 are covered in recorded lectures and assessed only in the take-home exam.

Additional info:

• Some chapters (10, 11, 12, 15) are only available as recorded lectures and are not covered in live sessions.

• Quiz and exam dates are provided to help students plan their study schedule.