Course Overview: Anatomy & Physiology I (BIOL 1510)

This course provides an introduction to the structure and function of the human body, focusing on the organization of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. The course is divided into two main parts, with the first part (A&P 1) covering foundational topics and select organ systems, and the second part (A&P 2) covering additional organ systems in greater detail.

Structural Hierarchy of the Human Body

• Cells: The basic unit of life. The adult human body contains about 70 trillion cells of over 260 types, each with specific functions.

• Tissues: Groups of similar cells organized into four main types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

• Organs: Structures composed of two or more tissue types working together to perform specific functions.

• Organ Systems: Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions necessary for life.

Course Content and Sequence

• Nutrition (Chemistry): The course begins with the basics of nutrition and chemistry as they relate to the human body.

• Cells and Tissues: Examination of cellular structure and function, as well as the four main tissue types.

• Organ Systems: Each organ system is studied individually, starting with the integumentary system (skin and associated structures), followed by the skeletal and muscular systems.

• Nervous System: A&P 1 concludes with the nervous system, which provides fast but short-acting control of many other organ systems.

• Endocrine System and Additional Systems: A&P 2 begins with the endocrine system, which provides slower but longer-acting control. It continues with the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems, among others.

Additional info: The course is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the body is organized from the smallest cellular level to the most complex organ systems, emphasizing both structure and function.

Course Logistics

• Textbook and Lab Manual: Instructions for obtaining these materials will be provided during the first class meeting.

• Lecture Materials: Available online in Canvas for section JS1.

• First Class Meetings: The first class meeting for each section is as follows:

  • Monday, August 25 (section CO1)

  • Tuesday, August 26 (section CO2)

  • Wednesday, August 27 (section JS1)

• Class Locations: Sections CO1 and CO2 meet on the Hillsboro campus in Room 104. Section JS1 meets in Room 106 on the Mount Orab campus.

• Attendance: Attendance is required for both lecture and lab courses. Records are kept for financial aid purposes.

• Canvas: Course materials will be available on Canvas starting Monday, August 25. Students are encouraged to get comfortable with Canvas early in the course.

• Holidays: Monday, September 1, is Labor Day and the college is closed.

Key Terms and Definitions

• Integumentary System: The organ system consisting of the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands, serving as the body's first line of defense.

• Skeletal System: The framework of bones and cartilage that supports and protects the body.

• Muscular System: The system responsible for movement, posture, and heat production.

• Nervous System: The fast-acting control system of the body, consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

• Endocrine System: The slower-acting control system, consisting of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

Example: Structural Hierarchy Table

Additional info: This table summarizes the main levels of organization in the human body, which is a foundational concept in Anatomy & Physiology.