Honors Anatomy & Physiology
Course Outline and Objectives
Revised May 26, 2011
Textbook: “Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology”, eighth edition, by Elaine N. Marieb
Objectives in blue are additional, time-permitting.
Unit One: Intro to Anatomy - (Approximately 1 week)
 Define anatomy and physiology, and explain how they are related. (Ch. 1)
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Name the levels of structural organization that make up the human body, and explain how they
are related. (Ch. 1)
Identify and define root words that are commonly used in anatomical terminology.
Define homeostasis and explain its importance. (Ch. 1)
Verbally describe the anatomical position or demonstrate it. (Ch. 1)
Use proper anatomical terminology to describe body directions, surfaces, and body planes. (Ch. 1)
Locate the major body cavities, and list the chief organs in each cavity. (Ch. 1)
Name the four major tissue types and their chief subcategories. Explain how the four major tissue
types differ structurally and functionally. (Ch. 3)
Unit Two: Integumentary, Skeletal, and Muscular Systems – (Approximately 3 ½ weeks)
Integumentary:
 List the general function of each type of membrane – cutaneous, mucous, serous, and synovial –
and give its location in the body. (Ch. 4)
 Compare the structure of the major membrane types. (Ch. 4)
 List several important functions of the integumentary system, and explain how these functions are
accomplished. (Ch. 4)
 Explain how the functions of the integumentary system help maintain homeostasis. (Ch. 4)
 When provided with a model or diagram of the skin, recognize and name the following skin
structures: epidermis, dermis, hair and hair follicle, sebaceous glands, and sweat gland. (Ch. 4)
 Describe the structure and function of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. (Ch. 4)
 Explain the function of melanin, collagen, and elastin. (Ch. 4)
 Identify the skin appendages, and explain their function. (Ch. 4)
 Explain the difference between first, second, and third degree burns. (Ch. 4)
 Describe the causes and characteristics of skin cancer. (Ch. 4)
Skeletal:
 List at least three functions of the skeletal system. (Ch. 5)
 Name the four main classifications of bones. (Ch. 5)
 Identify the major macroscopic and microscopic anatomical areas of long bones. (Ch. 5)
 Describe the roles of calcium and collagen in bone function. (Ch. 5)
 Describe briefly the process of bone formation in the fetus, and summarize the events of bone
remodeling throughout life. (Ch. 5)
 Explain the major events in bone fracture repair. (Ch. 5)
 Identify the subdivisions of the skeletal system as axial or appendicular. (Ch. 5)
 On a skeleton or diagram, identify the major bones of the body. (Ch. 5)
 Explain the function of fontanels. (Ch. 5)
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Name three major categories of joints, and compare the amount of movement allowed by each.
(Ch. 5)
 Describe the types of synovial joints. (Ch. 5)
 Identify some of the causes of bone and joint problems throughout life. (Ch. 5)
Muscular:
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Describe similarities & differences in the three types of muscle tissue, and indicate where they are
found in the body. (Ch. 6)
Define muscular system. (Ch. 6)
Explain the function of tendons and ligaments. (Ch. 6)
Describe the microscopic structure of skeletal muscle, and explain the role of actin- and myosincontaining filaments. (Ch. 6)
Describe how an action potential is initiated in a muscle cell. (Ch. 6)
Describe the events of a muscle cell contraction. (Ch. 6)
Define graded response, tetanus, isotonic and isometric contractions, and muscle tone as these
terms apply to skeletal muscle. (Ch. 6)
Define oxygen debt and muscle fatigue, and list possible causes of muscle fatigue. (Ch. 6)
Describe the effects of aerobic and resistance exercises on skeletal muscles and other body organs.
(Ch. 6)
List some criteria in naming muscles. (Ch. 6)
Name and locate some of the major muscles of the human body, and state the action of each.
