Human Anatomy & Physiology-II Notes
Subject Overview
The second Human Anatomy and Physiology paper, covering body fluids and electrolyte balance, the digestive system and liver, the urinary system and nephron physiology, the male and female genital systems, the nervous system, and the endocrine system. A 4-credit core theory paper.
Subject at a glance
3
Units
25
Topics
4
Credits
3
Infographics
Unit-wise Syllabus
3 units — open any unit for detailed topic-wise notes, diagrams and important exam questions
- Types of body fluid
- total body water
- fluid balance and homeostasis
- electrolytes and their function
- electrolyte and fluid imbalance
- digestive system organization
- accessory organs
- structure and function of mouth/tongue/teeth/oesophagus/pharynx/stomach/intestine/rectum/anus
- digestive glands
- physiology of carbohydrate/lipid/protein digestion
- liver structure and function
- 1
Mouth
Salivary amylase starts on starch
- 2
Oesophagus
Peristalsis
- 3
Stomach
Pepsin and HCl digest protein
- 4
Small intestine
Bile, pancreatic enzymes; absorption
- 5
Large intestine
Water absorbed
- 6
Rectum and anus
Elimination
Study guide
This unit covers body fluids, fluid balance, electrolytes and imbalances and the digestive system: organs, glands, digestion of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins and the liver. Learn the major electrolytes and what imbalances do.
- Structure and function of the kidney and nephron
- physiology of excretion and urine formation
- additional excretory organs
- structure of the male and female reproductive systems
- gametogenesis
- menstrual cycle
- placenta and extra-embryonic membranes
- 1Glomerular filtration
Bowman's capsule
- 2Proximal tubule
Reabsorbs glucose, salts, water
- 3Loop of Henle
Concentrates urine
- 4Distal tubule
Fine-tunes salts; secretion
- 5Collecting duct
Water reabsorbed under ADH
Study guide
You study the kidney and nephron, urine formation and excretion, and the male and female reproductive systems, gametogenesis, the menstrual cycle, placenta and membranes. Be able to describe urine formation step by step.
- Parts
- function and structure of the brain
- spinal cord and spinal/cranial nerves
- all-or-none principle
- role of neurotransmitters
- endocrine and exocrine glands — location
- structure and function
Pituitary
GH, TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH
Master gland
Thyroid
T3, T4
Metabolism
Pancreas (islets)
Insulin, glucagon
Blood glucose
Adrenal
Cortisol, adrenaline
Stress response
Gonads
Oestrogen, testosterone
Reproduction
Study guide
You study the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves, the all-or-none principle, neurotransmitters) and the endocrine and exocrine glands. Make a table of endocrine glands, hormones and functions.
Why Human Anatomy & Physiology-II Matters
Kidney, liver, hormone and electrolyte tests depend on understanding these systems, so this paper links directly to clinical biochemistry and pathology.
How to Prepare for Human Anatomy & Physiology-II
- Draw the nephron and the digestive tract with labels.
- Create a hormone chart with source gland and function.
- Link each system to the lab tests used to assess it.
Human Anatomy & Physiology-II: Frequently Asked Questions
Why are electrolytes important?
Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium control fluid balance, nerve signals and muscle function, so imbalances can be dangerous.
What is a nephron?
A nephron is the functional unit of the kidney that filters blood and forms urine.