Foundations of Human Structure and Function

This unit introduces the chemical, cellular, tissue, and organ-level foundations of human anatomy and basic physiology, covering cell structure and division, tissue types, and the major organ systems. Students build practical skills in anatomical terminology, system identification, and basic clinical reasoning to prepare for applied health science study in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the hierarchical organization of the human body by categorizing examples at the chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels and explaining how each level contributes to overall function
• Apply principles of chemistry and cell biology (including atoms/elements, chemical reactions, membrane transport, and the cell cycle) to explain cellular processes and common errors in cell division
• Demonstrate identification and classification of epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues and correctly locate and name major bones, muscles, glands, and organs using standard anatomical position and terminology
• Evaluate how cellular- and tissue-level dysfunctions (e.g., skin disorders, fractures, muscular or renal impairment, neoplastic changes) disrupt homeostasis and inform basic clinical documentation and initial assessment