Course Overview

Introduction to Human Anatomy

This course provides a foundational understanding of human anatomy, focusing on the structure and organization of the human body. Students will learn about anatomical terminology, levels of structural organization, body systems, and the orientation of the human body.

• Course Code: ANAT1020

• Instructor: Dr. Affar

• Location: Tupper Building, room 13J

• Contact: affar@dal.ca

Course Materials

Textbook and Online Resources

The primary textbook for this course is Principles Of Human Anatomy by Tortora G & Nielsen M. (2021, 15th Edition). Access to WileyPLUS is required for assignments and adaptive practice.

• Textbook: Principles Of Human Anatomy (Older editions acceptable, but WileyPLUS access is mandatory)

• WileyPLUS: Online platform for assignments, adaptive practice, and electronic textbook

• Course Website: Brightspace (for lectures, labs, assignments, and self-assessment questions)

Course Structure

Levels of Structural Organization

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

• Chemical Level: Atoms (e.g., carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus) combine to form molecules essential for life, such as water, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

• Cellular Level: Molecules combine to form cells, the basic structural and functional units of the body.

• Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells with a common embryonic origin perform specialized functions. Four main types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

• Organ Level: Different types of tissues combine to form organs, each with specific functions (e.g., stomach contains epithelial, muscle, nervous, and connective tissues).

• System Level: Related organs work together to perform common functions (e.g., digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular systems).

• Organismal Level: All body systems function together to maintain life and health.

Course Objectives

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Define anatomy and physiology and identify branches of anatomy.

• Describe the levels of structural organization in the human body.

• List and describe the major body systems.

• Explain the anatomical position and use anatomical terminology.

• Identify anatomical planes, sections, and directional terms.

• Describe principal body cavities and their contents.

• Locate and describe abdominopelvic regions and quadrants.

Course Components

Assignments and Labs

Assignments are completed via WileyPLUS and Brightspace. Anatomy labs include self-assessment PowerPoint slides and interactive questions to prepare for lab tests.

• WileyPLUS Assignments: Must be completed by deadlines; late penalties apply.

• Anatomy Labs: Self-assessment and interactive questions based on anatomical models and images.

• Adaptive Practice: Optional personalized practice to improve proficiency.

• Weekly Boosters: Optional assignments for bonus marks.

Examinations

Assessment Structure

Exams are conducted online via Brightspace and are open book. There are three lab tests and a final exam.

• Lab Tests: Assess practical anatomical knowledge.

• Final Exam: Comprehensive assessment of course content.

• Exam Duration: Lab tests (1 hour), Final exam (2 hours).

Anatomical Terminology

Key Terms and Orientation

Anatomical terminology is based on Greek and Latin roots and is used to describe the position and relationships of body parts.

• Anatomical Position: Standard reference position for the body (standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms forward).

• Directional Terms: Used to describe locations (e.g., anterior, posterior, superior, inferior, medial, lateral, proximal, distal).

• Planes and Sections: Imaginary flat surfaces dividing the body (e.g., sagittal, frontal/coronal, transverse/horizontal).

Body Cavities and Regions

Principal Body Cavities

The body contains several major cavities that house organs:

• Cranial Cavity: Contains the brain, enclosed by the skull.

• Vertebral Canal: Contains the spinal cord, enclosed by the vertebral column.

• Thoracic Cavity: Superior to the diaphragm; contains the heart (pericardial cavity) and lungs (pleural cavities).

• Abdominopelvic Cavity: Inferior to the diaphragm; contains abdominal and pelvic organs.

Abdominopelvic Quadrants and Regions

Used to describe locations of organs or sources of pain:

• Quadrants: The abdominal cavity is divided into four quadrants (right upper, left upper, right lower, left lower).

• Regions: Alternatively, divided into nine regions for more precise localization.

Course Policies

Academic Integrity and Use of AI

Use of generative AI tools for assignments and exams is prohibited and considered an academic offense. However, AI resources may be used to deepen understanding and for self-assessment.

Table: Levels of Structural Organization

Additional info:

• Some details inferred from standard anatomy syllabi and textbook structure.

• Course emphasizes both theoretical and practical understanding of human anatomy.