Anatomy and Physiology 1b: Discovering Form and Function
From the beat of the heart to the breaths we take, the human body is a network of amazing systems that work together in harmony. Explore what keeps us alive and discover more about the cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, immune, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Through in-depth explanations and real-world patient case studies, you’ll gain an understanding of how body systems interact and support each other, equipping you with the knowledge to understand everyday wellness and complex medical conditions.
Units at a Glance
Unit 1: The Cardiovascular System I: Blood and Circulation
A single blood cell will travel through your heart and around your body a thousand times a day. Why all this movement? It all comes down to the structure and function of your cardiovascular system. Your blood is a hardworking delivery tissue that keeps you healthy and alive, moving oxygen, fuel, and germ-fighting cells throughout your body. On top of that, your blood is constantly helping to get rid of waste from your tissues. Here, we’ll explore the composition of blood, understand how blood circulates through the cardiovascular system, and look at some diseases and disorders of the blood.
What will you learn in this unit?
- Identify the major functions of the cardiovascular system, including homeostasis, transport, and immune response
- Compare and contrast the major vessels of the cardiovascular system and summarize their role in circulation
- Discuss the components of blood and the process of hemostasis
- Explain the physiology of blood typing and transfusion reactions
- Describe the causes, symptoms, and treatments of various blood conditions
Unit 2: The Cardiovascular System II: The Heart
Since before you were born, your heart has been tirelessly pumping life-giving blood to every part of your body. This incredible organ beats over 100,000 times a day, even while you sleep. But how much do you really know about what’s happening inside your heart? In this unit, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of your heart, exploring its powerful structure, role in blood circulation, and the electrical activity that makes it “tick.” We’ll also explore the medical advancements that can help diagnose heart problems and fix them when things go wrong. Get ready to uncover the secrets of this vital organ and discover why taking care of your heart is the key to a healthy, energetic life!
What will you learn in this unit?
- Label and describe heart anatomy and illustrate blood flow through the heart
- Compare systemic, pulmonary, and coronary circulation
- Identify normal heart sounds and explain the relationship between blood pressure and homeostasis
- Analyze an electrocardiogram to determine the electrical activity of the heart
- Recognize causes, symptoms, and treatments of various types of heart disease
Unit 3: The Respiratory System
The over 20,000 breaths you take each day power your body with oxygen, the essential gas that sustains your life. How does this work? Here, we’ll look at the anatomy of your respiratory system, including the incredible structure of the lungs that allows this vital gas exchange to take place. We’ll explore everything from the mechanics of breathing to common respiratory conditions and the modern technology medical professionals use to treat the respiratory system. Take a deep breath and get ready to uncover the wonders of how you breathe—and why it matters!
What will you learn in this unit?
- Compare and contrast the structures and functions of the upper and lower respiratory tract
- Explain the physiology of the respiratory system, including the mechanisms of ventilation, gas exchange, and gas transport
- Describe how the rate of ventilation is controlled and how the voice is produced
- Discuss environmental impacts on the respiratory system
- Identify treatments for diseases and disorders of the respiratory system
Unit 4: The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
Move over, Avengers! Inside your body exists an even more powerful team of superheroes to protect you from harmful invaders. The immune system consists of specialized cells and organs working together to fight off bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Meanwhile, the lymphatic system serves as a network of highways, transporting immune cells and fluid throughout the body. Together, these systems play a crucial role in maintaining your well-being and helping you stay strong against illness. Here, we’ll explore how these systems work, how they keep us safe, and what happens when they face challenges.
What will you learn in this unit?
- Identify the body’s non-specific immune responses
- Explain the adaptive immune responses of the body
- Describe the structures and functions of the lymphatic organs and trace the flow of lymph through the body
- Discuss common diseases and disorders of the immune system
- Apply strategies for supporting immune and lymphatic health and preventing disease
Unit 5: The Digestive System
“You are what you eat.” It turns out that this old saying isn’t too far from the truth! Every day, your digestive system transforms the food you consume into the energy and nutrients you need to grow, think, and stay active. From the moment you take your first bite of a meal, your body embarks on a fascinating journey to break your food down, absorb essential nutrients from it, and eliminate any waste that results. Here, we’ll follow food on its ride through the digestive tract as we explore the anatomy and physiology of the system that builds you up and keeps you moving!
