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Honors Anatomy and Physiology I

Course Description

This course is the first half of the Human Anatomy & Physiology curriculum. It is equivalent to the first semester of a 2 semester college level Human Anatomy and Physiology course. The course will provide students with an understanding of the structure and function of the human body from the cellular through systems level.

The course content of Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 consists of the following units:

Unit 1: Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology
Unit 2: Histology/Tissues
Unit 3: Integumentary System Part 1 (the skin and its derivatives)
Unit 4: Integumentary System Part 2 (wound healing, burn classification, skin diseases/disorders)
Unit 5: Skeletal System
Unit 6: Muscle System (including how nervous tissue stimulates muscle movement)

Students planning further studies in scientific and health related careers or physical education will find this course to be beneficial. 
A grade of 80% or higher in Honors Biology, or a grade of 90% or higher in Biology is a prerequisite for this course.

Course Big Ideas

  • The human body is composed of four major tissue types.
  • The human body is composed of systems that contribute to life’s functions.
  • The human body has mechanisms to maintain homeostasis.
  • The human body contains structures to move and respond to stimuli.
  • The human body can be affected by disorders and diseases.
  • The human body has ways to respond, repair and rebuild when necessary.
     

Course Essential Questions

  • How does the structure relate to function in the human body?
  • How does the human body maintain homeostasis?
  • How does the medical community identify and describe the human body?
  • How does the structure of a cell correlate with its function?
  •  What are the distinguishing characteristics of the various tissues in the human body?
  •  What major functions does the integumentary system contribute to keeping the human body functioning?
  • What major accessory structures are derived from epithelial cells and what functions do they serve?
  • How are wounds categorized and what stages do they go through in the healing process?
  • What is the classification system for burns? And how are burns treated?
  • What are the most common skin conditions and disorders? And how are they treated?
  • What are the major parts of the skeletal system?
  • What are the major functions of the skeletal system?
  • How does damage to the skeletal system get repaired?
  • What are the main types of joints and why are joints necessary?
  • What disorders and diseases are related to the skeletal system?
  • What role does the muscular system play in movement?
  • How do muscles contract and relax?
  • How does the muscular system work together with the skeletal system?
  • When the body uses the various muscle contraction types?
  • What is the difference between isotonic and isometric contraction?
  • What are the various major muscle groups in the human body?
     

Course Competencies

  • Students should be able to explain why the structure of a cell, tissue, organ, and organ system are representative of their function. 
  • Students should be able to properly use medical terminology to describe and explain the human body plan.
  • Students should be able to identify the four main types of body tissues, know where they are located in the human body, and what role they play.
  • Students should be able to explain how the human body maintains homeostasis using feedback mechanisms.
  • Students should be able to explain the structure and function of the integumentary system. Additionally, they should know the process for basic wound healing, how burns are classified, and what the most common skin disorders are.
  • Students should be able to describe the structure of bones, how they are formed, what happens when a bone breaks, and the substances that compose the skeletal system.
  • Students should know the basic types of joints found in the skeleton and their movement patterns.
  • Students will be able to identify the bones of the skull, face, appendages and axial skeleton.
  • Students will know how the skeletal system works in tandem with muscles in order for movement to occur.
  • Students will know the basic structure for muscle tissue, the three main types of muscle, how different muscle groups move, and the names of facial, arm, leg, chest and back muscles. 
     

Course Assessments

  • Unit Exams, labs, lab practicums, projects and other activities 
     

Course Units