Anatomy and Physiology Course for Nursing

Lesson 1 • Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms

Explains how the body maintains internal stability through negative and positive feedback loops. Establishes the physiological principle underlying all organ system functions.

Lesson 2 • Anatomical Terminology and Directional Terms

Covers standard anatomical position, planes, and directional terms used in clinical documentation. Accurate terminology prevents patient-care errors.

Lesson 3 • Levels of Structural Organization

Introduces the six levels from chemical to organism, building the conceptual scaffold for all subsequent anatomy. Connects microscopic and macroscopic perspectives.

Lesson 1 • Organelles and Their Functions

Identifies major organelles and links each to a specific cellular task. Provides the basis for understanding drug mechanisms and cellular pathology.

Lesson 2 • Cell Cycle and Division

Traces mitosis and meiosis stages and their regulatory checkpoints. Connects to cancer pathophysiology and wound healing relevant to nursing care.

Lesson 3 • Cellular Metabolism and Energy

Explains glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation in accessible terms. Supports clinical reasoning about metabolic disorders and nutritional needs.

Lesson 1 • Epithelial Tissue Classification

Distinguishes epithelial types by cell shape and layer number, linking each to its protective or secretory role. Foundational for understanding skin and mucosal barriers.

Lesson 2 • Tissue Repair and Wound Healing

Describes inflammation, regeneration, and fibrosis stages of tissue repair. Directly applicable to wound care decision-making and patient education in nursing practice.

Lesson 3 • Connective Tissue Varieties

Surveys loose, dense, cartilage, bone, and blood as connective tissue subtypes with distinct matrices. Connects to musculoskeletal and haematological nursing assessments.

Lesson 1 • Joints: Classification and Movement

Classifies joints by structure and function, detailing synovial joint anatomy and movement types. Supports range-of-motion assessment and joint pathology recognition.

Lesson 2 • Integumentary System Structure and Function

Details epidermis layers, dermis components, and accessory structures including hair, nails, and glands. Supports pressure injury prevention and wound assessment skills.

Lesson 3 • Skeletal System: Bone Structure and Growth

Covers gross and microscopic bone anatomy, ossification, and remodeling processes. Provides the basis for interpreting fractures and osteoporosis in clinical settings.

Lesson 4 • Axial and Appendicular Skeleton

Identifies major bones of the skull, vertebral column, thorax, limbs, and girdles. Enables accurate documentation of injury sites and anatomical landmarks for procedures.

Lesson 1 • Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous Systems

Distinguishes somatic from autonomic pathways and contrasts sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. Supports understanding of autonomic drug effects and patient stress responses.

Lesson 2 • Neuron Physiology and Action Potentials

Details resting membrane potential, depolarization, repolarization, and synaptic transmission. Foundational for understanding anaesthetics, analgesics, and neurological drug actions.

Lesson 3 • Central Nervous System Anatomy

Surveys brain lobes, diencephalon, brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord organisation. Enables nurses to localise deficits from stroke, trauma, or tumour presentations.

Lesson 4 • Sensory Systems and Reflexes

Covers somatic sensory receptors, special senses, and reflex arc components. Directly applied in neurological assessment including pupillary, deep tendon, and pain reflexes.

Lesson 1 • Heart Anatomy and Cardiac Cycle

Details chambers, valves, coronary vessels, and the sequence of systole and diastole. Provides the anatomical basis for interpreting heart sounds and ECG waveforms.

Lesson 2 • Respiratory System Anatomy

Traces the airway from nasal cavity to alveoli, detailing structural adaptations for gas exchange. Supports respiratory assessment, airway management, and oxygen therapy decisions.

Lesson 3 • Pulmonary Physiology and Gas Exchange

Explains ventilation mechanics, lung volumes, and oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange by partial pressure gradients. Enables interpretation of arterial blood gas values in clinical care.

Lesson 4 • Blood Composition and Haematopoiesis

Identifies plasma components, blood cell types, and their production in red bone marrow. Connects to CBC interpretation, anaemia management, and infection response.

Lesson 1 • Digestive Tract Anatomy and Motility

Traces the alimentary canal from mouth to anus, detailing wall layers and motility mechanisms. Supports bowel assessment, nasogastric tube placement, and nutrition planning.

Lesson 2 • Endocrine Glands and Hormone Actions

Surveys major endocrine glands, their hormones, and feedback regulation of metabolism and stress response. Supports care of patients with diabetes, thyroid disorders, and adrenal conditions.

Lesson 3 • Urinary System Anatomy and Nephron Function

Details kidney structure, nephron segments, and filtration-reabsorption-secretion processes. Provides the basis for fluid balance monitoring and renal disorder recognition.

Lesson 4 • Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance

Explains body fluid compartments, electrolyte regulation, and buffer systems maintaining pH. Directly applied to IV fluid selection, electrolyte replacement, and ABG analysis.

Lesson 1 • Lymphatic System Structure and Function

Identifies lymphatic vessels, nodes, spleen, thymus, and their roles in fluid return and immune surveillance. Connects to oedema assessment and lymph node palpation in physical examination.

Lesson 2 • Male and Female Reproductive Anatomy

Details gonads, ducts, accessory glands, and external genitalia of both sexes with hormonal regulation. Supports reproductive health assessment, contraception counselling, and STI education.

Lesson 3 • Innate Immune Defences

Covers physical barriers, phagocytes, natural killer cells, and the inflammatory response as first-line defences. Supports infection control reasoning and recognition of systemic inflammatory signs.

Lesson 4 • Pregnancy, Development, and Aging

Traces fertilisation through embryonic and fetal development, then surveys age-related anatomical changes. Prepares nurses for prenatal education and gerontological care planning.