Introduction
This anatomy and physiology textbook is designed to impart the foundational knowledge of the human body in an intriguing and meaningful manner. Learning anatomy and physiology will allow the learner to clearly understand how to identify and understand the functions of various structures, ranging from simple to complex systems within the human body. The word “anatomy” comes from a Greek root that means “to cut apart.” Human anatomy was first studied by observing the body’s exterior and the wounds of soldiers and other injuries. Human physiology is the scientific study of the chemistry and physics of the body’s structures and how they work together to support the functions of life. Studying anatomy and physiology will help learners eventually relate the form of the systems they are learning to their role.
This book provides information for an Anatomy & Physiology I course and is divided into the following three sections: Levels of Organization (chapters 1–7), Support & Movement (chapters 9–14), and Nervous Regulation and Integration (chapters 15–16). These chapters provide a foundation for the further study of the body. They also focus on how the body’s regions, essential chemicals, and cells maintain homeostasis. The learners will explore the skin, the body’s largest organ, and examine the body’s skeletal and muscular systems following a traditional sequence of topics. It will also help learners answer questions about the control and regulation of the nervous and sensory systems. This textbook does not discuss the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, digestive, renal, and reproductive systems. Those systems are set aside for an Anatomy & Physiology II course.
Each chapter contains relevant terminology, diagrams, and embedded videos to assist the learner in learning the material in-depth. The chapters also include vocabulary that are part of a glossary at the end of this textbook, which will enhance the learning experience. Each chapter concludes with a practice section containing interactive elements or exercises. Combining word lists and their definitions with interactive content and real-world scenarios will aid the learner in understanding, retaining, and utilizing the information within flash cards with audio options, images, drag-and-drop exercises, and more.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify the appropriate terminology to effectively communicate information related to anatomy and physiology.
- Recognize the anatomical structures and explain the physiological functions of body systems.
- Explain the importance of homeostasis and the interrelationships between organ systems.
- Apply knowledge of anatomical structure and physiological function to real-world situations.
To accomplish these outcomes, the authors recommend reading the chapter in full. Next, complete the questions in the Test Your Knowledge sections and then complete practice exercises at the end of each chapter to test yourself. Creating note cards for each chapter is recommended.
