Hinsdale High School
Course: Honors Anatomy and Physiology/ River Valley Community College: Human Biology
Teacher: Teresa L. Chirichella
Email: tchirichella@hnhsd.org
Course Description:
This course offers dual enrollment with the possibility of earning a Science elective credit from
River Valley Community College (Human Biology). To be eligible you should score 70 or more
on an Acuplacer reading test.
The course will be an overview of the structure and function of the human body including how
the skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, digestive, urinary and
reproductive systems interact to sustain life. The course include a lecture and a laboratory
component.
Grading Policies: ( RVCC Human Biology Policy)
Your grade each quarter will be calculated as follows:
Lecture 75% includes:



05 % for class participation and attendance
25 % Homework and class work: Case studies, assignments and take home quizzes.
45% Unit Exams (there will be a test at the end of each unit)
Laboratory 25% includes:


10% Laboratory reports.
15% Laboratory practical (hands on exam on laboratory procedures)
Total: 100%
What you will need: (must bring to class every day)



3 ring binder (this year you will need to keep ALL your worksheets and assignments in
your binder)
Pen or pencil
Useful additional stuff: Calculator, Ruler (metric), Color pencils and markers, glue stick,
scissors.
NOTE: HAP is an honors class. Completing this course successfully will require you to work hard and often. You need to
develop good study skills and strategies. You are going to have to memorize and understand extensive technical and medical
terminology. Work hard and do not procrastinate, study a little at a time, do not wait until the night before the exam. Learning
about the human body is fascinating, try to relate it to what you know and make connections that will help you remember. Have
fun while learning and challenge yourself. Best wishes…Mrs. Chirichella
Course Outline
Unit 1: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology:




Levels of Organization
Systems Review
Language of Anatomy, Anatomical Terms. (positions, body regions, directions and
sections)
Body Cavities.
Unit 2: Molecules, Cells and Tissues:





Review Atoms, Bonds and the Molecules of life.
Review of cell functions and organelles.
Review of Mitosis and Cell Cycle
The four types of tissue in the body.
Review of use and care of the Microscope
Unit 3: The Integumentary System:






Levels of Organization
Layers of the Integument (Epidermis, Dermis and Hypodermis)
Factors influencing skin color
Accessory structures of the skin: Hair, Nails and Glands.
Repairing the integument after injury
Skin abnormalities and cancer
Unit 4: The Skeletal System:




Levels of Organization: Chemical Composition, Bone Cells, Osseous tissue and Bone
Structure.
Classification of bones.
Axial and Appendicular Skeletons.
Articulations.
Unit 5: The Muscular System:





Levels of Organization: Molecules and muscle fibers, Muscle Cell Structure, Muscle
tissue types.
Anatomy of a Skeletal Muscle.
Muscle Contraction.
Origin and Insertion of Muscles.
Muscle efficiency.
Unit 6: Nervous System:







Levels of Organization: Nerve Cell Structure, Nervous Tissue
Anatomical and Functional Divisions of the Nervous System.
Nerve Impulses; Action Potentials and Synapses.
The Central Nervous System.
The Peripheral Nervous System.
Reflexes
Special Senses
Unit 7: The Endocrine system





Cell Communication and Homeostasis
Glands and their hormones
Types of hormones
Regulation of Sugar in the body
Regulation of Calcium in the body.
Unit 8: Cardiovascular System and Immune System:




Levels of organization: Molecules and Cells. Components of Blood
The ABO blood types
Blood Vessel
The Heart and Circulation.
Unit 9: The Respiratory System.



Levels of Organization.
Upper and Lower Respiratory System
Gas Exchange
Unit 10: Digestive and Excretory Systems.






The digestive tract and accessory organs
Digestion and Enzymes.
Secretion and Absorption of Nutrients
The Urinary tract
Filtration of Blood
Waste excretion
Unit 11: Reproduction and Embryonic Development.



The female reproductive system and the Menstrual Cycle
The male reproductive system.
Fertilization and Gestation