Biol 252 Human Anatomy & Physiology Ii W/ Lab 4 Credits

Course Description

This is the second course in a sequence of two covering human anatomy and physiology. Human Anatomy and Physiology II covers the anatomy and physiology of several systems in the body, including the circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, in addition to discussing homeostatic mechanisms. Case studies throughout the course provide experience applying these concepts to real-world scenarios. In addition, the laboratory component of this course is delivered using virtual labs and interactive simulations with detailed instruction and demonstrations from an experienced instructor.

Course Outcomes

After successful completion of the coursework, students should be able to:

• Define the function and composition of blood, mechanisms related to hemostasis, and how diagnostic blood tests are used (Module 1).
• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the heart as part of the cardiovascular system (Module 2).
• Outline the composition of blood vessels and the pathways and physiology of the circulatory system (Module 3).
• Explain the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, as well as the mechanisms underlying innate and adaptive immune responses (Module 4).
• Describe the functional anatomy of the respiratory system, processes responsible for respiration and gas exchange/transport, and pathological states related to this system (Module 5).
• Explain the roles of the anatomical structures of the digestive system and the physiological processes associated with digestion (Module 6).
• Define the anatomical structures of the urinary system, their functions, the production of urine, and how the system maintains homeostasis (Module 7).
• Describe the mechanisms by which the body maintains fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance and what occurs if there are imbalances in these levels (Module 8).
• Compare and contrast the development, anatomy, and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems (Module 9).

*Please see the Module & Lab Topics section below for expanded course outcomes.

Each of these BIOL 252 student learning outcomes is measured:

• Directly by: (1) Module application problems (with instructor feedback)
• (2) Module exams
• (3) Case studies
• (4) Lab quizzes
• (5) Adaptive Learning Exercises
• (6) Cumulative final exam

Indirectly by an end of course student-completed evaluation survey

Course Delivery

This course is asynchronously delivered online and is composed of 65 - 75 hours of written material, video lectures, laboratory components, and several assignments with instructor feedback, and 20 contact hours of secure online module exams.

Course Progression

It is the policy for all Portage Learning courses that only one (module lecture/final) exam is to be completed within a 48-hour period. Research on the best practices in learning indicates that time is needed to process material for optimal learning. This means that once an exam has been completed, the next exam may not be opened or taken until 48 hours after the submission of the previous module exam. This allows for instructor feedback/class expectations as the student moves through the material. Instructors, like the College, are not available during the weekend; grading, therefore, is M-F and may take up to 72 hours during these days. Also, it is the policy of Portage Learning to support a minimum of 28 days to complete a course; this is not a negotiable time period. Please plan your time accordingly.

Note: Professors reserve the right to reset any exam taken in violation of these guidelines.

Required readings, lectures and assignments

Portage courses do not use paper textbooks. Students are required to read the online lesson modules written by the course author which contain the standard information covered in a typical course. Please note the exam questions are based upon the readings. Video lectures which support each lesson module subject should be viewed as many times as is necessary to fully understand the material.

We do not support the use of outside resources to study, except for the ones listed in the syllabus under “Suggested External References”. If you have questions about the material or would like further explanation of the concepts, please contact your instructor.

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity is a serious matter. In the educational context, any dishonesty violates freedom and trust, which are essential for effective learning. Dishonesty limits a student's ability to reach his or her potential. Portage places a high value on honest independent work. We depend on the student's desire to succeed in the program he or she is entering. It is in a student's own best interests not to cheat on an exam or put their work into question, as this would compromise the student's preparation for future work. It is the student’s responsibility to review the Student Handbook and all policies related to academic integrity. If clarification is necessary, the student should reach out to their instructor for further explanation before initiating module one.

