Comprehensive Exploration of Anatomy and Physiology Course Topics
Anatomy and Physiology courses offer an in-depth exploration of the human body, bridging the gap between structure (anatomy) and function (physiology). These courses are foundational for students pursuing careers in nursing, allied health sciences, and other health-related professions. The objective of this course is to offer students an introductory experience that enables them to become conversant in the terminology, technology, and associated concepts in anatomy and physiology. This is done with the goal of empowering them to apply this understanding in their intended programs of study.
Core Concepts and Course Structure
Anatomy and Physiology courses typically cover a broad range of topics, often following a systematic approach. These courses are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the close interrelationship between anatomy and physiology as seen in the human organism. The study of anatomy & physiology includes anatomical terminology, homeostasis, histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system.
A typical course structure might include:
- Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology: This section introduces basic physiological concepts, anatomical terminology, and the concept of homeostasis. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how the body maintains balance and good health. Approach the study of the body in an organized way to fully comprehend how all of the intricate functions and systems of the human body work together.
- Basic Chemistry and Cell Biology: This section covers the chemical basis of life, including the essential macromolecules in physiology. It also delves into cell structure and function, describing how cell structures relate to function and how amphipathic structures of lipids lead to compartmentalization. Define the term cell and describe how cell structures relate to function. Describe how amphipathic structures of lipids lead to compartmentalization. List the four essential macromolecules in physiology.
- Tissues: This section explores the different types of tissues in the human body (epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue).
- Integumentary System: This section focuses on the structure and function of the skin, hair, and nails.
- Skeletal System: This section covers bone structure, bone growth, and the organization of the skeletal system, including articulations.
- Muscular System: This section explores muscle tissue types, muscle contraction mechanisms (including the interaction of actin and myosin in force generation), and the organization of the muscular system. Describe the interaction of actin and myosin in force generation.
- Nervous System: This section delves into the structure and functions of the nervous system, including the anatomy of nervous tissue, action potential generation, and synaptic transmission. Describe the structure and functions of the nervous system, to include anatomy of nervous tissue, as well as action potential generation and synaptic transmission. List the two types of PNS glial cells and describe their function. Interpret a graph showing the voltage vs. time course of an action potential.
- Special Senses: This section covers the anatomy and physiology of the special senses (vision, hearing, taste, smell, and equilibrium).
- Endocrine System: This section explores the glands of the endocrine system and the hormones they produce, focusing on how endocrine function regulates the homeostasis of glucose and listing the hormones involved in the process. Describe how endocrine function regulates the homeostasis of glucose and list the hormones involved in the process.
- Cardiovascular System: This section examines the anatomical structures of the heart and major blood vessels entering and leaving the heart. It also covers blood pressure (BP) and the factors that influence it, as well as the different modes of transport that molecules may take during capillary exchange. Describe the anatomical structures of the heart and major blood vessels entering and leaving the heart. Define blood pressure (BP) and describe factors that influence blood pressure. Describe the different modes of transport that molecules may take during capillary exchange. Define Starling’s Law of the Capillaries and use it to determine the relative rate and direction of fluid exchange in the capillaries.
- Lymphatic System and Immunity: This section compares and contrasts lymphatic vessels and blood vessels in terms of structure and function. It describes the mechanisms of lymph formation and circulation, the major functions of the lymphatic system, and the differences between interstitial fluid and lymph. It also covers innate and adaptive defenses, antigens and antigen receptors, the mechanisms of inflammation initiation, and the cells and chemicals involved in the inflammatory process. Compare and contrast lymphatic vessels and blood vessels in terms of structure and function. Describe the mechanisms of lymph formation and circulation. Describe the major functions of the lymphatic system. Compare and contrast innate defenses with adaptive defenses. Compare and contrast interstitial fluid and lymph. Define and describe location of antigens and antigen receptors. Describe the mechanisms of inflammation initiation. Summarize the cells and chemicals involved in the inflammatory process. List and explain the cause of the four cardinal signs of inflammation. Describe the steps involved in phagocytosis and give examples of phagocytic cells in the body. Distinguish between innate and adaptive immunity. Distinguish the various types of lymphocytes including helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, B cells, plasma cells and memory cells. Distinguish between humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Explain how the kinin-kallikrein and complement systems aid in the inflammatory response. Identify the lymphatic organs and correlate them to the overall functions of the lymphatic system. Identify and describe the gross anatomical and microscopic anatomy of each organ. Define immunocompetence (maturity) and self tolerance and distinguish between naïve and activated immune cells. Explain the role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs).
- Reproductive System: This section explores the anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems, including the major events of the menstrual cycle. Summarize the major events of the menstrual cycle.
Learning Objectives and Assessment
As you investigate the body systems this semester, focus on the following objectives. The main learning objective is an understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which homeostasis is integrated and maintained. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships.
Assessments in Anatomy and Physiology courses can take various forms, including:
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- Practice Lessons and Self-Checks: These help students gauge their understanding of the material.
- Multiple Choice Questions: These assess recall and comprehension of key concepts.
- Writing Assignments and Research Papers: These require students to synthesize information and communicate their understanding in a clear and concise manner.
- Projects: These allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Complete a project that applies conceptual understanding of general biology and physiology to investigate and create informational materials for the public about a disease or health promotion strategy.
- Oral Assessments and Discussions: These provide opportunities for students to articulate their understanding and engage with the material in a dynamic way.
- Laboratory Experiments: These provide hands-on experience with anatomical structures and physiological processes. Formulate and test hypotheses by performing laboratory, simulation, or field experiments in at least two of the natural science disciplines.
Prerequisites and Recommendations
PREREQUISITES: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in ENGL 093 - Introduction to College Writing and ENGL 083 - Reading Strategies for College, and MATH 023 - Essentials of Algebra or MATH 080 - Mathematical Principles or higherPREREQUISITES/COREQUISITE: ENGL 095 - Integrated Reading and Writing, or ENGL 075 - Co-Requisite Integrated Reading & Writing PROGRAM: Life SciencesCREDIT HOURS MIN: 3 LECTURE HOURS MIN: 2 LAB HOURS MIN: 2 DATE OF LAST REVISION: Spring, 2019. To be successful in this course, we recommend English language fluency and computer literacy.
Importance of Active Learning
To achieve success, students are expected to submit work in each course weekly. Students can learn at their own pace; however, “any pace” still means that students must make progress in the course every week. Students are expected to maintain regular contact with teachers; the minimum requirement is monthly. When teachers, students, and parents work together, students are successful.
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