Course Description
Why is the human body so complex? How do all of the different structures of the body work together? In Anatomy and Physiology, students survey the different systems of the human body, with an emphasis on the relationship between structure and function. The course begins by teaching the language of anatomy and familiarizing students with the building blocks of the human body: cells and tissues that combine to create the complex organs and support structures of the body. Students get to know their bodies inside and out, from the skin that covers and protects the entire body to the skeleton and the attached muscles that provide support and create movement. Moving deeper inside, students explore the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, and digestive systems, which work together to supply the body with nutrients and rid it of wastes. Students also learn how the nervous and endocrine systems respond to the environment and maintain a state of balance. Students study the reproductive system as they follow the development of a human from a single-celled zygote to a mature adult. Interwoven throughout many lessons is information about genetic diseases, dysfunctions, and ailments such as diabetes, HIV, and arthritis. By the end of this course, students will feel as if they have read the owner’s manual for their bodies.

Course Breakdown

Overall structure of the body
Cellular structure and function
Different types of tissues
Skeletal system
Muscular system
Cardiovascular system
Respiratory system
Digestive system Digestive system
Urinary system
Lymphatic system
Nervous system
Endocrine system
Reproductive system
Human development

Course Goals
Identify the regions and structural organization of the human body.
Describe the properties and functions of cells in the human body.
Summarize the properties, functions, and layers of skin.
Relate the structure to the function of the parts of the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Describe the functions, properties, and features of the digestive, urinary, and lymphatic systems.
Relate the functions of the nervous and endocrine systems in controlling the functions of other systems.
Summarize the relationship between the structure and the function of the reproductive system of both sexes.
Investigate the process of human development and the role of the reproductive system in that process.