Curriculum Map

Anatomy and Physiology

Author:
J. Ellen Lathrop-Davis, Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Biology, Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville, Maryland

This Curriculum Map provides a list of highly relevant and engaging content from throughout  AccessScience for use in enriching your teaching. Site assets such as tables, graphs, diagrams, photos, and animations have been mapped to standard topics taught in an introductory Anatomy and Physiology course. Use the "Copy Link" functionality to paste a direct link from each asset into your school's learning management system for easy incorporation into your curriculum.

Course Topics


Terminology and Histology
Asset Description
Diagram This diagram from the article on regional anatomy shows many of the major regions of the body from anterior and posterior views.

Suggested use: Review the terminology for the body's major regions with this diagram.		 copy link
Diagram Frontal sections of a male and female body are shown in this dual figure from the article Visible Human Project.

Suggested use: Show this figure as an example of cross-sectional anatomy images made possible by computer mapping in which MRI, CT, and frozen cross sections were used to create 3D images.		 copy link
Diagram Cross sections of the human brain using MRI, CT, and cryosections are compared in this image from the Visible Human Project article.

Suggested use: Have students compare the various images of the head and describe similarities and differences among the imaging techniques.		 copy link
Diagram This diagram from the Connective tissue article shows the typical components of connective tissues.

Suggested use: Have students list and define cellular and extracellular components of connective tissue.		 copy link /div>
Diagram This diagram from the article Adipose tissue shows the typical structure of a brown adipose cell.

Suggested use: Point out the multiple mitochondria and fat droplets that characterize brown tissue cells.		 copy link
Diagram Cellular arrangements in common types of epithelial tissue are shown in this illustration from the article Epithelium.

Suggested use: Have students compare and contrast the histological structure of squamous, cuboidal, columnar, stratified squamous, pseudostratified, and transitional epithelia.		 copy link
Integumentary System
Asset Description
Diagram This diagram from the article Hair shows a longitudinal section of a mammalian hair shaft.

Suggested use: Have students describe the morphology of the medulla, cortex, and cuticle of a hair shaft.		 copy link
Diagram This diagram from the article Hair shows stages of the hair growth cycle.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of stages in the growth of hair.		 copy link
Diagram This diagram from the article Integumentary patterns shows typical patterns of dermal ridges on a human hand and foot.

Suggested use: Have students prepare their own individual dermatoglyphics and compare with their classmates.		 copy link
Diagram The layers of the skin are illustrated in this diagram from the article Skin.

Suggested use: Have students create a labeled 3D model from this diagram.		 copy link
Diagram Eccrine and apocrine sweat glands of humans are shown in this diagram from the article Sweat gland.

Suggested use: Have students name the structures of the eccrine and apocrine sweat glands.		 copy link
Skeletal System
Asset Description
Diagram This diagram from the article Skeletal system shows the bones of an adult human skeleton in anterior and posterior views.

Suggested use: Project with labels covered, have students cite the technical names of major skeletal bones, and then reveal labels.		 copy link
X-ray This image from the article Medical imaging shows an x-ray of a human hand and wrist.

Suggested use: Have students count the number of bones in the hand and wrist, then point out that there are 27 bones, including the eight short carpal bones of the wrist.		 copy link
Animation This animation discusses factors that encourage bone growth and the development of osteoporosis.

Suggested use: Play this animation after discussing bone growth, to engage students in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and methods of prevention.		 copy link <
Diagram This cross-sectional diagram from the article on joint anatomy shows typical components of the human knee as an example of a diarthrodial joint.

Suggested use: Have students use this diagram to explain origins and directions of loads, as well as resulting motions of the knee.		 copy link
Diagram This diagram from the article Vertebra is a lateral view of a human thoracic vertebra.

Suggested use: Have students use any material at their disposal to make a 3D model of this vertebra, label its processes, and describe how this bone fits into the overall schema of the body's nerves, muscles, and joints.		 copy link
Muscular System
Asset Description
Diagram This diagram from the article Muscular system shows the superficial muscles of the human body.

Suggested use: Project with labels covered, have students cite the technical names of major musculature, and then reveal labels.		 copy link
Animation This animation brings to life the interaction of actin and myosin to shorten the sarcomere.

Suggested use: Play this video to illustrate how sarcomere shortening causes muscle contraction.		 copy link
Animation The relationship between the action potential, the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and contraction in skeletal muscle is explained in this animation.

Suggested use: Play this video to explain how the action potential propagates on sarcolemma, and the eventual actin and myosin interaction.		 copy link
Animation The steps involved in cross-bridge cycling within skeletal muscle including the function of ATP and calcium are shown in this animation.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of the roles of ATP, ADP, and calcium ions in the cross-bridge formation step of muscle contraction.		 copy link
Animation The interaction of the somatic motor neuron and skeletal muscle motor end plate is explained in this video on the neuromuscular junction. The action of acetylcholinesterase is also shown.

