Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology
Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology
Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology is a course for students interested in a
detailed and comprehensive analysis of the structures and functions of the human body
with emphasis on molecular structures and biochemical pathways. Preserved specimens
are used to illustrate specific systems and dissections are mandatory.
Students will:
1. Define anatomical and physiological terms and usage.
 Levels of complexity from molecular anatomy to organ systems
 Homeostasis, homeostatic imbalances and feedback mechanisms
 History of anatomical study and role in cutting edge medical and imaging
technology
2. Relate chemical, biochemical and energetic concepts to anatomy and physiology.
 Atoms, elements, molecules, mixtures
 Chemical reactions and factors that relate to chemical reactions rates in the
human body
 Inorganic compounds (roles of salt/water and pH balance in maintaining body
homeostasis)
 Organic compounds (dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis of carbohydrates,
lipids, proteins, nucleic acids)
 Role of ATP in cell metabolism
3. Correlate cellular and molecular processes with complex organ level functions.
 Plasma membrane role in cellular communication and molecular transport
 Cytoplasmic organelles and comparative roles to organs
 Nuclear and chromosomal functions
 Cell growth and reproduction and cellular role in aging
4. Identify tissue types, investigate location and functional characteristics of
histological samples.
 Epithelial tissue, membranes, and glands
 Connective and support tissues
 Neurons and nervous support tissue
 Muscle tissue types
 Tissue repair and wound healing
5. Describe tissues and organs of integumentary system.
 Skin layers – protection, skin coloration, diseases
 Appendages of skin – glands, hair follicles, muscles, nerves
 Skin cancers, burns, skin disorders
Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology
6. Describe bones and tissues of skeletal system.
 Cartilage growth and function in the skeleton
 Bone tissue and molecular functions of calcium
 Axial and appendicular skeletal regions and functions
 Gross anatomy of typical bones
 Bone diseases and disorders
 Joints and articulations
7. Describe muscles and tissues of muscular system.
 Muscles tissues and molecular aspects of muscle contraction
 Motor unit translation into muscle fiber and gross muscle movement
 Biochemical processes of muscle function (ATP regeneration, oxygen debt,
muscle fatigue)
 Gross muscle identification and movement
 Muscular diseases and disorders
8. Describe tissues and organs of nervous system.
 Organization of nervous system
 Structure and function of neurons and nervous support tissue
 Neurophysiology (membrane potential, salutatory conduction and synapses)
 Brain and spinal cord structure and function
 Peripheral nervous system and reflex activities (cranial and spinal nerves)
 Autonomic nervous system (parasympathetic and sympathetic)
9. Describe sensory organs (eye, ear, tongue, and skin receptors.)
 Chemical senses – taste and smell
 Eyes and vision – pathway of light to the retina, photoreception, disorders and
diseases of the eye
 Ears, Hearing and Balance – sound conduction, equilibrium, equilibrium
10. Describe tissues and organs of endocrine system.
 Hormonal and neural controls of body functioning
 Biochemical classification of hormones
 Hormonal imbalances and disorders
11. Describe composition and function of blood as connective tissue.
 Blood plasma and formed elements (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets,
hemoglobin)
 Homeostatic imbalances, transfusions, clot formation and blood disorders
12. Describe tissues and organs of cardiovascular system.
 Heart anatomy and physiology – pathway of blood through heart, cardiac cycle,
nervous regulation
 Anatomy of blood vessels and physiology of circulation
 Diseases and disorders of heart and circulatory components
Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology
13. Describe tissues and organs of lymphatic and immune systems.
 Location, structure, function of major lymph organs and lymphatic circulation
 Location, structure and function of major immune sites - active and passive
immunity
 Physical and chemical immune defenses
 Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses
 Vaccinology and diseases and disorders of immunity
14. Describe tissues and organs of respiratory system.
 Gross anatomy of lungs and pleural coverings
 Mechanics of breathing and biochemcial and molecular aspects of gas exchange
 Control of respiration and diseases and disorders of respiratory system
15. Describe tissues and organs of digestive system.
 Functional anatomy of digestive tissues, membranes, and organs
 Physiology of chemical and enzymatic digestion and absorption
 Diseases and disorders of digestive system
16. Describe tissues and organs of urinary system.
 Gross anatomy of kidneys, ureters, urethra, and urinary bladder
 Kidney physiology and mechanics of urine formation
 Diseases and disorders of urinary system
17. Describe tissues and organs of reproductive system.
 Anatomy and physiology of male reproductive system
 Anatomy and physiology of female reproductive system
 Pregnancy and human development
 Diseases and disorders of reproductive system
18. Comparative anatomy of the cat.