Required Computer Accessories

It is recommended that students use a desktop or laptop computer, PC or Mac, when taking the course. Some tablet computers are potentially compatible with the course, but not all features are available for all tablet computers. The latest full version of Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari browser is required for the optimal operation of the Canvas Learning Management System. In addition, this course will use the Respondus Lockdown Browser for exams; a strong internet connection is needed. You are also required to use LockDown Browser with a webcam, which will record you during an online, nonproctored exam. (The webcam feature is sometimes referred to as “Respondus Monitor.”) Your computer must have a functioning webcam and microphone. Additionally, students will need a photo ID that includes your picture and full name is required. Please note, Chromebooks and tablets (other than iPad) are not compatible on exams using the Lockdown Browser. Instructions on downloading and installing this browser will be given at the start of the course. We highly recommend using a high-speed Internet connection to view the video lectures and labs. You may experience significant difficulties viewing the videos using a dial-up connection.

Module & Lab Topics

Module 1: Blood

This module will cover blood components and functions, as well as hemostasis and an overview of diagnostic blood tests.

The student will be able to:

• Explain the composition and functions of blood, including its physical characteristics and volume, as well as its role in the human body.
• Describe the origins, differentiation, and functions of the formed elements (erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets) in maintaining homeostasis and supporting the immune system.
• Describe the basic pathologies of abnormal production erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets.
• Explain the structure and function of hemoglobin.
• Outline the process of hemostasis, detailing the mechanisms of vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, coagulation, clot retraction, and the importance of these mechanisms in preventing hemorrhage.
• Evaluate the factors that limit clot growth and formation, including both physiological mechanisms and pathological conditions, to prevent thrombosis. Assess the principles and practices of transfusion and blood replacement, including indications, complications, and the management of disorders of hemostasis in clinical settings.
• Explain the mechanical events of the cardiac cycle and describe the phases of systole and diastole.

Module 1: Blood

• Explain the precautions used when handling blood.

• Describe the structure, function, and significance of the formed elements in the blood.

• Explain how ABO and Rh blood typing are conducted, and interpret test results.

• Explain how a hematocrit is measured and interpret values.

• Define the steps for creating a blood smear and identifying different cell types.

• Describe the components of a complete blood count (RBC, WBC, platelet count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and differential count) and their clinical significance.

Module 2: Cardiovascular System – The Heart

• Describe the microscopic anatomy of cardiac muscle fibers.

• Explain the mechanism and events of cardiac muscle contraction, including calcium’s role and excitation-contraction coupling.

• Analyze the energy requirements for cardiac muscle contraction and ATP importance.

• Explain the mechanical events of the cardiac cycle and phases of systole/diastole.

• Evaluate the effects of factors such as activity, autonomic influences, and volume status on cardiac output, heart rate, and stroke volume.

• Evaluate mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases (e.g., coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure).

Lab Outcomes

• Describe the heart’s position and orientation in the mediastinum.

• Identify membranes, heart wall layers, chambers, valves, internal/external features, and coronary vessels.

• Trace blood flow through the heart, pulmonary, and systemic circulation.

• Interpret ECG results and connect traces to conductivity and cardiac cycle (normal vs abnormal).

Module 3: Cardiovascular System – Blood Vessels

• Describe characteristics of each blood vessel type (layers, functions).

• Explain the relationship among blood flow, pressure, and resistance.

• Explain capillary dynamics and roles in tissue exchange/regulation.

• Analyze mechanisms maintaining blood pressure (short-term neural/hormonal & long-term renal).

• Evaluate tissue perfusion, velocity of blood flow, autoregulation, and impacts on tissues.

• Explain responses to blood pressure alterations and compensatory mechanisms.

• Analyze circulatory shock: etiology, manifestations, interventions.

Lab Outcomes

• Define and measure blood pressure.

• Interpret blood pressure readings and influencing factors.

• Identify major blood vessels.

• Trace blood flow through brain, limbs, thoracic, and abdominal cavities.

Module 4: The Lymphatic System and Immunity

• Describe lymphatic vessel distribution/structure and lymph transport.

• Identify lymphoid cells/tissues, circulation within nodes, and roles of spleen, thymus, tonsils, follicles.

• Explain the body’s first line of defense (skin, mucosae).

