Published

Estimated Publish Date

General Anatomy & Physiology
Coming Soon
Overview

Explore human body systems, structure, and function to build essential health science knowledge for clinical careers.

What phase is this textbook in?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Estimated Dates
Digital Textbook: December 2025
Print Textbook: March 2025
Audiobook: June 2025
Next Edition: 2030
Annual Student Impact

7,644 students |887 high school students | $1.37 million student savings

General Anatomy and Physiology is a comprehensive textbook designed for community and technical college students, examining the basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the book emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at both the gross and microscopic levels of organization. It covers essential topics such as anatomical terminology, cellular biology, tissue organization, and the functions of major systems, including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. This textbook is intended to prepare healthcare professionals to apply foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and effective communication with colleagues and patients. With a blend of theoretical concepts and practical applications, it serves as a vital resource for students pursuing careers in health sciences and provides the foundation for advanced studies in the field.

1. Apply descriptive, anatomical, physiological, and directional terminology to the human body and its organization

1.a. Distinguish between anatomy and physiology
1.b. Describe the anatomical position
1.c. Describe the three major planes of the body or of an organ
1.d. Identify the major body cavities and their subdivisions
1.e. Identify the serous membranes that line the walls and cover the organs of each body cavity and the fluid found inside each cavity
1.f. Describe two ways to subdivide the abdominal region
1.g. Identify the quadrants of the abdominopelvic cavity
1.h. Identify the nine abdominal regions
1.i. Describe the axial and appendicular regions of the body and their subdivisions
1.j. Use correct directional terms in the study of anatomy and physiology
1.k. Describe the location of specific body organs
1.l. Match locating terms with the correct descriptions
1.m. Match body positions with the correct descriptions
1.n. Define terms related to organization of the human body
1.o. Define examples of homeostasis, negative and positive feedback systems
1.p. Provide examples of homeostasis, negative and positive feedback systems

2. Classify the major chemical components of living things according to their structure and function

2.a. Describe the structure of an atom
2.b. Differentiate among an atom, molecule, compound, ion, and isotopes
2.c. Describe the various types of chemical bonding
2.d. List the body's inorganic compounds and their functions
2.e. Explain the importance of water in living organisms
2.f. Explain the importance of oxygen and carbon dioxide to living organisms
2.g. Describe the body's major organic compounds and their functions
2.h. Define enzymes
2.i. Describe the role of enzymes in cellular metabolism

3. Characterize the basic structure and functions of the cell and its parts

3.a. Define cytoplasm and organelle
3.b. Describe the structure, function and relationship of all cell organelles
3.c. Describe the structure of the cell membrane
3.d. Describe the different modes of transport of substances across cell membranes

4. Identify how cells store and use energy

4.a. Define metabolism
4.b. Distinguish between catabolic and anabolic pathways
4.c. Contrast aerobic and anaerobic respiration
4.d. Describe the role of mitochondria in cellular metabolism

5. Analyze the role of DNA in controlling cell functions

5.a. Describe the structure and function of DNA, RNA, and chromosomes
5.b. Describe the stages of a cell cycle
5.c. Relate DNA replication to the cell cycle

6. Correlate the structure of tissues with their functions

6.a. Identify the microscopic anatomy of body tissues
6.b. List the characteristics of each tissue type
6.c. List the functions of each tissue type
6.d. Give examples of the locations of each tissue type in the body

7. Analyze how components of the integumentary system function in the body

7.a. Compare the structures and functions of the layers of the skin
7.b. Describe keratinization and how it produces a skin resistant to abrasion and water loss
7.c. Explain the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin
7.d. Describe the glands of the skin and their functions
7.e. Explain how the integumentary system helps regulate body temperature
7.f. Describe the role of skin in sensation
7.g. Explain skin response to injuries and repair

8. Analyze how components of the skeletal system function in the body

8.a. Describe the functions of the skeletal system
8.b. Describe the composition and organization of bone matrix
8.c. List the three types of bone cells and their functions
8.d. Give examples of bone classifications by shape
8.e. Describe features of spongy and compact bones
8.f. Describe bone growth and remodeling
8.g. Explain bone’s role in calcium homeostasis
8.h. Describe the different types of joints and their functions
8.i. Identify axial and appendicular skeleton components
8.j. Relate bone landmarks to function
8.k. Describe skeletal differences between males and females

9. Analyze how components of the muscular system function in the body

9.a. Describe the characteristics and functions of muscular tissue
9.b. Explain muscle tissue organization
9.c. Distinguish among types of muscle contractions
9.d. Relate muscle fiber types to performance
9.e. Identify major skeletal muscles and their actions
9.f. Define origin, insertion, agonist, antagonist, prime mover, and synergist

10. Analyze how components of the nervous system function in the body

10.a. Describe the organization and general functions of the nervous system
10.b. Compare neurons and neuroglia
10.c. Explain protection of the brain and spinal cord
10.d. Describe brain regions and their functions
10.e. Explain sensory and motor cerebral cortex areas
10.f. Describe spinal cord structure and function
10.g. Explain the neural reflex process
10.h. Differentiate somatic and autonomic divisions
10.i. Identify cranial nerves and their functions
10.j. Contrast sympathetic and parasympathetic functions
10.k. Describe sensory receptors and processes (smell, taste, hearing, vision, equilibrium)

11. Correlate the major organs of the endocrine system with their function in the body

11.a. Explain general functions of the endocrine system
11.b. Differentiate hormone chemical families
11.c. Explain hormonal secretion control mechanisms
11.d. Identify endocrine glands and associated hormones
11.e. Explain hyposecretion and hypersecretion effects
11.f. Compare endocrine and nervous system homeostasis roles
11.g. Describe the stress response

12. Analyze how components of the cardiovascular system function in the body

12.a. Identify heart parts and their functions
12.b. Trace blood flow through heart and lungs
12.c. Compare blood vessel types and functions
12.d. Describe blood characteristics and components
12.e. Explain red blood cell production and hemostasis
12.f. Define coagulation and blood typing
12.g. Describe lymphatic system structure and function
12.h. Explain immunity and lymphatic circulation

13. Analyze how components of the digestive system function in the body

13.a. Describe digestive organs and functions
13.b. Describe major digestive enzymes and functions
13.c. Describe mechanisms of swallowing, vomiting, and defecation

14. Analyze how components of the respiratory system function in the body

14.a. Describe respiratory system structures and their functions
14.b. Explain mechanics of breathing and air volumes
14.c. Describe respiratory control mechanisms

15. Analyze how the components of the urinary system function in the body

15.a. Describe urinary tract anatomy and functions
15.b. Explain urine formation processes (filtration, reabsorption, secretion, excretion)

16. Analyze how components of the reproductive systems function in the body

16.a. Describe reproductive system anatomy and functions
16.b. Explain hormonal control and secondary sex characteristics
16.c. Describe similarities and differences between male and female systems
16.d. Explain diploid and haploid reproductive cycles

17. Use appropriate laboratory methods and safety precautions

17.a. Identify hazards and safety equipment in the lab
17.b. Select appropriate personal protective equipment
17.c. Follow laboratory safety practices

This video walks you through our online textbook hosted on the Pressbooks website and not this website. To access this book online, click below.

View Online Textbook
View Online Textbook
visibility
This textbook is part of the WisTech Open collection and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

You are free to:
– Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
– Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially

Under the following terms:
– Attribution — You must give appropriate credit to WisTech Open, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests WisTech Open endorses you or your use.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Funded by State of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Technical College System funding for Open Educational Resources