Course Overview

This course, Human Anatomy & Physiology I, provides a comprehensive introduction to the structure and function of the human body. It covers foundational topics such as body organization, biochemistry, cells, tissues, and major organ systems including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Laboratory work includes the use of microscopes, anatomical models, animal dissections, and human cadavers to reinforce lecture material.

Course Structure and Evaluation

• Lecture: Two 1 hour 15 minute sessions per week, with PowerPoint presentations and recorded lectures available online.

• Laboratory: One 2 hour 45 minute session per week, focusing on practical skills such as tissue identification, dissections, and use of anatomical models.

• Grading:

  • Exams: 75%

  • Quizzes: 15%

  • Homework: 10%

  • Grading Scale: A = 90-100%, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, D = 60-69%, F = below 60%

• Extra Credit: Available on exams and select assignments.

Major Course Topics

1. The Human Body: An Orientation

• Anatomical Position: Standard reference position for the body in the study of anatomy.

• Directional Terms: Terms used to describe locations of structures (e.g., superior, inferior, anterior, posterior).

• Body Regions, Cavities, Planes, and Sections: Understanding the organization of the body into regions and cavities, and the use of planes for anatomical study.

• Levels of Organization: Hierarchical structure from atoms to the entire organism.

• Survey of Body Systems: Overview of all major organ systems.

2. Homeostasis

• Definition: The maintenance of a stable internal environment.

• Negative Feedback: Mechanisms that reverse a change to maintain balance.

• Positive Feedback: Mechanisms that amplify a change (e.g., blood clotting).

3. Chemistry Comes Alive

• Ions and pH: Importance of ions and the pH scale in physiology.

• Inorganic and Organic Compounds: Structure and function of water, salts, acids, bases, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

• Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis: Chemical reactions for building and breaking down molecules.

• ATP: The primary energy carrier in cells.

4. Cells: The Living Units

• Membrane Structure and Function: Phospholipid bilayer, membrane proteins, and selective permeability.

• Movement Across Membranes: Diffusion, osmosis, active transport.

• Organelles: Structure and function of cellular organelles (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum).

• Protein Synthesis: Transcription and translation processes.

• Cell Division: Mitosis and cytokinesis.

5. Tissue: The Living Fabric

• Primary Tissue Types: Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

• Membranes: Mucous, serous, and synovial membranes.

• Laboratory Techniques: Use of microscopes for tissue identification.

6. The Integumentary System

• Skin Anatomy: Layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis) and their functions.

• Accessory Structures: Hair, nails, glands.

• Homeostatic Imbalances: Diseases and disorders of the skin.

7. Bones and Skeletal Tissue

• Bone Functions: Support, protection, movement, mineral storage, blood cell formation.

• Bone Structure: Compact and spongy bone, microscopic anatomy.

• Bone Formation and Growth: Ossification, growth, remodeling, and repair.

• Joints: Classification and structure, with emphasis on synovial joints (e.g., the knee).

8. Muscles and Muscle Tissue

• Muscle Types: Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle—structure and function.

• Skeletal Muscle Anatomy: Gross and microscopic structure, origins, insertions, and actions.

• Muscle Contraction: Sliding filament theory, neuromuscular junction, excitation-contraction coupling.

• Muscle Metabolism: ATP production and use in muscle contraction.

9. Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue

• Nervous System Organization: Central and peripheral divisions, functional classification.

• Neuroglia and Neurons: Structure and function of supporting cells and neurons.

• Neurophysiology: Resting membrane potential, action potentials, impulse transmission.

• Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers and their roles in synaptic transmission.

10. The Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems

• Brain and Spinal Cord Anatomy: Major regions and their functions, protective structures (cranial bones, meninges, cerebrospinal fluid).

• Cranial and Spinal Nerves: Structure and function, reflexes, and neural pathways.

• Autonomic Nervous System: Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, comparison with somatic system.

11. The Special Senses

• Eye and Vision: Anatomy of the eye, roles of specific tissues in vision.

• Ear and Hearing: Anatomy of the ear, roles of specific tissues in hearing and equilibrium.

• Olfaction and Gustation: Structure and function of smell and taste receptors.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Develop and use appropriate anatomical and physiological terminology.

• Recognize and explain the structure and function of major organ systems covered in the course.

• Understand and apply the principle of homeostasis and feedback mechanisms.

• Predict physiological consequences based on anatomical knowledge and vice versa.

• Interpret anatomical and physiological data, including graphs and laboratory findings.

• Apply knowledge to real-world situations, including health and disease.

Course Schedule Overview

The course follows a weekly schedule, beginning with body organization and progressing through tissues, the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and special senses. Each week includes lectures, laboratory sessions, and assignments or quizzes due by specified deadlines.

Academic Integrity and Support

• Academic Integrity: Students are expected to adhere to principles of honesty and responsibility. Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited.

• Accessibility: Accommodations are available for students with disabilities. Contact the instructor or the Access Center for Disability Resources for support.

• Student Support Services: Academic support, counseling, technical assistance, and other resources are available to help students succeed.

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