(Ch. 6)
Describe changes that occur in aging muscles. (Ch. 6)
Unit Three: Nervous, Special Senses, and Endocrine Systems – (Approximately 3 ½ weeks)
Nervous:
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List the general functions of the nervous system. (Ch. 7)
Explain the structural and functional classifications of the nervous system. (Ch. 7)
State the function of neurons and neuroglia. (Ch. 7)
Describe the general structure of a neuron, and name its important anatomical regions. (Ch. 7)
Describe the composition of gray matter and white matter. (Ch. 7)
List the two major functional properties of neurons. (Ch. 7)
Classify neurons according to structure and function. (Ch. 7)
Describe the events leading to the generation of a nerve impulse and its conduction from one
neuron to another. (Ch. 7)
 Define reflex arc, and list its elements. (Ch. 7)
 Identify and indicate the functions of the major regions of the cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon,
brain stem, and cerebellum on a human brain model or diagram. (Ch. 7)
 Describe the functions of the meninges. (Ch. 7)
 Describe the blood-brain barrier. (Ch. 7)
 List two important functions of the spinal cord. (Ch. 7)
 Explain what a nerve is. (Ch. 7)
 Compare the functions of the somatic and autonomic nervous system. (Ch. 7)
 Contrast the effects of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. (Ch. 7)
 List several factors that may have harmful effects on brain function and development. (Ch. 7)
 Explain the decline in brain size and weight that occurs with age. (Ch. 7)
Special Senses:
 When provided with a model or diagram, identify the accessory eye structures and list the
functions of each. (Ch. 8)
 Explain how rod and cone function differ. (Ch. 8)
 Describe image formation on the retina. (Ch. 8)
 Trace the pathway of light through the eye to the retina. (Ch. 8)
 Discuss disorders of the eye. (Ch. 8)
 Trace the visual pathway to the optic cortex. (Ch. 8)
 Discuss the importance of the pupillary and convergence reflexes. (Ch. 8)
 Identify the structures of the external, middle, and internal ear, and list the functions of each. (Ch.
8)
 Explain the function of the organ of Corti in hearing. (Ch. 8)
 Explain how one is able to localize the source of a sound. (Ch. 8)
 Describe how the equilibrium organs help maintain balance. (Ch. 8)
 Describe the location, structure, and function of the olfactory and taste receptors. (Ch. 8)
 Name the four basic taste sensations and list factors that modify the sense of taste. (Ch. 8)
 Describe changes that occur with age in the special sense organs. (Ch. 8)
Endocrine:
 Define hormone and target organ. (Ch. 9)
 Describe how hormones bring about their effects in the body. (Ch. 9)
 Explain how various endocrine glands are stimulated to release their hormonal products. (Ch. 9)
 Define negative feedback and describe its role in regulating blood levels of the various hormones.
(Ch. 9)
 Describe the difference between endocrine and exocrine glands. (Ch. 9)
 On an appropriate diagram, identify the major endocrine glands and tissues. (Ch. 9)
 List hormones produced by the endocrine glands and discuss their general functions. (Ch. 9)
 Discuss ways in which hormones promote body homeostasis by giving examples of hormonal
actions. (Ch. 9)
 Describe the functional relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. (Ch. 9)
 Describe major pathological consequences of hypersecretion and hyposecretion of the hormones
considered in this chapter. (Ch. 9)
 Indicate the endocrine role of the kidneys, the stomach and intestine, the heart, and the placenta.
(Ch. 9)
 Describe the effect of aging on the endocrine system and body homeostasis. (Ch. 9)
Unit Four: Circulatory, Lymphatic, and Respiratory Systems – (Approximately 3 ½ weeks)
Circulatory:
 Indicate the composition and volume of whole blood. (Ch. 10)
 Describe the composition of plasma, and discuss its importance in the body. (Ch. 10)
 List the cell types making up the formed elements, and describe the major functions of each type.
(Ch. 10)
 Describe some common homeostatic imbalances of the blood, and some of their causes. (Ch. 10)
 Explain the role of the hemocytoblast. (Ch. 10)
 Describe the blood clotting process. (Ch. 10)
 Describe the ABO and Rh blood groups. (Ch. 10)
 Explain the basis for a transfusion reaction. (Ch. 10)
 Identify the major anatomical areas of the heart on an appropriate model, specimen, or diagram.
