Human Anatomy and Physiology
"As you make your way through this course, you will be learning about one of the most fascinating subjects possible--your own body! Such a study is not only personal, but timely as well. The current information blizzard brings news of some medical advance almost daily. If you are to appreciate emerging discoveries in genetic engineering, to understand new techniques for detecting and treating disease and to make use of published facts on how to stay healthy, it is important to learn about the workings of your body. For those of you considering careers in the health sciences, this study will simply be the beginning of many learning experiences.
The two complementary branches of the science--anatomy and physiology--provide the concepts that help us understand the human body. Anatomy studies the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another. Physiology concerns the function of the body's structural machinery, in other words, how all the body parts work and carry out their life-sustaining activities. When all is said and done, physiology is explainable only in terms of the underlying anatomy."
Elaine N. Marieb, R.N., Ph. D., author, Human Anatomy & Physiology
Course Outline
I. Review of the Background Basics
A. What does it take to be alive?
B. Inorganic and Biochemistry
C. DNA and protein synthesis
D. Cell structure and functions
E. Transport Issues
II. Histology
A. The tissue level of organization
B. Tissue types
C. Repair and maintenance of tissues
III. Orientation to the Human Body
A. Anatomical position and directional terms
B. Body planes and sections
C. Body cavities
IV. Integumentary System
A. Arrangement of tissues
B. Appendages
C. Maintenance and disease/disorders
V. Skeletal System
A. Nature and classification of bone
B. Bone development, growth, maintenance and problems
C. Axial skeleton
D. Appendicular skeleton
E. Joints
VI. Muscular System
A. Muscle functions
B. Muscle contractions
C. Gross anatomy and identification of muscles
D. Growth, maintenance and problems
VII. Nervous System
A. Structural vs. functional classification
B. The neuron
C. Nerve impulses
D. Central nervous system
E. Peripheral nervous system
F. Autonomic functioning
G. Growth, maintenance and problems
VIII. Blood
A. Components and their functions
B. Hemostasis
C. Blood groups and transfusions
IX. Cardiovascular System
A. Anatomy and function of the heart
B. Blood vessels
C. Physiology of circulation
D. Maintenance and problems
X. Lymphatic and Immune Systems
A. Lymphoid organs
B. Humoral immune response
C. Cellular immune response
D. Transplants and rejection
E. Problems
XI. Respiratory System
A. Membranes and structures
B. Mechanics of breathing
C. Problems
XII. Digestive System and Metabolism
A. Alimentary and accessory organs
B. Mechanics and chemistry of digestion
C. Nutrition and metabolism
D. Problems
XIII. Urinary System
A. Kidneys and accessory structures
B. Water and electrolyte balance
C. Problems
XIV. Reproductive System
A. Male and female structures
B. Reproductive physiology
C. Pregnancy and embryonic development
D. Reproductive technologies
E. Problems