Anatomy and Physiology Semester 1 Study Guide

Anatomy and Physiology Semester 1 Study Guide

• Course instructor: Ms Catherine and Ms Mona
• Academic year: 2023-2024
• Course section: A - What You Need to Know, B - Practice to Prepare
• This guide covers material taught in Semester 1 and will be assessed.

Unit 1: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (Anatomical Terminology)

• Learning outcomes:
  • Explain the importance of anatomical position and terminology.
  • Use terminology in relation to the position of anatomical parts.
  • Correctly refer to the location of body parts (anterior, posterior, superior, inferior, lateral, distal, proximal, medial, superficial)
  • Identify and use the correct terminology used to divide the body into planes.
  • Explain the use of anatomical terminology and planes and their importance in diagnostic testing and imaging.

Key Vocabulary

• Superior: Above or toward the head
• Inferior: Below or toward the feet
• Anterior (Ventral): Toward the front of the body
• Posterior (Dorsal): Toward the back of the body
• Medial: Closer to the midline of the body
• Lateral: Farther from the midline of the body
• Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment of a limb to the trunk
• Distal: Farther from the point of attachment of a limb to the trunk
• Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into left and right sections
• Frontal Plane (Coronal Plane): Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections
• Transverse Plane: Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections
• Anatomical Position: The standard reference position in anatomy (upright body, feet slightly apart, flat on the ground, head level, eyes forward, arms at sides with palms forward, thumbs away from body)

Unit 2: Cells

• Learning outcomes:

  • Describe a generalized cell, identifying and describing the cell organelles.
  • Recognize the features of a generalized cell in light and electron micrographs.
  • Recognize the hierarchy of organization in multicellular organisms (including humans).
  • Appreciate the cooperation between cells, tissues, organs and organ systems in the structure and function of the human body.
  • Explain specialized cells, with specific examples.

• Key vocabulary: Cell

• Cell organelles covered (Nucleus, Ribosomes, Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi Apparatus, Lysosomes, Mitochondria, Plasma Membrane, Cytoplasm, Cytoskeleton, Peroxisomes, Centrioles, and Vesicles) – their functions described in detail.

  • Each of these organelles listed is explained regarding its function to help readers form a basic understanding of each organelle.

Unit 3: Tissues

• Learning outcomes:

  • Explain how cells are organized into tissues, with specific examples.
  • Recognize structural and functional diversity in human tissues.
  • Recognize the characteristic features and functional roles of the four main tissue types in humans.

• Key vocabulary: Tissue, Histology, Epithelial Tissue, Connective Tissue, Muscle Tissue, Nervous Tissue, extracellular matrix (ECM), Collagen Fibers.

• Basic explanation for each tissue type, its examples and function.

Unit 4: Integumentary System and Homeostasis (Temperature Control)

• Learning outcomes:
  • Describe the functions of the integumentary system and identify structural features associated with these functions,
  • Describe the structure of the skin including features of its two tissues, the epidermis and the dermis.
  • Appreciate that the hypodermis (or subcutaneous tissue) is not considered part of the skin but is closely related to it
  • Explain the need for homeostasis or temperature control in humans.
• Key vocabulary: Epidermis, Dermis, Hypodermis (Subcutaneous Layer), Keratinocytes, Melanocytes, Sebaceous Glands, Sweat Glands, Hair Follicle, Arrector Pili Muscle, Nails, Stratum Corneum, Stratum Basale, Heat Regulation, Melanin, and Homeostasis.
• Deep dive into each topic with specific examples covering each organelle involved, their locations, and functions.

Unit 5: Skeletal System

• Learning outcomes:
  • Recall the characteristics of connective tissues (CTs).
  • Describe the roles of the skeletal system and bone in homeostasis.
  • Describe the composition of bone.
  • Classify bones according to their size and shape, with examples.
  • Identify the components of the skeleton and describe its two functional regions (axial and appendicular skeleton).
  • Describe the role of joints in the skeleton, classifying joints structurally and functionally, with examples.
  • Describe degenerative changes in the skeleton with increasing age.
• Key vocabulary: Axial Skeleton, Appendicular Skeleton, Bone, Compact Bone, Spongy Bone, Osteocyte, Osteoblast, Osteoclast, Periosteum, Endosteum, Bone Marrow, Epiphysis, Diaphysis, Articular Cartilage, Medullary Cavity, Haversian System/Osteon, Lamellae, Lacunae, Canaliculi, Joint, Ligament, Tendon, Cartilage, Synovial Fluid, Suture.
• Explanation of all vocabulary, detailed explanation for each concept.

Support Resources

• List of excellent internet resources for learning anatomy and physiology, including interactive diagrams, animations, quizzes, and comprehensive explanations. (Examples: GetBodySmart, TeachMeAnatomy, Free Anatomy Quiz, and InnerBody)
• This is a great way to form a further understanding of all the topics covered in this study guide.

Practice Problems (Section B)

• Sample problems from each unit, intended for learners to study before their exam (Questions include those on anatomical position, planes, cells, tissues, and homeostasis).