Course Contents at a Glance

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The following list shows the chapter-level topics and assignments for the course. To see all of the course pages, visit theĀ Table of Contents.

Module 1: The Endocrine System

  • Introduction to the Endocrine System
  • An Overview of the Endocrine System
  • Hormones
  • The Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus
  • The Thyroid Gland
  • The Parathyroid Glands
  • The Adrenal Glands
  • The Pineal Gland
  • Gonadal and Placental Hormones
  • The Endocrine Pancreas
  • Organs with Secondary Endocrine Functions
  • Development and Aging of the Endocrine System

Module 2: The Cardiovascular System: Blood

  • Introduction to the Cardiovascular System: Blood
  • An Overview of Blood
  • Production of the Formed Elements
  • Erythrocytes
  • Leukocytes and Platelets
  • Hemostasis
  • Blood Typing

Module 3: The Cardiovascular System: The Heart

  • Introduction to the Cardiovascular System: The Heart
  • Heart Anatomy
  • Cardiac Muscle and Electrical Activity
  • Cardiac Cycle
  • Cardiac Physiology
  • Development of the Heart

Module 4: The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels and Circulation

  • Introduction to the Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels and Circulation
  • Structure and Function of Blood Vessels
  • Blood Flow, Blood Pressure, and Resistance
  • Capillary Exchange
  • Homeostatic Regulation of the Vascular System
  • Circulatory Pathways
  • Development of Blood Vessels and Fetal Circulation

Module 5: The Lymphatic and Immune System

  • Introduction to the Lymphatic and Immune System
  • Anatomy of the Lymphatic and Immune Systems
  • Barrier Defenses and the Innate Immune Response
  • The Adaptive Immune Response: T lymphocytes and Their Functional Types
  • The Adaptive Immune Response: B-lymphocytes and Antibodies
  • The Immune Response against Pathogens
  • Diseases Associated with Depressed or Overactive Immune Responses
  • Transplantation and Cancer Immunology

Module 6: The Respiratory System

  • Introduction to the Respiratory System
  • Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System
  • The Lungs
  • The Process of Breathing
  • Gas Exchange
  • Transport of Gases
  • Modifications in Respiratory Functions
  • Embryonic Development of the Respiratory System

Module 7: The Digestive System

  • Introduction to the Digestive System
  • Overview of the Digestive System
  • Digestive System Processes and Regulation
  • The Mouth, Pharynx, and Esophagus
  • The Stomach
  • The Small and Large Intestines
  • Accessory Organs in Digestion: The Liver, Pancreas, and Gallbladder
  • Chemical Digestion and Absorption: A Closer Look

Module 8: Metabolism and Nutrition

  • Introduction to Metabolism and Nutrition
  • Overview of Metabolic Reactions
  • Carbohydrate Metabolism
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Protein Metabolism
  • Metabolic States of the Body
  • Energy and Heat Balance
  • Nutrition and Diet

Module 9: The Urinary System

  • Introduction to the Urinary System
  • Physical Characteristics of Urine
  • Gross Anatomy of Urine Transport
  • Gross Anatomy of the Kidney
  • Microscopic Anatomy of the Kidney
  • Physiology of Urine Formation
  • Tubular Reabsorption
  • Regulation of Renal Blood Flow
  • Endocrine Regulation of Kidney Function
  • Regulation of Fluid Volume and Composition
  • The Urinary System and Homeostasis

Module 10: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance

  • Introduction to Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
  • Body Fluids and Fluid Compartments
  • Water Balance
  • Electrolyte Balance
  • Acid-Base Balance
  • Disorders of Acid-Base Balance

Module 11: The Reproductive System

  • Introduction to the Reproductive System
  • Development of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems
  • Anatomy and Physiology of the Male Reproductive System
  • Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Reproductive System

Module 12: Development and Inheritance

  • Introduction to Development and Inheritance
  • Fertilization
  • Embryonic Development
  • Fetal Development
  • Maternal Changes During Pregnancy, Labor, and Birth
  • Adjustments of the Infant at Birth and Postnatal Stages
  • Lactation
  • Patterns of Inheritance