Suggested use: Show to demonstrate the release of acetylcholine by the presynaptic neuron membrane, events at the synaptic cleft and postsynaptic membrane, and the eventual generation of action potential on the muscle cell membrane.		 copy link
Nervous System
Asset Description
Diagram This diagram from the article Brain shows a midsagittal view of the human brain, including structures of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.

Suggested use: Project with labels covered, have students cite the main structures of the brain, and then reveal labels.		 copy link
Diagram The sympathetic nervous system pathway is illustrated in this diagram from the article Sympathetic nervous system.

Suggested use: Have students trace the paths of preganglionic and postganglionic neurons.		 copy link
Animation The events at a chemical synapse that result in the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, and interaction between the neurotransmitter and receptors on the postsynaptic membrane are explained in this animation.

Suggested use: Play this video to demonstrate action potential causing the release of acetylcholine from the presynaptic membrane, an event that causes sodium ion diffusion on the postsynaptic membrane.		 copy link
Animation This animation shows generation and propagation of action potentials through neurons by movement of sodium and potassium ions.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of nerve impulses generated by the activity of voltage-gated ion channels.		 copy link
Animation This animation shows the anatomy of the eye, the optic disc, the function of photoreceptor cells, and the chemistry of light detection and initiation of neuronal signals.

Suggested use: Play and pause at each section during a discussion of the eye and how it functions.		 copy link
Animation This animation shows how light reaching the retina results in vision.

Suggested use: Play to explain visual neuronal transmission through the visual pathway to centers in the brain.		 copy link
Animation This animation explains how sound waves are converted to nerve impulses in the cochlea.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of the perception of sound waves.		 copy link
Endocrine System
Asset Description
Table This table from the article Hormone presents the classification of hormones released from the major endocrine glands.

Suggested use: Have students select a hormone from the table and prepare a short report, presenting its structure and elaborating on its function.		 copy link
Photograph This series of photos from the article Thyroid gland shows the effect of thyroid hormone on metamorphosis of a toad.

Suggested use: Have students explain in their own words the scientific basis for why the tadpole was able to grow so large without metamorphosing into an adult toad.		 copy link
Diagram The common positions of the human parathyroid glands are shown in this diagram from the article Parathyroid gland.

Suggested use: Point out the positions of the parathyroid glands using this posterior view of the thyroid.		 copy link
Flow Chart A simplified scheme of steroid hormone synthesis is found in the article on the Ovary.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of biosynthetic pathways that produce steroid hormones.		 copy link
Animation The mechanism by which intracellular receptors affect gene transcription is explained in this video, thus explaining how steroid hormones work.

Suggested use: Support a general discussion of steroid hormones.		 copy link
Animation This animation explains how glucocorticoid hormones affect nutrient metabolism. It demonstrates the binding of glucocorticoid hormones to intracellular receptors, and the consequent binding to glucocorticoid response elements (GRE) to enhance the expression of target genes.

Suggested use: Support a specific discussion of glucocorticoid hormones as an example of steroid hormones.		 copy link
Animation The mechanism by which epinephrine interacts with target cells is explained in this animation, which uses the effect on the release of glucose by liver cells during the fight-or-flight response as an example.

Suggested use: Support a specific discussion of the mechanism of epinephrine (adrenaline).		 copy link
Cardiovascular System
Asset Description
Diagram This diagram from the article Heart (vertebrate) shows the internal structures of the human heart. It depicts the atria and ventricles, valves, cardiac walls, and the major vessels.

Suggested use: Introduce the anatomical structures of the heart with this diagram.		 copy link
Diagram This diagram from the article Carotid body shows the location of the carotid body at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of the carotid arteries.		 copy link
Diagram This diagram from the article Aortic body shows the location of aortic bodies.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of the pulmonary artery.		 copy link
Animation The events of the cardiac cycle including action of atrioventricular and semilunar valves, and contraction and relaxation of the atria and ventricles, are shown in this animation.

Suggested use: Have students view this animation and then summarize the events of the cardiac cycle.		 copy link
Animation This animation shows the passage of action potentials through the conduction system of the heart.

Suggested use: Play this video to conclude a discussion of the structures and function of the heart.		 copy link
Lymphatic System and Immunity
Asset Description
Animation This animation shows the mechanism involved in Type-1 IgE-mediated hypersensitivity.

Suggested use: Engage students prior to a discussion of allergic reactions.		 copy link
Animation Processing and expression of antigens by combination with MHC proteins is explained in this animation.

Suggested use: Support an in-depth discussion of antigen processing.		 copy link
Animation This animation discusses the roles of macrophages and helper T (Th2) in activation of B-cell lymphocytes into memory B-cells and antibody-producing plasma cells.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of T-cells.		 copy link
Animation This animation explains the action of cytotoxic T-cells against virus-infected cells.

Suggested use: Enrich a discussion of cytotoxic T-cells.		 copy link
Animation The process of inflammation is shown in this animation.