• Describe internal defenses (phagocytes, NK cells, inflammation, antimicrobial proteins, fever).

• Distinguish complete antigens vs haptens, antigenic determinants, self-antigens (MHC).

• Describe cells of adaptive immunity (lymphocytes, APCs).

• Explain clonal selection and differentiation of B/T cells.

• Describe causes and consequences of immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivities.

Lab Outcomes

• Name functions of lymphatic organs and tissues.

• Describe the association between lymphatic and cardiovascular systems.

Module 5: The Respiratory System

• Explain roles of nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, pleurae.

• Describe thoracic pressure relationships in pulmonary ventilation and significance of respiratory volumes/tests.

• Explain gas properties, alveolar composition, external/internal respiration.

• Explain oxygen and carbon dioxide transport mechanisms.

• Analyze neural regulation of respiration and chemical/physical influences.

• Assess respiratory adjustments during exercise/high altitude.

• Describe respiratory disorders (COPD, asthma, lung cancer).

• Apply knowledge through a case study of respiratory function and diagnostics.

Lab Outcomes

• Describe structures of the respiratory system.

• Trace air pathway and airway structural changes.

• Compare right vs left lung anatomy.

• Explain respiratory volumes, measurement, and clinical significance.

Module 6: The Digestive System

• Describe tunics of the alimentary canal and their variations.

• Identify GI tract and accessory organs (gross & histological features).

• Explain alimentary canal histology and nerve/blood supply.

• Summarize digestive regulation (neural, hormonal).

• Discuss saliva composition/function and secretion regulation.

• Explain physiology of pharynx/esophagus and deglutition reflex.

• Describe gastric secretion phases and stomach hormones.

• Describe small intestine histology and glands.

• Examine bacterial flora, large intestine function, and defecation reflex.

• Explain liver histology, bile function, and roles of pancreas/gallbladder.

Lab Outcomes

• List digestive system functions.

• Describe alimentary canal wall structures.

• Identify GI and accessory organs.

• Recall organ-specific features related to function.

Module 7: The Urinary System

• Describe renal corpuscle components and functions.

• Explain nephron filtration membrane.

• Compare roles of PCT, loop of Henle, DCT, and collecting ducts.

• Define glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

• Analyze regulation of GFR (intrinsic, RAAS, extrinsic).

• Compare carrier-mediated transport in renal physiology.

• Define transport maximum and renal threshold.

• Explain renal clearance.

• Describe urine concentration/volume regulation.

• Explain kidney roles in BP, osmolarity, and pH homeostasis.

• Identify ureter, bladder, urethra histology and roles.

• Describe the micturition reflex.

Lab Outcomes

• List urinary system functions.

• Describe kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra (male vs female).

• List kidney component functions.

• Trace renal blood flow and urine pathway.

• Describe urine characteristics and urinalysis interpretation.

Module 8: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance

Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:

• Explain body water distribution (ICF vs ECF).

• Describe fluid composition in compartments.

• Describe fluid movement mechanisms (osmosis, diffusion, active transport).

• Identify water intake/output regulation (thirst, diuresis).

• Evaluate ADH’s role in kidneys and control factors.

• Identify dehydration, overhydration, hyponatremia, hypernatremia.

• Explain sodium’s role in fluid/electrolyte balance.

• Analyze sodium/potassium regulation (aldosterone, RAAS, natriuretic peptides).

• Describe calcium/phosphate regulation (PTH, calcitonin).

• List electrolyte imbalances and their significance.

• Explain anion regulation (Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻).

• Describe buffer systems in pH balance.

• Compare respiratory vs renal regulation of H⁺ concentration.

• Identify acidosis/alkalosis (metabolic & respiratory), causes, and compensations.

Lab Outcomes

• Model osmotic gradients with osmosis chambers.

• Demonstrate tonicity effects on red onion cells.

• Model blood CO₂ buffering with bicarbonate.

Module 9: The Reproductive System

Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:

• Compare sexual development of male vs female embryo/fetus.

