Human Anatomy and Physiology-I Notes
Subject Overview
The first of two Human Anatomy and Physiology papers, covering cell structure and division, the four tissue types, blood composition, the musculoskeletal system and body movements, the respiratory system and its measured volumes, the cardiovascular system (heart anatomy, circulation, the cardiac cycle, an introduction to ECG), the lymphatic system, and the structure and function of the sense organs. A 4-credit core theory paper.
Subject at a glance
4
Units
28
Topics
4
Credits
4
Infographics
Unit-wise Syllabus
4 units — open any unit for detailed topic-wise notes, diagrams and important exam questions
- Introduction to human anatomy and physiology
- cell and cell organelles — structure
- classification
- function and division (mitosis and meiosis)
- tissue classification with structure and function (epithelial, connective, muscular, nervous)
- composition and function of blood
Red blood cells
4.5–5.5 million/µL
Carry oxygen (haemoglobin)
White blood cells
4,000–11,000/µL
Defend against infection
Platelets
1.5–4.5 lakh/µL
Blood clotting
Plasma
About 55% of blood
Carries nutrients, hormones, proteins
Study guide
This unit introduces anatomy and physiology, the cell and its organelles and division, the classification and function of tissues and the composition and functions of blood. Link each tissue type to where it is found in the body.
- Classification
- structure and function of the skeletal system
- muscles and joints
- movements of the body
Fibrous (immovable)
Sutures of the skull
Cartilaginous (slightly movable)
Between vertebrae
Synovial: ball and socket
Shoulder, hip
Synovial: hinge
Elbow, knee
Synovial: pivot
Between atlas and axis
Study guide
You study the skeletal system, muscles, joints and body movements. Learn the bones of the body by region and the types of joint with examples.
- Structure
- function and mechanism of breathing and respiration
- vital capacity
- total volume
- reserve volume
- total lung capacity
- anatomy and physiology of the heart
- blood circulation
- arteries and veins
- conductive system of the heart
- cardiac cycle
- introduction to ECG
- 1
Body (vena cavae)
- 2
Right atrium
- 3
Right ventricle
- 4
Lungs
Pulmonary artery: pick up oxygen
- 5
Left atrium
Pulmonary veins
- 6
Left ventricle
- 7
Body (aorta)
Study guide
You study the respiratory system (mechanism of breathing, lung volumes and capacities) and the cardiovascular system (heart anatomy, circulation, vessels, conduction system, cardiac cycle and an introduction to ECG). Learn the lung volumes and how the cardiac cycle relates to the ECG waves.
- Structure and function of lymph nodes
- spleen
- thymus gland and tonsils
- structure and function of the eye
- ear
- nose and tongue
Lymph nodes
Filter lymph, house lymphocytes
Spleen
Filters blood, removes old RBCs
Thymus
T-cell maturation
Tonsils
First defence in the throat
Study guide
You study the lymphatic system (nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils) and the sense organs: eye, ear, nose and tongue. Be able to describe the path of light through the eye and sound through the ear.
Why Human Anatomy and Physiology-I Matters
You cannot interpret a laboratory result without knowing the normal body. Anatomy and physiology give the context for every test you will perform, from blood counts to ECG.
How to Prepare for Human Anatomy and Physiology-I
- Use charts and models to learn structures, and draw and label them.
- Link physiology to a test, for example the heart to ECG and the lungs to PEFR.
- Revise by system with a one-page summary for each.
Human Anatomy and Physiology-I: Frequently Asked Questions
Why do lab technologists study anatomy and physiology?
Understanding normal structure and function helps technologists interpret test results and recognise abnormalities.
What is an ECG?
An electrocardiogram records the heart's electrical activity and helps detect rhythm problems and heart damage.