Course Introduction and Syllabus

Overview

This course, BSC 215 Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab, provides a foundational understanding of human anatomy and physiology through hands-on laboratory activities, lectures, and online assignments. The syllabus outlines course policies, grading, schedule, and essential anatomical terminology.

Course Policies

Attendance

• Mandatory Attendance: Students must attend all lab sessions and complete assignments on time.

• Absence Policy: Only university-approved absences are excused. Documentation is required for missed labs.

• Make-up Work: Students must plan to make up missed lab activities, online work, and quizzes.

• Consequences: Missing more than two labs results in failure of both the lecture and lab sections.

Lab Policies

• Appropriate Attire: Long pants, shirt with sleeves, and closed-toed shoes are required at all times.

• Prohibited Items: No food or drink allowed in the lab.

• Behavior: Tardiness, disruptive behavior, or cell phone use will result in dismissal and an unexcused absence.

Grading and Evaluation

Grading Breakdown

• Lab Component: Lab activities constitute 40% of the final grade.

• No Extra Credit: There are no extra credit opportunities.

Course Schedule

Major Topics

• Introduction and Body Regions

• Cellular Chemistry and Microscopy

• Histology and Integument

• Bone Tissue and Axial Skeleton

• Appendicular Skeleton and Articulations

• Muscular System

• Nervous Tissue, CNS, PNS

• Special Senses I: Eye/Vision

• Special Senses II: Tongue/Gustation, Olfaction, Ear/Audition & Vestibular Sensation

Additional info: The schedule is divided into two main lab blocks (Labs 1-3 and Labs 4-6), each covering specific anatomical systems and regions.

Introduction to Anatomical Terms

Levels of Structural Organization

The human body is organized into hierarchical levels, each with increasing complexity:

• Chemical Level: Atoms and molecules

• Cellular Level: Cells and their organelles

• Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells

• Organ Level: Structures composed of multiple tissue types

• Organ System Level: Groups of organs working together

• Organismal Level: The complete human body

Anatomical Position

• Definition: The standard reference position for anatomical terminology. The body stands upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

• Importance: Ensures consistency when describing locations and directions on the body.

Directional Terms

Directional terms are used to describe the locations of structures relative to other structures or locations in the body.

• Superior (Cranial): Toward the head

• Inferior (Caudal): Toward the feet

• Anterior (Ventral): Toward the front

• Posterior (Dorsal): Toward the back

• Medial: Toward the midline

• Lateral: Away from the midline

• Intermediate: Between medial and lateral

• Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment

• Distal: Farther from the point of attachment

• Superficial (External): Toward or at the body surface

• Deep (Internal): Away from the body surface

Regional Terms

Regional terms specify distinct areas of the body:

• Axial Region: Includes the head, neck, and trunk (primary axis of the body)

• Appendicular Region: Relates to the limbs (arms and legs)

Body Planes

Body planes are imaginary lines used to divide the body for anatomical study:

• Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into left and right parts

• Median (Midsagittal) Plane: Divides the body into equal left and right halves

• Parasagittal Plane: Divides the body into unequal left and right parts

• Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts

• Transverse (Horizontal) Plane: Divides the body into superior and inferior parts

• Oblique Plane: Passes through the body at an angle

Body Cavities

Body cavities are spaces within the body that house organs and are often lined by membranes.

• Dorsal Cavity: Contains the cranial cavity (brain) and vertebral/spinal cavity (spinal cord)

• Ventral Cavity: Contains the thoracic cavity (lungs, heart) and abdominopelvic cavity (digestive organs, bladder, reproductive organs)

• Other Cavities: Oral, nasal, orbital, middle ear, and synovial cavities

Serous Membranes

Serous membranes line body cavities and cover organs, providing lubrication and protection.

• Visceral Layer: Covers the organ

• Parietal Layer: Lines the cavity wall

• Examples: Visceral pleural membrane (lung), parietal peritoneum (abdominal cavity)

Abdominal Regions and Quadrants

The abdomen is divided for clinical and anatomical reference:

• Quadrants: Right Upper, Left Upper, Right Lower, Left Lower

• Regions: Epigastric (above), Hypogastric (below), and others

Additional info: Students should be able to identify organs located in each quadrant and region.

Example Table: Grading Breakdown

Key Study Activities

• Identify organ systems and their functions

• Complete directional terminology questions

• Label anatomical figures and diagrams

• Participate in online activities via Pearson