Course Overview

Introduction to Human Anatomy (HES 120)

This course provides a foundational understanding of human anatomy, focusing on the integration of bones, nerves, vessels, and muscles to explain movement and structure. The material is designed for college-level Anatomy & Physiology students and covers essential concepts for both written and lab examinations.

• Course Materials: Primary resources are lab handouts, lecture slides, and practice materials provided in class.

• Assessment: Exams include written and lab components, with accommodations available through the DRC.

• Learning Approach: Emphasis on understanding basics before progressing to complex topics.

Exam and Lab Structure

Assessment Format and Policies

Students are evaluated through a combination of written and practical lab exams. All content from lectures and labs is examinable.

• Written Exam: Includes multiple-choice and true/false questions, often on a bubble sheet.

• Lab Exam: Station-based, with 1-3 questions per station, often involving images and short written answers.

• Policies: No cheat sheets; exams accessed through Canvas; browser windows must be closed during exams.

• Accommodations: Available for students registered with the DRC.

Learning Objectives

Key Goals for Midterm Review

• Identify and describe the main components of bones, nerves, vessels, and muscles.

• Recognize how these structures interact to create movement at the elbow and ankle joints.

• Understand the origin, insertion, and innervation of major muscles.

• Apply anatomical terminology to describe location and function.

Bones

Basic Bone Structure and Regions

Bones provide the framework for the body and serve as attachment points for muscles, enabling movement. Key regions and points on bones are essential for orientation and understanding muscle attachment.

• Vertebrae: Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae increase in size from top to bottom. The sacrum and coccyx are fused bones at the base of the spine.

• Scapula and Clavicle: Important for shoulder movement; includes features like the acromion, coracoid process, and glenoid cavity.

• Humerus: Upper arm bone with regions such as the shaft, epicondyles, and condyles.

• Radius and Ulna: Forearm bones; the olecranon process forms the elbow's bony prominence.

• Tibia and Fibula: Lower leg bones; the tibia bears most weight, while the fibula provides lateral support.

• Foot Bones: Includes tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges; the talus and calcaneus are key for ankle movement.

Additional info: Common bone landmarks are used for muscle attachment and orientation in anatomical study.

Joints

Types and Functions of Joints

Joints connect bones and allow for varying degrees of movement. They are classified based on structure and function.

• Solid Joints: Bones connected by connective tissue or cartilage; allow little to no movement (e.g., pubic symphysis).

• Synovial Joints: Characterized by a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid, surrounded by a capsule; allow free movement.

Types of Synovial Joints

• Plane (Gliding)

• Hinge

• Pivot

• Bicondylar

• Saddle

• Ball and Socket

Movements at joints include flexion, extension, rotation, abduction, adduction, and more, depending on joint type.

Muscles

Muscle Structure and Function

Muscles produce movement by contracting and pulling on bones. Each muscle has an origin (fixed attachment), insertion (moving attachment), and specific function.

• Muscle Fiber Organization: Muscle → Fasciculus → Muscle fiber → Myofibril → Sarcomere

• Types of Muscle Contraction:

  • Concentric: Muscle shortens while generating force.

  • Eccentric: Muscle lengthens while generating force.

  • Isometric: Muscle generates force without changing length.

• Muscle Shapes: Fusiform (spindle-shaped), Pennate (feather-like), and others, which affect function and force generation.

Additional info: The arrangement of muscle fibers influences the strength and range of motion of the muscle.

Nerves

Spinal Cord and Peripheral Nerves

Nerves transmit signals between the brain, spinal cord, and muscles, enabling movement and sensation.

• Spinal Cord Anatomy: Extends from the brain to the lumbar region; ends at the conus medullaris, with the cauda equina below.

• Spinal Nerves: Exit the spinal canal via intervertebral foramina; each nerve controls specific regions and muscles.

• Nerve Plexuses: Networks of nerves (cervical, brachial, lumbar, sacral) that supply the limbs and trunk.

• Innervation: Each muscle is controlled by one or more nerves, determining its movement and function.

Vessels

Major Blood Vessels and Circulation

Blood vessels transport oxygen, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body. They are classified as arteries or veins based on the direction of blood flow.

• Arteries: Carry blood away from the heart.

  • Systemic Arteries: Deliver oxygenated blood to the body.

  • Pulmonary Arteries: Deliver deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

• Veins: Carry blood toward the heart.

  • Systemic Veins: Return deoxygenated blood from the body.

  • Pulmonary Veins: Return oxygenated blood from the lungs.

Location and Directional Terms

Describing Anatomical Position

Directional terms are used to describe the location of structures in relation to each other.

• Superior: Above or toward the head.

• Inferior: Below or toward the feet.

• Medial: Toward the midline of the body.

• Lateral: Away from the midline.

• Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment or origin.

• Distal: Farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Summary Table: Types of Joints

Summary Table: Muscle Contraction Types

Key Formulas and Equations

• Muscle Force Equation: Where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration.

• Joint Torque Equation: Where is torque, F is force, and r is the distance from the axis of rotation.

Study Strategies

Effective Review Techniques

• Use lab handouts and terminology lists to clarify unfamiliar terms.

• Practice drawing anatomical structures to reinforce spatial understanding.

• Write out terms and definitions from memory to test retention.

• Utilize online quizzes and flashcards for self-assessment.