Suggested use: Introduce the topic of inflammatory responses.		 copy link
Animation This animation illustrates the process of phagocytosis.

Suggested use: Assign for students to review the details of phagocytosis.		 copy link
Animation The function of lysosomes and their role in phagocytosis is explained in this animation.

Suggested use: Assign as an enrichment activity; have students summarize the effect of lysosomes' hydrolytic enzymes.		 copy link
Animation This animation explains the role of toll-like receptors in the production of cytokines by phagocytes during an immune response.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of toll-like receptors.		 copy link
Respiratory System
Asset Description
Animation This animation provides an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system.

Suggested use: Have students view prior to class as an introduction to the respiratory system.		 copy link
Diagram This diagram from the article Respiratory system shows its major anatomical structures.

Suggested use: Project with labels covered, have students cite the main structures of the respiratory system, and then reveal labels.		 copy link
Diagram This illustration from the article Larynx shows the cartilages of the human larynx.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of the larynx.		 copy link
Diagram This diagram from the Respiratory system article illustrates the dichotomous branching of the trachea into the bronchial tree.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of the blood supply to the lungs.		 copy link
Animation This animation shows how contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm and respiratory muscles cause changes in intrathoracic and alveolar pressures, leading to inspiration and expiration.

Suggested use: Have students watch the video and then summarize the changes that occur in alveolar pressure during inspiration and expiration.		 copy link
Digestive System
Asset Description
Animation The structure and function of organs of the digestive system are explained in this animation, which starts with mastication and ends with elimination.

Suggested use: Have students view prior to class as an introduction to the digestive system.		 copy link
Diagram The hard and soft palates are seen in the sagittal section of the human head illustrated in this diagram from the article Palate.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of the roles of the tongue, palate, and jaw during digestion.		 copy link
Diagram The microanatomy of the liver, including intrahepatic biliary ducts and their relation to the liver sinusoids and portal vein branches, is shown in this figure from the article Liver.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of the liver.		 copy link
Diagram The human extrahepatic biliary tract is shown in this figure from the article Gallbladder.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of the gallbladder.		 copy link
Diagram The Digestive system article includes this diagram of the stomach.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of the stomach.		 copy link
Animation This animation demonstrates symport and antiport of solutes across plasma membranes, and the role of the Na/K exchange pump.

Suggested use: Enrich a discussion of absorption in the small intestine.		 copy link
Urinary System
Asset Description
Diagram This image from the article Kidney illustrates a small section of a human kidney, showing the loops of Henle, vasa recta, and collecting ducts.

Suggested use: Display when introducing the nephron.		 copy link
Animation Filtration, reabsorption, and secretion are demonstrated in this animation of the function of the nephron.

Suggested use: Assign as a review following discussion of the nephron.		 copy link
Diagram This schematic from the article Osmoregulatory mechanisms models osmotic activity in the human kidney.

Suggested use: Support a general discussion of how a countercurrent mechanism functions in concentrating urine.		 copy link
Diagram The tubular countercurrent mechanism for concentrating urine is illustrated in this diagram from the article Urinary system.

Suggested use: Support a detailed discussion of the kidney's countercurrent transport system.		 copy link
Animation Reflexive and voluntary control of micturition are explained in this animation.

Suggested use: Play to demonstrate the micturition reflex.		 copy link
Table This table from the article Urinalysis shows the major types and characteristics of normal and abnormal urinary casts.

Suggested use: Display when discussing urinary sediment.		 copy link
Reproductive System
Asset Description
Diagram The urogenital system of the human female is shown in sagittal section in this diagram from the article Reproductive system. Just below this diagram is an illustration of the male reproductive system.

Suggested use: Have students compare and contrast human male and female reproductive systems.		 copy link
Diagram This diagram from the article Reproductive system illustrates homologies in the development of the female and male genital tracts.

Suggested use: Use this diagram as a basis for a discussion on similarities and differences in reproductive development in males and females.		 copy link
Diagram This simplified scheme from the Ovary article shows interactions between hormones of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian relationships in mammals.		 copy link
Animation This animation shows the development of a follicle from the primordial condition through development of the corpus luteum and its degeneration into the corpus albicans.

Suggested use: Enrich a discussion of oogenesis and ovulation.		 copy link
Diagram This illustration from the article Mammary gland shows the structure of an alveolus.

Suggested use: Have students incorporate this diagram into a report on lactation.		 copy link
Diagram Positions of the prostate and seminal vesicles are shown in this diagram from the Prostate gland article.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of the prostate gland.		 copy link
Histological Image This image from the article Testis shows the stages of germ cells present in human seminiferous tubules.

Suggested use: Support a discussion of testes.		 copy link
Animation Development of sperm from spermatogonia during spermatogenesis is explained in this animation.

Suggested use: Play this video prior to a discussion of how spermatogonia develop into sperm cells.		 copy link