• Describe male system (scrotum, testes, penis, ducts, glands).

• Explain spermatogenesis.

• Explain male sexual response physiology.

• Discuss hormonal regulation of male functions and sperm production.

• Explain semen composition and gland contributions.

• Identify female system (ovaries, ducts, genitalia, perineum, mammary glands).

• Describe oogenesis and ovarian cycle phases.

• Explain hormonal regulation of ovarian cycle.

• Describe uterine cycle phases and endometrium role.

• Assess estrogen/progesterone effects on body and pregnancy.

• Describe female sexual response.

Lab Outcomes

• Identify external genitalia, primary/accessory reproductive organs and ducts.

• Trace sperm pathway to fertilization of an ovum.

Summary of Assessment Requirements

The assessment is based on Human Anatomy and Physiology II and requires students to demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of the human body’s systems. The key requirements include:

• Understanding and explaining the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

• Applying knowledge of blood components, cardiovascular functions, lymphatic mechanisms, and immune responses.

• Analyzing processes like respiration, digestion, urine production, fluid/electrolyte balance, and reproductive physiology.

• Integrating homeostatic mechanisms and recognizing pathological conditions across systems.

• Completing module-based tasks such as:

  • Application problems with feedback

  • Module exams

  • Case studies

  • Lab quizzes

  • Adaptive learning exercises

  • Final cumulative exam

• Engaging in virtual labs, simulations, and case studies to connect theory with real-world applications.

• Adhering to academic integrity and course delivery guidelines while developing independent learning strategies.

Mentor Guidance

The academic mentor guided the student through the assessment using a structured, reflective, and progressive approach:

Step 1: Understanding the Requirements

The mentor first explained the course structure and emphasized how each system (blood, cardiovascular, lymphatic, etc.) builds upon previous knowledge. The student was advised to map out modules with timelines, keeping in mind the 48-hour exam policy and cumulative workload.

Step 2: Breaking Down Modules

Each module was approached individually:

• Module 1 (Blood): Mentor explained core concepts like blood composition, hemostasis, and diagnostic tests. Practice tasks included creating blood smears, interpreting CBCs, and analyzing case-based pathologies.

• Module 2 (Heart): The mentor highlighted mechanical and electrical heart functions, guiding the student through ECG interpretations and linking them to clinical scenarios.

• Module 3 (Vessels): Discussions centered on blood pressure regulation, vessel types, and compensatory mechanisms. Mentor introduced real-life case studies (e.g., hypertension, shock).

• Module 4 (Lymphatic & Immunity): The focus was on defense mechanisms and immune responses, supported by literature on adaptive and innate immunity.

Step 3: Integrating Labs & Simulations

Virtual labs and simulations were integrated to reinforce anatomy and physiology. The mentor ensured students practiced blood typing, blood pressure measurement, ECG analysis, and tracing circulatory pathways.

Step 4: Linking to Outcomes

The mentor tied each activity back to course outcomes, reinforcing:

• Diagnostic interpretation skills

• Pathology identification

• Application of theoretical mechanisms to clinical practice

Step 5: Reflection & Evaluation

The student was encouraged to reflect after each module using short evaluation notes:

• What concepts were clear vs confusing?

• How do case studies reinforce theoretical understanding?

• What would improve mastery of difficult systems?

Step 6: Ensuring Academic Integrity & Independent Learning

The mentor stressed the importance of using only course materials and avoiding plagiarism. Students were guided on paraphrasing, citation, and self-testing to strengthen independent knowledge.

Outcome of the Assessment Approach

By following this structured process, the student achieved:

• A strong grasp of human anatomy and physiology with direct application to clinical scenarios.

• Improved diagnostic reasoning through case studies and lab simulations.

• Enhanced reflective practice and critical analysis of physiological mechanisms.

• Development of independent study habits aligned with academic integrity policies.

• Achievement of all stated learning objectives, particularly in:

  • Applying physiological knowledge to problem-solving

  • Connecting theory with clinical practice

  • Understanding pathology and homeostatic imbalances

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