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

• Distinguish between anatomy and physiology.
• Describe the anatomical position.
• Describe the three major planes of the body or of an organ.
• Identify the major body cavities and their subdivisions.
• Identify the serous membranes that line the walls and cover the organs of each body cavity and the fluid found inside each cavity.
• Describe two ways to subdivide the abdominal region.
• Identify the quadrants of the abdominopelvic cavity.
• Identify the nine abdominal regions.
• Describe the axial and appendicular regions of the body and their subdivisions.
• Use correct directional terms in the study of anatomy and physiology.
• Describe the location of specific body organs.
• Match locating terms with the correct descriptions.
• Match body positions with the correct descriptions.
• Define terms related to organization of the human body.
• Define examples of homeostasis, negative and positive feedback systems.
• Provide examples of homeostasis, negative and positive feedback systems.

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

• Describe the structure of an atom.
• Differentiate among an atom, molecule, compound, ion, and isotopes.
• Describe the various types of chemical bonding.
• List the body's inorganic compounds and their functions.
• Explain the importance or water in living organisms.
• Explain the importance of oxygen and carbon dioxide to living organisms.
• Describe the body's major organic compounds and their functions.
• Define enzymes.
• Describe the role of enzymes in cellular metabolism.

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

• Define cytoplasm and organelle.
• Describe the structure, function and relationship of all cell organelles.
• Describe the structure of the cell membrane.
• Describe the different modes of transport of substances across cell membranes.

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Course Competency 4: Identify how cells store and use energy.

• Define metabolism.
• Distinguish between catabolic and anabolic pathways.
• Contrast aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
• Describe the role of mitochondria in cellular metabolism.

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Course Competency 5: Analyze the role of DNA in controlling cell functions.

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

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Course Competency 6: Correlate the structure of tissues with their functions.

• Identify the microscopic anatomy of body tissues.
• List the characteristics of each tissue type.
• List the functions of each tissue type.
• Give examples of the locations of each tissue type in the body.

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

• Compare the structures and functions of the layers of the skin.
• Describe the events occurring during keratinization that produce a skin resistant to abrasion and water loss.
• Explain the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin.
• Describe the glands of the skin, their secretions and the functions of these secretions, including surface film (acid mantle).
• Describe the way in which the integumentary system helps to regulate body temperature.
• Describe the role of skin in sensation.
• Explain the way in which skin responds to injuries and repairs itself.

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

• Describe the functions of the skeletal system.
• Describe the composition and organization of bone matrix.
• List the three types of bone cells and their functions.
• Give examples of each bone classification, according to their shape.
• Describe how the features that characterize spongy and compact bones impact their function.
• Describe bone growth.
• Explain the role of bone in calcium homeostasis.
• Explain how and when bone remodeling occurs.
• Describe the different types of joints and how they work.
• Apply movement terminology to joint functions.
• Identify the components and functions of the axial and appendicular skeleton.
• Relate the major landmarks on individual bones of the skeleton to their function.
• Discuss the process of skull development.
• Identify the differences in structure and function of the various vertebrae.
• Describe the skeletal differences between males and females.

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

• Describe the characteristics and functions of muscular tissue.
• Explain the organization of muscle at the tissue level.
• Distinguish among the different types of muscle contractions.
• Relate types of muscle fibers to muscular performance.
• Identify the major human skeletal muscles and their actions.
• Define origin, insertion, agonist and antagonist, prime mover and synergist.

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

• Describe the anatomical organization and general functions of the nervous system.
• Distinguish between neurons and neuroglia by comparing their structures and functions.
• Explain how the brain and spinal cord are protected.
• Describe the major regions of the brain, their structure and functions.
• Distinguish among the motor, sensory, and association areas of the cerebral cortex.
• Discuss the structure and function of the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
• Explain the role of white matter and gray matter in processing and relaying sensory and motor information.
• Describe the process of a neural reflex.
• Identify the principle sensory and motor pathways.
• Differentiate between the somatic and autonomic divisions based on their respective structures and functions.
• Identify the cranial nerves and their functions.
• Contrast the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
• Discuss the receptors and processes involved in the senses of smell and taste.
• Describe the structures of the ear and their roles in the process of hearing.
• Describe the structures and processes involved in maintaining equilibrium.
• Describe the structures of the eye and their functions.
• Explain the mechanism of vision.

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

• Explain the general functions of the endocrine system.
• Differentiate between the two chemical families of hormones.
• Explain the control mechanisms of hormonal secretion.
• Identify the role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system.
• Describe the functions and effects of hyposecretion and hypersecretion of major hormones.
• Compare the roles of the endocrine and nervous systems in maintaining homeostasis.
• Describe the endocrine and nervous systems response to stress.

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

• Identify the names and locations of the major parts of the heart.
• Explain the function(s) of each of the major parts of the heart.
• Trace the pathway of the blood through the heart and lungs.
• Compare the structures and functions of the major types of blood vessels.
• Describe the mechanisms that aid in returning venous blood to the heart.
• Describe the general characteristics and functions of blood.
• Distinguish among the types and functions of the formed elements of the blood.
• Explain the control of red blood cell production.
• Explain the mechanisms that help to achieve hemostasis.
• Define coagulation.
• Describe the basis of blood typing, ABO, Rh compatibility and transfusions.
• Describe the general characteristics and functions of the lymphatic system.
• Describe the location of the major lymphatic pathways.
• Describe the formation of tissue fluid and lymph.
• Explain lymphatic circulation maintenance and the consequences of an obstruction.
• Describe major functions of the lymph nodes, thymus and spleen.
• Define immunity.
• Relate the role of the lymphatic system to immunity.

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

• Describe the parts and functions of the digestive system organs.
• Describe the functions of major digestive enzymes (ex. pepsin, amylase, ptyalin, and lipase)
• Describe the mechanisms of swallowing, vomiting, and defecating.

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

• Describe the locations, structures and functions of the organs of the respiratory system.
• Describe the mechanics of breathing.
• Define respiratory air volumes and capacities.
• Explain the mechanism of respiratory control and factors that may influence it.

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

• Illustrate the gross anatomy of the urinary tract
• Describe general functions of the urinary system and its components
• Explain the functional processes of urine formation, including filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion

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

• Describe the parts and general functions of the male and female reproductive system.
• Explain the way in which hormones control the activities of the reproductive organs and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
• Describe the similarities between the male and female reproductive system.
• Explain the diploid and haploid cycle in human reproduction.

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Course Competency 17: Use appropriate laboratory methods and safety precautions.

• you identify hazards and safety equipment in the lab.
• you select appropriate personal protective equipment.
• you follow all laboratory practice expectations of the college.

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