Human Anatomy & Physiology I

The major topics in the course include problems that involve the following learning issues:

 1.       Atoms and Molecules

1.1.     The properties of matter and the four major elements that make up most of living matter

1.2.     An atom’s composition and its relationship to the chemical properties of elements

1.3.     Valence electrons and shells, and the relative activity of atoms with complete and incomplete valence shells

1.4.     How atoms form molecules, and the different types of bonds that exist within molecules

2.1.     The cell theory

2.2.     Basic structural differences between plant and animal cells

2.3.     Cellular organelles and their specific functions

2.4.     The differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and the evolutionary relationship between the two

2.5.     How cells communicate with their environment and why this is important

2.6.     The difference between normal cell division (mitosis) and cancerous growth

3.1.     The various types of tissues that comprise the human body, and their functions

3.2.     Organs and organ systems

3.3.     Hierarchical organization of the human body

3.4.     Examples of tissues, organs, and organ systems in the human body

4.1.     The importance of homeostasis to normal body functioning

4.2.     Examples of homeostatic mechanisms in the body

4.3.     Comparisons between negative and positive feedback mechanisms

4.4.     Components of a homeostatic feedback loop

 5.       Integumentary System

5.1.     Structure of the skin.

5.2.     Review the function of skin in maintaining health

5.3.     Review the involvement of the integumentary systems in the homeostasis of water balance and temperature

5.4.     Review of skin layers, and consequences for damage to each layer and implications with respect the extent of surface area involved

6.1.     Bone cell, tissues

6.2.     Types of bone and bone growth

6.3.     Anatomy of skeletal system

6.4.     Structure and types of joints

6.5.     Relationship of muscles to joints

6.6.     Types and causes of arthritis

7.1.     Physiology of muscle action

7.2.     Anatomy of muscular system with respect to movement

7.3.     Biomechanics of movement

8.1.     Organization of the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral nervous system (PNS), and autonomic nervous system (ANS)

8.2.     Structure and function of the brain 

8.3.     Structure and function of the spinal cord

8.4.     Physiology of impulse transmission

8.5.     Spinal and cranial nerves

8.6.     Neurotransmitters

8.7.     Sensory and motor pathways

9.1.     Anatomy of respiratory system

9.2.     Relationship between respiratory system and blood gases

9.3.     Importance of breathing, with specific reference to brain cells

9.4.     Review of normal respirations/minute and reasons for deviance

9.5.     Causes and consequences of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

10.1. Anatomy of circulatory system

10.2. Relationship of circulatory system to the skin, the brain and digestive system

10.3. Causes and consequences of lack of blood to cells

10.4. Relationship between nutrition and cardiovascular health

10.5. Review of normal pulse and blood pressure

10.6. Review of diagnostic tests, including normal counts of white blood cells, red blood cells, blood pH, hematocrit and blood proteins

10.7. Significance of blood tests and homeostasis of body

10.8. Connection between body weight and reproductive hormones

10.9. Relationship of endocrine system to appropriate food intake

10.10.  Significance of serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride)

10.11.  Causes and consequences of shock

11.1. Nonspecific defenses (membrane barriers, cellular and chemical defenses)

11.2. Specific immune defenses – immunity

11.3. Interactions with other systems – complement proteins

11.4. Antigens/antibodies

11.5. Humoral immune response/cell-mediated response

11.6. Immunodeficiciencies/autoimmune diseases