Course Essential Questions
- How does human anatomy influence physiological function?
- How do disruptions to homeostasis cause changes to anatomical structures and physiological function?
Course Learning Objectives
- Analyze how the structure of tissues and organs enables them to perform specific functions within an organ system.
- Explain how different organ systems work together to maintain homeostasis.
- Explain how disruptions in anatomy and physiology can lead to diseases and disorders.
Unit 1: Introduction to Anatomy
Unit 1 Essential Questions:
- How is the body organized?
- How do organisms' body systems respond to changes in their internal and external environment?
Week 1: Introduction to Anatomy
Week 1 Learning Objectives
- Explain the difference between anatomy and physiology.
- Define the major anatomical terms used in medicine.
- Describe the locations of major organs in the body using directional terms.
- Demonstrate the importance of lab safety.
Week 2: Levels of Organization
Week 2 Learning Objectives
- Explain levels of organization from tissue to organ system.
- Identify the parts of a compound light microscope and how each part is used to view specimens.
- Name and describe the functions of the major organ systems in the body.
- Research diseases or disorders of the major body systems.
Week 3: Homeostasis and Regulation
Week 3 Learning Objectives
- Explain the importance of homeostasis.
- Distinguish between negative feedback and positive feedback loops.
- Describe how body systems work together to maintain homeostasis.
- Explain how disruptions to homeostasis of body systems can be regulated.
Unit 2: Support & Movement
Unit 2 Essential Question:
- How do the skeletal and muscular systems support and move our bodies?
Week 4: Skeletal System
Week 4 Learning Objectives
- Identify the major bones in the human body.
- Build a model of a joint and describe its function.
- Compare and contrast the types of bone tissue.
- Describe the technology used to diagnose skeletal system injuries.
Week 5: Muscular System
Week 5 Learning Objectives
- Identify the major muscles of the human body and their locations.
- Compare and contrast the 3 types of muscle tissue.
- Model the events of a muscle contraction.
- Describe the factors that affect how a muscle contracts.
Unit 3: Transport
Unit 3 Learning Objectives
- How do the Cardiovascular and Respiratory work together to transport molecules throughout the body?
- How do the Cardiovascular and Respiratory systems work to maintain homeostasis?
Week 6: Blood and the Cardiovascular System
Week 6 Learning Objectives
- Describe the components of blood, its function and how its measured.
- Describe the structure and function of the heart and identify ways homeostasis can be disrupted.
- Create a model to demonstrate how blood flows through from the heart through the body, and back.
- Identify heart sounds and how they is used to diagnose problems within the heart.
Week 7: Respiratory System
Week 7 Learning Objectives
- Identify the components of the respiratory system and explain the functions of each.
- Explain how gas is exchanged between the lungs and the body.
- Model the processes of inspiration and expiration.
- Research a type of lung disease and create an informational brochure.
Unit 4: Absorption & Excretion
Unit 4 Essential Questions
- How does the digestive system obtain essential nutrients from our food?
- How does the body eliminate waste?
Week 8: Digestive System
Week 8 Learning Objectives
- Identify the components of the digestive system and explain their function.
- Create a model to demonstrate the path of digestion.
- Explain how and where the products of food are digested and absorbed.
- Determine the enzymes responsible for digesting macromolecules.
Week 9: Excretory System
Week 9 Learning Objectives
- Identify the components of the excretory system and explain their function.
- Model how filtration works.
- Describe how urine is produced and what issues can be determined by analyzing its contents.
- Research diseases or disorders that can impact the excretory system.
Unit 5: Control & Coordination
Unit 5 Essential Questions
- How do the nervous and endocrine systems work together to maintain homeostasis?
- How do the nervous and endocrine systems detect signals and coordinate responses?
Week 10: Nervous System and the Senses
Week 10 Learning Objectives
- Identify the components of the nervous system and explain their function.
- Identify the parts of a neuron.
- Model and test how the nervous system responds to stimuli.
- Explain how the brain interprets sensory information.
- Explain diseases or disorders that can impact nervous system functioning.
Week 11: Endocrine System
Week 11 Learning Objectives
- Identify the components associated with the endocrine system and explain their function.
- Identify various hormones and their locations and actions in the body.
- Explain how the endocrine system works with other systems to create a response.
- Research current news articles pertaining to the endocrine system.
Unit 6: Protection & Reproduction
Unit 6 Essential Questions
- What role do the integumentary and immune systems have in protecting our body?
- How do the male and female reproductive systems ensure the development of future generations?
Week 12: Integumentary System
Week 12 Learning Objectives
- Identify the components associated with the integumentary system and explain their function.
- Describe the structure and function of the accessory organs of the skin.
- Research and test the effectiveness of sunscreens in blocking UVA and UVB rays.
- Identify the skills required to be a dermatologist.
- Research skin cancer and how it can be prevented.
Week 13: Immune System
Week 13 Learning Objectives
- Identify the components of the Immune System.
- Compare and contrast innate and adaptive immune responses.
- Explain how an immune response works.
- Identify factors that can disrupt the Immune System.
- Research diseases that can affect the immune system and what vaccines are used to treat the disease.
Week 14: Reproductive System
Week 14 Learning Objectives
- Identify the organs and hormones associated with the male and female Reproductive System.
- Explain how oogenesis and spermatogenesis allow for the creation of egg and sperm.
- Describe the process of fertilization.
- Explain the differences in milestones between males and females. Research a reproductive health issue and create a concept map.
- Explain how environmental issues affect human growth and development.
Week 15: The Human Body as a System
Week 15 Learning Objectives
- Reflect on what you think humans will look like in a million years.
- Take a final exam to demonstrate your understanding of course content.
- Provide feedback to VHS Learning.