Anatomy & Physiology Foundations

This unit introduces foundational concepts of human anatomy and physiology, emphasizing cellular structure, tissue organization, integument, skeletal and muscular functions, and the major organ systems. Students will explore energy and metabolic principles, basic microscopic techniques and terminology, and how organ systems integrate to maintain homeostasis — building on prior biology knowledge and preparing for applied clinical topics in later units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze structure–function relationships of cells, tissues, and the integument by interpreting micrographs and explaining how cellular and tissue organization supports organ-level roles
• Apply principles of energy transfer and metabolism to trace energy flow through cells and organ systems, describing how metabolic processes and ATP production support physiological function
• Demonstrate understanding of the primary functions of major organ systems (skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, lymphatic, reproductive) and model how these systems integrate to maintain homeostasis
• Evaluate the functional and clinical implications of common structural or biochemical disruptions (e.g., skin injury, bone fracture, hormonal imbalance, impaired transport) and recommend basic assessment steps or interventions appropriate to a health-science setting