Human Anatomy and Physiology I

1. Structure and function of cells

• Cell membranes and various cytoplasmic and nuclear components
• Preparation of and examination (using a compound microscope) of animal and plant cells
• Major cellular processes and their significance to the cell

2. Introduction to biochemistry

• The chemistry of water
• The chemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids

3. Homeostasis

• The definition of homeostasis, its importance, and the conditions required to fulfill homeostasis
• The 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. The organization of the human body beyond the cellular level

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

5. The integumentary system

• The identification and description of the components of the epidermis and the dermis
• Specialized cells, structures, and glands

6. The skeletal system

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

7. The muscular system

• The types of movements as a result of skeletal muscle contraction
• The identification of the principal muscles and muscle groups and their movements
• The gross anatomy of muscles and microscopic anatomy of muscle tissue
• The physiology of muscle contraction

8. The nervous system

• The structure and function of the parts of the brain, the spinal cord, and major nerves
• The reflex arc
• The structure and functioning of the sense organs