What will you learn in this unit?
- Identify the role and primary processes of the digestive system
- Relate the anatomical structures of the upper digestive system to their functions
- Describe the journey of food through the lower digestive system
- Explain the role of the accessory organs and the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins
- Discuss causes, symptoms, and treatments of various diseases and disorders of the digestive system
Unit 6: The Urinary System
When you think about survival, you may think of things like food, water, and air. But do you ever think of . . . urine? You may consider the numerous trips you take to the bathroom each day as a hassle, but urinating is, in fact, helping you survive! The activities of your cells produce hundreds of waste products, and if these are allowed to build up, you’ll only be able to live a few days in this toxic condition. Fortunately, your urinary system filters out this waste and takes care of excess fluids to maintain your body’s homeostasis. Here, we’ll explore how the cleanup crew of your urinary system functions to “take out the trash” and keep your body healthy and balanced—and alive!
What will you learn in this unit?
- Identify the anatomical structures and functions of the urinary system
- Illustrate the internal and external gross and microscopic anatomy of the kidneys, including the structure, function, and types of nephrons
- Describe the composition and properties of urine
- Explain how urination is controlled and how the kidneys function to maintain homeostasis in the body
- Discuss causes, symptoms, and treatments of various diseases and disorders of the urinary system
Unit 7: The Reproductive System
It’s incredible to think that each of the eight billion-plus humans on Earth is unique from anyone else alive or who has ever lived. Yet despite our many differences, we all started the same way—when a tiny sperm met an egg. Here, we’ll dive into the amazing and complex world of how life begins. You’ll learn about the male and female reproductive systems, how a microscopic fertilized egg develops into a full-sized human, and what can happen when things don’t go quite as planned. From understanding how our bodies work to discussing real-life reproductive health issues, get ready to look at the science behind some of the most important processes in our lives.
What will you learn in this unit?
- Define key terminology related to reproduction and genetics
- Describe the location, structure, and functions of the internal and external male reproductive organs and accessory glands
- Identify and locate the female reproductive organs and glands and their functions
- Discuss how hormonal changes drive puberty, the menstrual cycle, and menopause
- Explain the changes in the female body and the development of the baby during gestation
- Summarize what happens during childbirth and any complications that may occur
- List common diseases and disorders of the reproductive system.
Unit 8: Your Future in Health Care
Do you want to solve mysteries, save lives, and even shape the future? Look no further than a career in the health sciences! In this unit, we’re diving deep into the health science career pathway, where cutting-edge technology meets the power of human care. Here, you’ll explore the careers that could be your path to making a difference in the world. We’ll also discover the essential skills every health professional needs and get a sneak peek at the revolutionary technologies and research set to transform human health. Get ready to connect your interests to the growing, evolving, and impactful healthcare field!
What will you learn in this unit?
- Recognize the categories of health science careers and list resources for exploring a health science career pathway
- Communicate effectively with patients and record relevant information in an electronic health record
- Identify sources of patient data and interpret the results of medical tests
- Collaborate and communicate effectively and confidentially in a healthcare team
- Explain emerging areas of research and development related to human health
Required Materials
Physical
- 2-3 Balloons
- Art supplies
- Audio recording device
- Balloon
- Camera
- Empty clear plastic drink bottle
- Metric ruler
- Other materials as outlined in your experimental design (will vary)
- Scientific journal
- Scissors
- Stopwatch or other timer
- Tape (masking tape or duct tape)
- Video recording device
Software
- Presentation software
- Word processing software
Other
- Helper
Optional
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment
- Graphic design software
- Health wearable such as a Fitbit
- Modeling clay or dough
- Sphygmomanometer
- Spreadsheet software
- Stethoscope
- Straws
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