Human Anatomy and Physiology I

1. Structure and function of cells

• Cell membranes and various cytoplasmic and nuclear components
• Use of a compound microscope
• Microscopic features of plant and animal cells
• Major cellular processes and their significance to the cell

2. Introduction to biochemistry

• Chemistry of water
• Chemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids

3. Homeostasis

• Definition of homeostasis, its importance, and the conditions required to fulfill homeostasis
• Definitions of internal environment, stress, positive and negative feedback systems, and their roles in homeostasis
• Examples of homeostatic mechanisms, including positive and negative feedback systems

4. Organization of the human body beyond the cellular level

• Structure and function of the four tissue types
• Major body systems, their major organs, and the general function of each organ
• Directional terms as they relate to the human body
• Body cavities and their organs

5. Integumentary system

• Components of the epidermis and the dermis
• Specialized cells, structures, and glands

6. Skeletal system

• Basic structure, histology, and components of the human skeleton
• Structure, physiology, and function of bone
• Changes in skeletal structure during growth and development (ossification)
• Articulations (joints) with respect to their structures and types of movement allowed
• Basic mechanical principles of movement as they relate to joints (biomechanics)

7. Muscular system

• Types of movements as a result of skeletal muscle contraction
• Principal muscles and muscle groups and their movements
• Gross anatomy of muscles and microscopic anatomy of muscle tissue
• Physiology of muscle contraction

8. Nervous system

• Structure and function of the parts of the brain, the spinal cord, and major nerves
• Reflex arc
• Structure and functioning of the sense organs