What should I expect the lab portion of an anatomy & physiology class to be like?

1 Answer
Nov 25, 2015

Most labs begin with microscopic views of cells and then onto gross anatomy.

Explanation:

The gross anatomy portion begins with a quiz on anatomical terms and then on to working with the skeletal system.

You will have to learn the names of the bones and their relationships to each other.

It depends on the level of your education how detailed the landmarks of the bones will be.

Muscles are next and their origins and insertions on the bones are learned. Again, it will depend on what your level of education just how detailed this part will be. There are over 650 muscles.

Often, a model with muscles is used. Sometimes just an arm and a leg.

Next there are the internal organs and systems and their relationships to each other.

If you are in high school, a cat is often used for dissection. The cats' veins have a blue rubbery dye in them and the arteries are red.

If you are in college, sometimes a cadaver will be used. As many as 5 per class if the college has the funds.

The peripheral nervous system is somewhat harder to learn because those tissues are harder to find.

After each section, there is a lab test.