Foundations of Human Anatomy

This unit builds foundational knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, introducing the scientific approach, anatomical terminology, levels of organization, cellular structure/function, macromolecules, genetics, tissue formation, and the skeletal system. Students will develop vocabulary and conceptual models that prepare them for applied clinical and physiological studies in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze structural levels of biological organization and apply anatomical jargon to accurately locate, describe, and communicate major body regions, directional terms, and body planes.
• Apply principles of cell biology and macromolecule chemistry to explain cellular activities — including membrane transport, metabolism, and energy transfer — that sustain life and support homeostasis.
• Demonstrate understanding of genetic material and the cell cycle by summarizing DNA structure and function, describing stages of mitosis and meiosis, and interpreting basic genetic representations (e.g., pedigrees, karyotypes).
• Evaluate how tissues and the skeletal system contribute to overall organ function and homeostasis by comparing tissue types, classifying bone structure, and modeling how form supports physiological roles.