Ara Institute of Canterbury 1 Department of Health Practice
Learning Objectives BNNS501: Week 1
Week 1 - Students should understand the role of science in nursing and develop knowledge of
organisation beginning at a cellular level through to a body system level including the importance of
homeostasis.
1. Define the terms anatomy and physiology.
The study of the structure of the human body.
The study of the functionsof the human body and its parts
2. Identify the different levels of organisation from atom to organism.
Atom-
Molecule—
Cellular level--
Tissue level
Organ level
Organ system-
Organismal level
3. Identify the anatomical features of the following body systems.
a. Integumentary
b. Skeletal
c. Muscular
d. Nervous
e. Endocrine
f. Cardiovascular
g. Respiratory
h. Lymphatic
i. Digestive
j. Urinary
k. Reproductive
4. Identify two functions of each of the above body systems.
5. Identify the nine abdominpelvic and four abdominal quadrants AND identify the organs located within
these regions.
rightand left hypochondriac
Epigastric
Right and left lumbar region
Umbilical regon
Right and left iliac
hypogastric
6. Demonstrate understanding of the following directional terms when describing the location of a body part.
a. Superior and inferior
b. Anterial (or ventral) and posterior (or dorsal)
c. Medial and lateral
d. Proximal and distal
e. Superficial and deep
7. Demonstrate understanding of the following planes used to divide the body or organs into definite areas.
a. Parasagittal
b. Midsaggital
c. Frontal
d. Transverse
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8. Identify the five body cavities and the organs located within each cavity.
Cranial cavity
Vertebrae cavity
Thoracic cavity
Abdominal cavity
Pelvic cavity
9. Define the term homeostasis. Maintenance of constant internal body temperature regardless of change of
external environment
10. Describe what positive and negative feedback systems are using an example.
11. Identify the following components of the human cell AND their function.
a. Cell membrane
b. Cytoplasm
c. Cytosol
d. Organelles
i. Nucleolus
ii. Nucleus
iii. Ribosomes
iv. Vesicles
v. Rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum
vi. Golgi apparatus
vii. Mitochondria
viii. Centrioles
ix. Cilia
x. Flagellum
The following learning objectives will be introduced in the first group lecture, but we will revisit some of
these again over the semester.
12. Understand the functions of atoms, ions, and molecules in the human body.
a. Identify common ions in the human body.
13. Demonstrate understanding of pH in relation to the human body.
In summary, maintaining the right pH is essential for optimal bodily functions. Whether it’s the oxygenation of
blood or efficient cellular respiration, pH plays a crucial role in our well-being.
Metabolic Acidosis:
Cause: Excessive accumulation of acids or loss of bicarbonate (a base).
Examples:
Lactic acidosis: Occurs due to increased lactic acid production (e.g., during intense exercise or in certain medical
conditions).
Renal failure: Kidneys fail to excrete acids effectively.
Symptoms:
Deep, rapid breathing (Kussmaul breathing): The body compensates by exhaling more CO2.
Weakness, fatigue, confusion, and nausea.
Treatment: Address the underlying cause and restore bicarbonate levels.
Metabolic Alkalosis:
Cause: Excessive loss of acids or increased bicarbonate levels.
Examples:
Vomiting: Loss of stomach acid.
Excessive use of antacids.
Symptoms:
Hyperventilation: The body tries to retain CO2.
Muscle twitching, weakness, and confusion.
Treatment: Correct the underlying issue and restore acid-base balance.
Respiratory Acidosis:
Cause: Hypoventilation (reduced breathing), leading to CO2 retention.
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Examples:
Chronic lung diseases (e.g., COPD, asthma).
Drug overdose (depresses respiratory centers).
Symptoms:
Shallow breathing, headache, confusion, and drowsiness.
Treatment: Improve ventilation and address the underlying condition.
Respiratory Alkalosis:
Cause: Hyperventilation (excessive breathing), leading to CO2 elimination.
Examples:
Anxiety, fever, high altitude, or pain.
Symptoms:
Lightheadedness, tingling, and muscle spasms.
Treatment: Address the root cause and restore normal breathing patterns.
14. Define the following terms.
a. Solute
b. Solvent
c. Solution
15. Understand tonicity in relation to solutions AND define the following solution.
a. Hypertonic
b. Isotonic
c. Hypotonic
Hypertonic Solution:
A solution with a higher concentration of solute (e.g., salt) than the reference solution (usually the cell’s
cytoplasm).
When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink (crenate).
Isotonic Solution:
A solution with the same concentration of solute as the reference solution.
When a cell is placed in an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water, and the cell maintains its shape.
Hypotonic Solution:
A solution with a lower concentration of solute than the reference solution.
When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst
(lyse).
Tutorial 1 – We will explore the following learning objectives during the tutorial in more depth, however it
is important that you familiarise yourself with them beforehand. Refer to the Moodle page for more
resources.
16. Demonstrate understanding of the movement of molecules across the cell membrane to include the
following.
a. Passive transport
i. Simple diffusion
ii. Osmosis
iii. Facilitated diffusion
b. Active transport
i. Endocytosis (pinocytosis and phagocytosis)
ii. Exocytosis
17. Understand the role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in active transport and overall cell function.
1. Role of ATP in Active Transport:
o Active transport involves moving molecules or ions across cell membranes against their concentration
gradient (from low to high concentration).
o ATP provides the necessary energy for active transport by donating one of its phosphate groups.
o Examples of active transport:
Sodium-potassium pump: Maintains proper sodium and potassium levels across cell membranes.
Proton pumps: Move protons (H+) across membranes (e.g., during ATP synthesis in mitochondria).
2. Overall Cell Function:
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o ATP is involved in numerous cellular processes:
Cellular respiration: ATP production during glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative
phosphorylation.
Muscle contraction: ATP powers muscle fibers.
DNA replication, protein synthesis, and cell division: ATP drives these essential processes.
Signaling pathways: ATP plays a crucial role in signal transduction.
18. Describe the stages of aerobic and anaerobic cellular respiration.
