EMS Student Lessons

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 1.1: Structures, functions, and organization.

Connecting structure to function. Anatomy describes the body’s structures. Physiology explains how they work. Begin by connecting the two, then follow how cells, tissues, organs, and systems work together. Focus for this topic Distinguish an anatomical description from a physiological explanation. Trace the levels of organization from molecules to the whole person. Connect metabolism and other basic life functions to the conditions cells need.

•35–50 min including lecture and reading

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 1.2: Homeostasis and the requirements for life.

Explore the conditions cells need and how the body regulates change. Follow the parts of a feedback loop, distinguish negative from positive feedback, and connect oxygen, nutrients, temperature, and pressure to human function.

•35–50 min including lecture and reading

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 1.3: Anatomical language and body maps.

Use anatomical position, directional terms, body regions, planes, and cavities to describe where structures are and how they relate. Learn a consistent language for communicating findings.

•40–60 min including lecture and reading

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 1.4: Atoms, bonds, and reactions.

Explore how atoms, ions, chemical bonds, and reactions support human function. Connect electron behavior and molecular interactions to the chemistry that cells use.

•45–65 min including lecture and reading

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 1.5: Water, pH, and biological molecules.

Explore the roles of water, acids, bases, buffers, and biological molecules in human function. Connect carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and ATP to the work of cells.

•60–90 min including lecture and reading

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 2.1: Membranes and transport.

Compare passive and active transport using permeability, gradients, and energy. Explain how nonpenetrating solutes affect water movement and cell volume.

•50–70 min including topic learning materials

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 2.2: Organelles and cellular work.

Connect organelles with protein production, transport, and energy transfer. Follow a cell product through the structures that make and deliver it.

•35–50 min including topic learning materials

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 2.3: DNA, protein synthesis and cell specialization.

Distinguish DNA replication, transcription, and translation. Explain how gene expression supports specialization and how cells organize into tissues.

•75–105 min including topic learning materials

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 2.4: Cellular energy and carbohydrate metabolism.

Distinguish catabolism, anabolism, and ATP use. Follow glycolysis and oxygen-dependent ATP production at an introductory level.

•65–90 min including topic learning materials

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 2.5: Epithelial and connective tissues.

Compare epithelial and connective tissues by structure, location, and function. Relate tissue arrangements to protection, support, and exchange.

•65–90 min including topic learning materials

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 2.6: Muscle, nervous tissue, injury and repair.

Distinguish muscle and nervous tissue by their work. Explain how tissue injury, regeneration, and scar formation can affect function.

•45–65 min including topic learning materials

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 3.1: Skin as a protective and regulatory organ.

Relate skin layers and accessory structures to their functions. Explain how evaporation and skin blood flow affect heat exchange.

•90–120 min including topic learning materials

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 3.2: Bone is living, regulated tissue.

Connect bone structure and blood supply with support and repair. Explain remodeling, mineral regulation, and stable movement.

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 3.3: Axial skeleton and protected spaces.

Identify the assigned skull, spine, and thoracic landmarks. Connect these structures with the spaces and organs they protect.

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 3.4: Appendicular skeleton and limb relationships.

Identify assigned girdle and limb landmarks. Describe relationships using the person’s anatomical position and directional terms.

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 3.5: Joint structure and movement language.

Compare fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial joints. Use movement terms to describe what a joint permits.

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 3.6: Integrated surface anatomy and structural relationships.

Combine skin, skeletal, and joint relationships at the assigned course depth. Use anatomical language to explain a structural relationship.

•60–90 min including topic learning materials

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 4.1: Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.

Compare the structure and function of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle. Connect the muscle types with their work and introduce the path from neural stimulation to contraction.

•75–105 min including topic learning materials

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 4.2: Contraction, relaxation, and neuromuscular signaling.

Trace neural stimulation, calcium release, and cross-bridge cycling. Explain ATP use in contraction and relaxation and how motor units influence force.

•90–120 min including topic learning materials

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 4.3: Regional muscle groups and functional movement.

Relate the assigned regional muscles to movement and body function. Use anatomical relationships and movement terms to describe muscle actions.

•100–135 min including topic learning materials

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 4.4: Neurons, supporting cells, and membrane potentials.

Connect neuron structure and supporting cells with nervous tissue function. Explain membrane potentials, action-potential propagation, and transfer across a synapse.

•85–115 min including topic learning materials

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 4.5: Action potentials and synaptic communication.

Trace the ion movements involved in an action potential. Explain how neurotransmitter release and receptors transfer a signal to the next cell.

•80–110 min including topic learning materials

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 5.1: Brain, spinal cord, and CNS circulation.

Relate the brain and spinal cord to integration and motor control. Connect CNS circulation and protective structures to the conditions nervous tissue needs.

•110–145 min including topic learning materials

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 5.2: Peripheral nerves, sensory pathways, and motor output.

Trace sensory information toward the CNS and motor output toward muscles. Connect central processing, descending signals, and spinal reflexes with movement.

•110–145 min including topic learning materials

Anatomy and Physiology Course Lesson 5.3: Special senses and sensory processing.

Connect receptor activation with sensory signals. Relate the special senses and their pathways to sensory processing.

•105–140 min including topic learning materials