Anatomy & Physiology 34A
Lab Exam #1 Study Guide
Labs 1 & 2: Anatomy Language and Organ Systems
– you should be able to do the following:
Identify the organs in a human model.
Identify anterior and posterior body landmarks (as in Fig. 1.2).
Describe anatomical position and use the body directional terms correctly.
Determine what type of body plane is being shown (as in Fig. 1.4).
Identify body cavities, their subdivisions, and the serous membranes that line them (see Fig.
1.6).
Identify the 9 abdominopelvic regions, and the organs found in each (as in Fig. 1.7).
Scientific Method and Metrics (refer to the lab handouts and problems in the front of the lab manual) – you should be able to do the following:
- Measure object lengths and convert English measurements to metrics; also calculate the volume of a solid block
- Weigh objects on a triple beam balance, and convert English weights to metrics
- Measure fluid volumes in graduated cylinders and beakers, also calculate the density of a substance when given the substance’s weight and volume.
- Convert temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celcius, and from Celcius to Fahrenheit.
- Convert from one metric unit to another (e.g., meters to centimeters, to millimeters, etc.)
- Explain how to use the 5 steps of the scientific method to investigate a phenomenon.
- Formulate null and alternative hypotheses about a phenomenon.
- Use table of data to graph the experimental results.
- Make conclusions from the experimental results.
Other Calculations you should be able to perform the following (refer to the calculations worksheet)
- Convert whole numbers, decimals, and fractions into percents; also convert percents to whole numbers and decimals.
- Calculate the molecular weight of a molecule when given the molecular weights of each of the atoms in the molecule.
- Use molecular weight to convert from moles to grams, and vice versa; what is a mole?
- Use the molarity of a solution to calculate how many grams of solute would be needed; also use solute grams and solution volume to calculate molarity.
- Calculate percent solutions when given the molarity of a solution, and the molarity of a solution when given a percent solution.
Lab Exercises 3 & 4 - Microscopy & Cells – be able to do the following:
- Identify cell parts on a cell model or diagram, and explain their functions.
- Identify the parts of a microscope, and describe their functions.
- Determine the total magnification of a microscope with different objective lenses in place.
- Demonstrate the proper use of a microscope, including how to place a slide on the stage, position the slide, focus on the specimen, increase and decrease the magnification, and point to a specified object on the slide.
- Explain how to make a wet mount slide.

Molecules of Living Systems (handout) – be able to
- Identify basic monomer (building block) organic molecules (glucose, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, cholesterol, amino acids, and nucleotides) by their structural formulas.
- Deduce whether a solution contains monosaccharide, polysaccharide, lipid, or protein by the use of chemical tests. Explain which chemical is used to test for each organic molecule, and what constitutes positive and negative results. Also describe negative and positive controls for the chemical tests.
Lab Exercise 5A & 5B - Cell Transport Mechanisms & Membrane Permeability
- Explain how Brownian movement is related to molecular motion and diffusion.
- Define passive transport, diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion; what types of molecules are moved across cell membranes by these types of transport mechanisms? How does facilitated diffusion differ from simple diffusion?
- Define active transport. How does active transport differ from passive transport? What is the most common form of active transport in the body?
- Describe filtration. Name one area in the body where filtration takes place.
- Define osmotic pressure and hydrostatic pressure. How are they related?
- What six factors influence the rate of diffusion, and how do they affect diffusion?
- Explain what is meant by hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic solutions, and what happens to cells placed in each of these types of solutions.
- What are the two basic types of vesicular (bulk) transport? What types of molecules are transported across cell membranes by vesicular transport?
Mitosis & Meiosis (handout and part of lab 4) – be able to:
Explain what occurs during interphase. Specifically, what happens to the chromosomes during S phase?
Describe the phases of mitosis and meiosis. How are they similar? How do they differ? In what types of tissues does each occur? What are the end products of mitosis and meiosis?
Identify the different stages of mitosis and meiosis on diagrams and/or models.
Identify the cellular structures involved in mitosis and meiosis.