Human Anatomy and Physiology: Concept Explainer Sheet

Fundamentals of Medical Laboratory Science

Purpose

This Concept Explainer Sheet aims to:

  • Simplify complex theories in human anatomy and physiology.
  • Use examples and visual aids to enhance understanding.
  • Help learners relate theoretical knowledge to laboratory practice and clinical diagnosis.
  • Reinforce adherence to UK regulations and standards in laboratory work.

Key Concepts Explained

Cardiovascular System

Theory:

  • Composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
  • Responsible for oxygen and nutrient transport, waste removal, and hormone distribution.

Clinical Relevance:

  • Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or blood pressure deviations may indicate cardiovascular disease.
  • Laboratory correlation: Cardiac enzyme levels (e.g., troponin) indicate myocardial damage.

Visual Aid:

  • Diagram showing heart chambers, valves, and major vessels.
  • Normal vs. hypertrophied heart illustrations.

UK Compliance:

  • Blood samples for cardiac enzymes must follow COSHH Regulations 2002 and ISO 15189 laboratory standards.

Respiratory System

Theory:

  • Composed of lungs, trachea, bronchi, and alveoli.
  • Function: gas exchange (oxygen in, carbon dioxide out).

Clinical Relevance:

  • Reduced lung function can indicate asthma or COPD.
  • Laboratory correlation: Arterial blood gas (ABG) tests measure oxygenation and acid-base balance.

Visual Aid:

  • Diagram of lungs with alveoli and bronchioles.
  • Comparison of normal and obstructed airways.

UK Compliance:

  • Spirometry and ABG collection follow Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and COSHH guidelines for infection control.

Renal System

Theory:

  • Composed of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
  • Function: filtration of blood, waste excretion, and fluid/electrolyte balance.

Clinical Relevance:

  • Proteinuria or hematuria may indicate kidney disease.
  • Laboratory correlation: Urinalysis, creatinine, and eGFR tests assess kidney function.

Visual Aid:

  • Kidney structure diagram with nephron details.
  • Illustration of normal vs. damaged glomeruli.

UK Compliance:

  • Sample handling must follow Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR and ISO 15189:2012 for accurate reporting.

Musculoskeletal System

Theory:

  • Includes bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
  • Function: support, movement, protection, and hematopoiesis (bone marrow).

Clinical Relevance:

  • Osteoporosis or fractures require laboratory assessment (calcium, phosphate, vitamin D levels).
  • Laboratory correlation: Bone density markers in blood tests.

Visual Aid:

  • Skeleton with major muscles.
  • Comparison of normal vs. osteoporotic bone structure.

UK Compliance:

  • Sample handling and patient consent under Human Tissue Act 2004.

Nervous System

Theory:

  • Composed of brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
  • Function: sensory input, integration, motor output, and homeostasis.

Clinical Relevance:

  • Abnormal EEG readings or CSF analysis may indicate neurological disorders.
  • Laboratory correlation: Neurotransmitter levels or CSF cytology.

Visual Aid:

  • Diagram showing brain regions and spinal cord segments.
  • Highlight normal vs. demyelinated nerve fibers.

UK Compliance:

  • CSF collection follows Human Tissue Act 2004 and infection control protocols (COSHH).

Digestive System

Theory:

  • Composed of oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
  • Function: digestion, absorption, and waste elimination.

Clinical Relevance:

  • Abnormal liver function tests indicate hepatic disease.
  • Laboratory correlation: ALT, AST, bilirubin, and albumin tests.

Visual Aid:

  • Diagram showing digestive tract and accessory organs.
  • Highlight normal vs. inflamed liver tissue.

UK Compliance:

  • Sample collection for biochemical analysis adheres to ISO 15189:2012 and HSE safety guidelines.

Learner Task

  1. Review each system’s concept explanation and annotate diagrams with normal and abnormal features.
  2. For each system, provide an example of laboratory tests that could confirm abnormal physiological function.
  3. Relate laboratory findings to possible diseases and diagnostic interpretation.
  4. Ensure all sample handling and reporting are aligned with UK regulatory standards.
  5. Create a summary table connecting each system, abnormal findings, lab tests, and UK compliance requirements.
  6. Include visual illustrations or sketches to reinforce understanding.