BIO 201: Anatomy & Physiology I – Core Learning Objectives

Chapter 1: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

This chapter introduces the foundational concepts of anatomy and physiology, including definitions, structural organization, and the principles that govern the human body.

• Anatomy: The study of body structure and the relationships among body parts.

• Physiology: The study of body function and how the body parts work together to sustain life.

• Principle of Complementarity: Structure and function are closely related; the form of a body part enables its function.

• Levels of Structural Organization:

  • Chemical

  • Cellular

  • Tissue

  • Organ

  • Organ System

  • Organism

• Organ Systems: There are 11 major organ systems (e.g., integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, etc.), each with specific functions.

• Necessary Life Functions: Includes maintaining boundaries, movement, responsiveness, digestion, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, and growth.

• Survival Needs: Nutrients, oxygen, water, normal body temperature, and appropriate atmospheric pressure.

• Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment. Involves negative and positive feedback mechanisms.

• Homeostatic Imbalance: Disruption can lead to disease or dysfunction.

• Anatomical Position: Standard body position used as a reference in describing anatomical terms and directions.

• Body Directions, Regions, and Planes: Terms such as superior/inferior, anterior/posterior, medial/lateral, proximal/distal, and planes like sagittal, frontal, and transverse.

• Body Cavities: Major cavities include dorsal (cranial and vertebral) and ventral (thoracic, abdominal, pelvic).

• Abdominopelvic Regions and Quadrants: Used to describe locations of organs and pain.

  • Four quadrants: right upper, left upper, right lower, left lower

  • Nine regions: right/left hypochondriac, epigastric, right/left lumbar, umbilical, right/left iliac, hypogastric

Chapter 4: Tissues

This chapter covers the four primary tissue types, their characteristics, and their roles in the human body.

• Primary Tissue Types:

  • Epithelial

  • Connective

  • Muscle

  • Nervous

• Microscopy and Tissue Preparation: Steps include fixation, sectioning, and staining.

• Epithelial Tissue:

  • Structural and functional characteristics: polarity, specialized contacts, supported by connective tissue, avascular but innervated, regeneration.

  • Types: simple, stratified, squamous, cuboidal, columnar.

  • Main functions: protection, absorption, filtration, excretion, secretion, sensory reception.

• Glands:

  • Endocrine: secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

  • Exocrine: secrete products into ducts (e.g., sweat, oil glands).

  • Unicellular vs. multicellular glands.

• Connective Tissue:

  • Functions: binding, support, protection, insulation, transportation (blood).

  • Structural elements: ground substance, fibers (collagen, elastic, reticular), cells.

  • Types: connective tissue proper, cartilage, bone, blood.

• Muscle Tissue:

  • Types: skeletal, cardiac, smooth.

  • Functions: movement, posture, heat production.

• Nervous Tissue:

  • Main cell types: neurons and neuroglia.

  • Function: transmit electrical signals for communication and control.

• Tissue Repair: Involves inflammation, organization, and regeneration/fibrosis.

Chapter 5: The Integumentary System

This chapter explores the structure and function of the skin and its derivatives, including hair, nails, and glands.

• Integumentary System: Consists of the skin, hair, nails, and glands. Functions include protection, temperature regulation, sensation, metabolic functions, blood reservoir, and excretion.

• Skin Layers:

  • Epidermis: outermost, avascular, composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

  • Dermis: deeper, vascular, contains connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.

  • Subcutaneous (hypodermis): not part of skin proper, consists mainly of adipose tissue.

• Cells of the Epidermis: Keratinocytes, melanocytes, dendritic (Langerhans) cells, tactile (Merkel) cells.

• Layers of the Epidermis (from deep to superficial):

  • Stratum basale

  • Stratum spinosum

  • Stratum granulosum

  • Stratum lucidum (only in thick skin)

  • Stratum corneum

• Skin Color: Determined by melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin.

• Hair and Nails: Structure, growth, and function.

• Glands:

  • Sudoriferous (sweat) glands: eccrine and apocrine types.

  • Sebaceous (oil) glands: secrete sebum.

• Burns and Skin Cancer:

  • Burn classification: first, second, third degree.

  • Skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma.

Chapter 6: Bones and Skeletal Tissues

This chapter examines the structure, function, and development of bones and cartilage in the human body.

• Skeletal Cartilage: Types include hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage. Functions as support and precursor to bone.

• Bone Functions: Support, protection, movement, mineral storage, blood cell formation, triglyceride storage, hormone production.

• Bone Classification: Long, short, flat, irregular bones.

• Gross Anatomy of Bones: Diaphysis, epiphyses, membranes (periosteum, endosteum).

• Microscopic Anatomy:

  • Compact bone: osteons (Haversian systems).

  • Spongy bone: trabeculae.

• Chemical Composition: Organic (cells, osteoid) and inorganic (hydroxyapatites) components.

• Bone Development:

  • Intramembranous ossification: forms flat bones.

  • Endochondral ossification: forms most bones of the skeleton.

• Bone Growth: Epiphyseal plate activity allows for lengthwise growth.

• Bone Remodeling: Involves osteoblasts (bone-forming), osteoclasts (bone-resorbing), and osteocytes (maintenance).

• Hormonal Regulation: Parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and others regulate bone remodeling.

• Fracture Repair: Steps include hematoma formation, fibrocartilaginous callus formation, bony callus formation, and bone remodeling.

• Bone Disorders: Osteoporosis, osteomalacia, Paget’s disease.

Table: Comparison of Bone Cells

Key Equations

• Calcium Homeostasis:

• Bone Growth:

Additional info: These objectives provide a comprehensive overview of the foundational topics in Anatomy & Physiology I, suitable for exam preparation and review.