In APhy 204 Anatomy and Physiology 2, students typically delve deeper into the study of the human body, building upon the foundational knowledge gained in
... [Show More] Anatomy and Physiology 1 (APhy 203) or similar introductory courses. The course typically covers advanced topics related to the structure and function of the human body, focusing on the following key areas:
1. **Cardiovascular System**: Students learn about the structure and function of the heart, blood vessels, and blood circulation. This includes the anatomy of the heart chambers, valves, and major blood vessels, as well as the physiology of cardiac muscle contraction, blood pressure regulation, and blood flow through the circulatory system.
2. **Respiratory System**: The course covers the anatomy of the respiratory tract, including the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Students learn about the mechanics of breathing, gas exchange in the lungs, regulation of respiration, and common respiratory disorders.
3. **Digestive System**: Students study the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and associated accessory organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Topics may include digestion and absorption of nutrients, regulation of gastrointestinal motility, and common digestive disorders.
4. **Urinary System**: The course explores the structure and function of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Students learn about renal physiology, including urine formation, regulation of electrolyte and fluid balance, and kidney function in maintaining homeostasis.
5. **Reproductive System**: Students examine the anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems, including the structure and function of the reproductive organs, gametogenesis, hormonal regulation of reproduction, and the process of fertilization and embryonic development.
6. **Endocrine System**: The course covers the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine glands and their role in hormone production and regulation. Students learn about the functions of major endocrine glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and pancreas, as well as the mechanisms of hormone action and feedback regulation.
7. **Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance**: Students explore the principles of fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, including the regulation of osmolarity, blood volume, and pH. Topics may include mechanisms of water and solute transport, acid-base buffering systems, and disorders of fluid and electrolyte balance.
8. **Integration of Systems**: Throughout the course, students learn how different organ systems interact and coordinate to maintain homeostasis and support overall health and functioning of the body.
In addition to lectures, APhy 204 may include laboratory sessions where students have the opportunity to reinforce their understanding of anatomical structures through dissections, physiological experiments, simulations, and other hands-on activities. Overall, APhy 204 provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of the human body, preparing them for further studies in health-related fields such as medicine, nursing, allied health, and biomedical research. [Show Less]