Unit 73: Human Anatomy and Physiology

1. Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

• Overview of human body structure and function
• Anatomical terminology
  • Directional terms (anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, etc.)
  • Body planes and sections
  • Body cavities and regions
• Basic physiological concepts
  • Cells, tissues, organs, and systems
  • Homeostasis and regulation

2. The Skeletal System

• Structure of bones
  • Bone composition (compact vs. spongy bone)
  • Bone cells (osteocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts)
• Types of bones
  • Long, short, flat, irregular
• Bone development and growth
  • Ossification processes
  • Growth plates
• Functions of the skeletal system
  • Support and shape
  • Protection of vital organs
  • Movement and leverage
  • Blood cell production (hematopoiesis)
  • Mineral storage

3. The Muscular System

• Types of muscles
  • Skeletal muscle
  • Cardiac muscle
  • Smooth muscle
• Muscle tissue structure
  • Muscle fibers, myofibrils, sarcomeres
• Muscle contraction
  • Sliding filament theory
  • Role of ATP and calcium
• Functions of muscles
  • Movement
  • Posture maintenance
  • Heat production (thermogenesis)

4. The Nervous System

• Overview and divisions
  • Central nervous system (CNS): brain and spinal cord
  • Peripheral nervous system (PNS): nerves outside CNS
  • Autonomic nervous system (ANS): sympathetic and parasympathetic
• Structure of neurons and neuroglia
• Functions
  • Sensory input
  • Integration and interpretation
  • Motor output
• Reflex arcs and neural pathways

5. The Cardiovascular System

• Structure of the heart
  • Chambers, valves, and blood flow
• Blood vessels
  • Arteries, veins, capillaries
• Composition and functions of blood
  • Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, plasma
• Functions of the cardiovascular system
  • Transport of oxygen and nutrients
  • Removal of waste products
  • Hormone distribution
  • Temperature regulation

6. The Respiratory System

• Anatomy
  • Airways: nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi
  • Lungs and alveoli
  • Diaphragm and intercostal muscles
• Physiology of breathing
  • Inhalation and exhalation mechanics
  • Gas exchange process
• Regulation of respiration
  • Neural and chemical control mechanisms

7. The Digestive System

• Structure of the gastrointestinal tract
  • Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine
• Accessory digestive organs
  • Salivary glands, liver, pancreas, gallbladder
• Processes
  • Ingestion
  • Digestion (mechanical and chemical)
  • Absorption of nutrients
  • Metabolism of nutrients
  • Elimination of waste

8. The Endocrine System

• Major endocrine glands
  • Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads
• Hormones and their functions
  • Regulation of metabolism, growth, development
• Feedback mechanisms
  • Negative and positive feedback loops
• Role in homeostasis

9. The Reproductive System

• Male reproductive anatomy
  • Testes, vas deferens, prostate, penis
• Female reproductive anatomy
  • Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina
• Hormonal regulation
  • Role of gonadotropins, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone
• Processes
  • Gametogenesis (spermatogenesis and oogenesis)
  • Fertilization and early development

10. Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms

• Definition and importance of homeostasis
• Components of homeostatic control systems
  • Receptors, control center, effectors
• Types of feedback loops
  • Negative feedback (e.g., temperature regulation, blood glucose)
  • Positive feedback (e.g., childbirth, blood clotting)
• Integration of multiple systems to maintain internal balance