Lab Safety

Introduction to Lab Safety

Laboratory safety is essential in Anatomy & Physiology courses to prevent accidents, ensure a clean environment, and protect students and staff from potential hazards. Understanding and following safety protocols is a foundational skill for all laboratory work.

• Proper Attire: Students must wear appropriate clothing in the lab. Clothes that are NOT advisable include open-toed shoes, shorts, loose sleeves, and dangling jewelry. The purpose of a lab coat or scrub top is to protect your skin and personal clothing from spills, stains, and contamination.

• Food and Drink Policy: Eating or drinking in the lab is not allowed because it increases the risk of ingesting hazardous chemicals or biological agents. Contaminants can be transferred from surfaces to food or drink, posing health risks.

• Lab Safety Equipment: Items such as lab coats, gloves, and goggles are used to protect against chemical spills, biological hazards, and physical injury. These items should be stored in a clean area, not in personal bags or on the floor, to avoid contamination.

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS): SDS provide detailed information about chemicals used in the lab, including hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures. They are essential for understanding how to respond to spills or exposures.

• Storage of Belongings: Backpacks and personal items should be stored in designated areas away from lab benches to prevent tripping hazards and contamination.

• End-of-Lab Procedures: Before leaving the lab, students should clean their workspace, dispose of waste properly, wash their hands, and ensure all equipment is returned to its proper place.

Example: If a chemical spill occurs, refer to the SDS for cleanup instructions and wear appropriate protective equipment.

Lab 1: Anatomical Position and Terms

Anatomical Position

The anatomical position is a standard reference posture used to describe the locations and relationships of body parts. In this position, the person stands upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

• Purpose: Provides a consistent frame of reference for anatomical terminology and diagrams.

Terms to Know

Understanding anatomical terminology is crucial for identifying structures and communicating effectively in the lab.

• Directional Terms: Describe the location of one body part relative to another (e.g., superior, inferior, anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, proximal, distal).

• Anatomical Region Names: Refer to specific areas of the body (e.g., brachial for arm, femoral for thigh).

• Body Cavity Names: Identify major internal spaces (e.g., cranial cavity, thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity, pelvic cavity).

• Serous Membrane Names and Terms: Serous membranes line body cavities and cover organs (e.g., pleura, pericardium, peritoneum).

• Planes and Sections: Imaginary lines used to divide the body for study (e.g., sagittal, frontal/coronal, transverse/horizontal planes).

Example: The heart is medial to the lungs and located within the thoracic cavity.

Lab 2: Organ Systems Overview

Introduction to Organ Systems

The human body is organized into organ systems, each with specific functions necessary for survival. Identifying organs and understanding their functions is a key learning objective in Anatomy & Physiology.

• Organ System Identification: Students should be able to name organs and describe their functions. For example, the heart (cardiovascular system) pumps blood, while the lungs (respiratory system) facilitate gas exchange.

• Multiple Functions: Many organs serve more than one function. For instance, the liver (digestive system) processes nutrients and detoxifies chemicals.

Example: The kidneys (urinary system) filter blood to produce urine and regulate electrolyte balance.

Additional info: The above table summarizes the major organ systems, their main organs, and primary functions, which is foundational knowledge for all Anatomy & Physiology students.