Anatomy and Physiology I – Course Overview

Introduction

This course provides an integrated approach to the study of the human body, focusing on the structure and function of its major systems. Students will learn how different body systems interact to maintain homeostasis, support movement, and regulate vital processes. The course combines both lecture and laboratory components to reinforce theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

Course Structure and Materials

Textbooks and Required Materials

• Human Anatomy and Physiology, 3rd Edition, Amerman, Erin C., Pearson Education, 2024.

• Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Manual, 5th Edition, Mitha, Thomson, et al., Van-Griner Publishing, 2023.

Students will access textbooks and materials through the Owens Campus Bookstore or online platforms. Inclusive access may be provided for digital materials.

Course Objectives

• Understand the life functions that power, support, and move the human body.

• Describe the relationship between body systems and their roles in maintaining homeostasis.

• Prepare students to think critically about health science and related technologies.

Major Topics and Learning Outcomes

Body Plan and Organization

Students will identify and understand the basic body plan and organization of human anatomy, including the hierarchical structure from cells to organ systems.

• Key Point: The human body is organized into cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

• Key Point: Each level of organization has specific functions that contribute to overall health and homeostasis.

• Example: The muscular system consists of muscle cells organized into tissues and organs that produce movement.

Structural Levels and Relationships

Understanding the major structural levels in the human body helps explain how different parts relate and interact.

• Key Point: Structural levels include atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

• Key Point: The function of each level depends on its structure and the interactions with other levels.

• Example: Muscle contraction depends on the arrangement of actin and myosin proteins within muscle cells.

Principles of Anatomy and Physiology

Students will describe the core principles of anatomy and physiology, including homeostasis, feedback loops, and the structure-function relationship.

• Key Point: Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment.

• Key Point: Feedback loops (positive and negative) regulate physiological processes.

• Example: Blood glucose regulation involves negative feedback to maintain stable levels.

Chemistry and Biochemistry in Physiology

Basic principles of chemistry are essential for understanding physiological processes.

• Key Point: Atoms and molecules form the basis of cellular structure and function.

• Key Point: Organic compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids are vital for life.

• Example: Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions in the body.

Cellular Structure and Function

Cells are the basic units of life, and their structure determines their function.

• Key Point: The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

• Key Point: Organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum perform specialized functions.

• Example: Mitochondria generate ATP through cellular respiration.

Tissues and Organ Systems

Students will identify and describe the four basic tissue types and their roles in organ systems.

• Key Point: The four tissue types are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

• Key Point: Each tissue type has unique structural and functional properties.

• Example: Epithelial tissue lines body surfaces and forms protective barriers.

Skeletal System

The skeletal system provides support, protection, and enables movement.

• Key Point: Bones are classified by shape and structure (e.g., long, short, flat, irregular).

• Key Point: Bone tissue consists of cells (osteocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts) and extracellular matrix.

• Example: The femur is a long bone that supports body weight and facilitates movement.

Muscular System

The muscular system is responsible for movement, posture, and heat production.

• Key Point: Muscle contraction is driven by the sliding filament mechanism involving actin and myosin.

• Key Point: There are three types of muscle tissue: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth.

• Example: Skeletal muscles attach to bones and produce voluntary movements.

Nervous System

The nervous system coordinates body activities and responds to internal and external stimuli.

• Key Point: The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord; the peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes nerves and ganglia.

• Key Point: Neurons transmit electrical and chemical signals throughout the body.

• Example: Reflex arcs allow rapid responses to stimuli without conscious thought.

Special Senses

Special senses include vision, hearing, taste, smell, and equilibrium.

• Key Point: Sensory receptors detect environmental changes and send signals to the brain for interpretation.

• Key Point: Each sense has specialized structures and pathways.

• Example: The retina contains photoreceptors that detect light and enable vision.

Key Laboratory Learning Outcomes

• Identify and understand body plan and organization.

• Identify basic organic compounds and their importance in the body.

• Know the function of the cell and its parts.

• Understand osmosis and diffusion.

• Identify location/functions of bones and structures of the skeletal system.

• Identify location/functions of muscles and nervous system structures.

• Understand the organization of the nervous system.

• Identify the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.

• Know the five senses and identification of structures.

Sample Table: Major Tissue Types and Functions

Important Formulas and Equations

• Osmosis: Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

• Diffusion Rate:

• Resting Membrane Potential:

• Muscle Contraction (Sliding Filament Theory):

Course Policies and Grading

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance at lectures and labs is required; most exam material is lecture-based.

• Electronic devices must be silenced and not used during tests.

Grading Breakdown

Letter Grade Scale

Summary

This study guide covers the foundational concepts and organizational structure of Anatomy and Physiology I, including major body systems, cellular and tissue structure, and physiological processes. Students are expected to master both theoretical and practical aspects through lectures, laboratory work, quizzes, and exams.