(Ch. 11)
 Trace the pathway of blood through the heart. (Ch. 11)
 Compare the pulmonary and systemic circuits. (Ch. 11)
 Explain the operation of the heart valves. (Ch. 11)
 Name the elements of the intrinsic conduction system of the heart, and describe the pathway of
impulses through this system. (Ch. 11)
 Define systole, diastole, stroke volume, and cardiac cycle. (Ch. 11)
 Define heart sounds and murmur. (Ch. 11)
 Explain what information can be gained from an electrocardiogram.
 Describe the effect of each of the following on heart rate: stimulation by the vagus nerve, exercise,
epinephrine, and various ions. (Ch. 11)
 Compare and contrast the structure and function of arteries, veins, and capillaries. (Ch. 11)
 Define blood pressure and pulse. (Ch. 11)
 List factors affecting or determining blood pressure. (Ch. 11)
 Define hypertension and atherosclerosis, and describe possible health consequences of these
conditions. (Ch. 11)
 Describe the exchanges that occur across capillary walls. (Ch. 11)
 Describe how fetal circulation differs from adult circulation. (Ch. 11)
Respiratory:
 Define cellular respiration, external respiration, internal respiration, pulmonary ventilation,
expiration, inspiration, tidal volume, and residual air. (Ch. 13)
 Explain how the respiratory muscles cause volume changes that lead to air flow into and out of the
lungs (breathing). (Ch. 13)
 Describe the process of gas exchanges in the lungs and tissues. (Ch. 13)
 Describe how oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported in the blood.
 Name the brain areas involved in control of respiration. (Ch. 13)
 Name several physical factors that influence respiratory rate. (Ch. 13)
 Explain the relative importance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in modifying the rate and depth of
breathing. (Ch. 13)
 Explain why it is not possible to stop breathing voluntarily. (Ch. 13)
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Discuss disorders of breathing. (Ch. 13)
Lymphatic:
 Name the two major types of structures composing the lymphatic system and explain how the
lymphatic system is functionally related to the cardiovascular and immune systems. (Ch. 12)
 Describe the composition of lymph and explain its formation and transport. (Ch. 12)
 Describe the function(s) of lymph nodes, tonsils, the thymus, Peyer's patches, and the spleen. (Ch.
12)
 Describe the protective functions of skin and mucous membranes. (Ch. 12)
 Explain the importance of phagocytes and natural killer cells. (Ch. 12)
 Describe the inflammatory process. (Ch. 12)
 Name several antimicrobial substances produced by the body that act in nonspecific body defense.
(Ch. 12)
 Explain how fever helps protect the body against invading bacteria. (Ch. 12)
 Define antigen and hapten, and name substances that act as complete antigens. (Ch. 12)
 State the roles of B cells, T cells, and plasma cells. (Ch. 12)
 Explain the importance of macrophages in immunity. (Ch. 12)
 Describe several ways in which antibodies act against antigens. (Ch. 12)
 Distinguish between active and passive immunity. (Ch. 12)
 Describe immunodeficiencies, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. (Ch. 12)
Unit Five: Urinary & Digestive Systems – (Approximately 2 ½ weeks)
Digestive:
 Name the organs of the alimentary canal and accessory digestive organs and identify each on an
appropriate diagram or model. (Ch. 14)
 Identify the overall function of the digestive system as digestion and absorption of foodstuffs, and
describe the general activities of each digestive system organ. (Ch. 14)
 Describe the composition and function(s) of saliva. (Ch. 14)
 Describe the function of the four types of teeth. (Ch. 14)
 Explain how villi aid digestive processes in the small intestine. (Ch. 14)
 Describe the mechanisms of swallowing, vomiting, and defecation. (Ch. 14)
 Describe how foodstuffs in the digestive tract are mixed and moved along the tract. (Ch. 14)
 Describe the function of local hormones in the digestive process. (Ch. 14)
 List the major enzymes or enzyme groups produced by the digestive organs or accessory glands
and name the foodstuffs on which they act. (Ch. 14)
 Name the end products of protein, fat, and carbohydrate digestion. (Ch. 14)
 State the function of bile in the digestive process. (Ch. 14)
 Define nutrient and calorie. (Ch. 14)
 List the six major nutrient categories. Note important dietary sources and the principal cellular uses
of each. (Ch. 14)
Define enzyme, metabolism, anabolism, and catabolism. (Ch. 14)
Describe the metabolic roles of the liver. (Ch. 14)
Explain the importance of energy balance in the body and indicate consequences of energy
imbalance. (Ch. 14)
 List several factors that influence metabolic rate, and indicate the effect of each. (Ch. 14)
 Describe how body temperature is regulated. (Ch. 14)
 Discuss disorders of the digestive system. (Ch. 14)
Urinary:
 Describe the location of the kidneys in the body. (Ch. 15)
 Recognize that the nephron is the structural and functional unit of the kidney and describe its
anatomy. (Ch. 15)
 Describe the process of urine formation, identifying the areas of the nephron that are responsible
for filtration, reabsorption, and secretion. (Ch. 15)
 Describe the function of the kidneys in excretion of nitrogen-containing wastes. (Ch. 15)
 Define polyuria, anuria, oliguria, and diuresis. (Ch. 15)
 Describe the composition of normal urine. (Ch. 15)
 List abnormal urinary components. (Ch. 15)
 Describe the general structure and function of the ureters, bladder, and urethra. (Ch. 15)
 Compare the course and length of the male urethra to that of the female. (Ch. 15)
 Define micturition. (Ch. 15)
 Describe the difference in control of the external and internal urethral sphincters. (Ch. 15)
 Name three common urinary tract problems. (Ch. 15)
 Name and localize the three main fluid compartments of the body. (Ch. 15)
 Explain the role of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in the regulation of water balance by the kidney.
(Ch. 15)
 Explain the role of aldosterone in sodium and potassium balance of the blood. (Ch. 15)
 Compare and contrast the relative speed of buffers, the respiratory system, and the kidneys in
maintaining the acid-base balance of the blood. (Ch. 15)
 Describe the effect of aging on urinary system functioning. (Ch. 15)
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Unit Six: Reproductive System & Human Development– (Approximately 1 ½ weeks)
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Discuss the common purpose of the reproductive system organs. (Ch. 16)
When provided with a model or diagram, identify the organs of the male reproductive system and
discuss the general function of each. (Ch. 16)
Discuss the composition of semen and name the glands that produce it. (Ch. 16)
Trace the pathway followed by a sperm from the testis to the body exterior. (Ch. 16)
Define meiosis and spermatogenesis. (Ch. 16)
Describe the structure of a sperm and relate its structure to its function. (Ch. 16)
Describe the effect of FSH and LH on testis functioning. (Ch. 16)
When provided with an appropriate model or diagram, identify the organs of the female
reproductive system and discuss the general function of each. (Ch. 16)
Describe the functions of the vesicular follicle and corpus luteum of the ovary. (Ch. 16)
Define endometrium, myometrium, and ovulation. (Ch. 16)
Define oogenesis. (Ch. 16)
Describe the influence of FSH and LH on ovarian function. (Ch. 16)
Describe the phases and controls of the menstrual cycle. (Ch. 16)
Describe the structure and function of the mammary glands. (Ch. 16)
Define fertilization and zygote. (Ch. 16)
Describe implantation. (Ch. 16)
Distinguish between an embryo and a fetus. (Ch. 16)
List the major functions of the placenta. (Ch. 16)
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Indicate several ways that pregnancy alters or modifies the functioning of the mother's body. (Ch.
16)
Describe how labor is initiated and briefly discuss the three stages of labor. (Ch. 16)
List several agents that can interfere with normal fetal development. (Ch. 16)
Describe the importance of the presence/absence of testosterone during embryonic development
of the reproductive system organs. (Ch. 16)
Define menarche and menopause. (Ch. 16)