Human Anatomy and Physiology: Myths vs Facts Explained

Purpose

This activity aims to correct common misconceptions about human anatomy and physiology, reinforce accurate understanding of physiological processes, and enhance learners’ ability to apply correct knowledge in medical laboratory contexts.

Introduction

Medical laboratory professionals must have an accurate understanding of anatomy and physiology to correctly interpret laboratory results and support clinical diagnosis. Misconceptions can lead to errors in specimen handling, data interpretation, and patient care decisions. This Myth vs Fact Activity uses common misconceptions as a learning tool to help learners critically analyze and apply correct knowledge.

Instructions for Learners

• Review each myth and fact carefully.
• For each item, explain why the myth is incorrect and describe the physiological principles that make the fact correct.
• Provide a real-life laboratory example where misunderstanding the myth could cause errors.
• Refer to UK legislation and standards, e.g., ISO 15189:2012, Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, COSHH 2002, Human Tissue Act 2004.

Myth vs Fact Table

Myth	Fact	Explanation & Laboratory Relevance	UK Standards / Legal Context
The heart is on the left side of the chest.	The heart is located in the mediastinum, slightly left of the midline.	While the apex points left, the heart is central. Misidentifying heart placement can affect ECG lead placement and cardiac enzyme interpretation.	ISO 15189:2012 – lab procedures for cardiac tests
Red blood cells carry oxygen only.	RBCs also transport a small amount of CO2.	CO2 transport is important for pH balance. Lab tests measuring CO2 or bicarbonate require correct understanding of RBC function.	COSHH 2002 – safe handling of blood samples
Bone is inert and does not remodel.	Bone is a dynamic tissue that remodels constantly.	Understanding bone turnover is essential for interpreting calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase levels in lab tests.	Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 – correct use of lab equipment for bone assays
Only the left lung has two lobes.	The left lung has two lobes; the right lung has three lobes.	Accurate lung anatomy is critical for interpreting imaging and performing arterial blood gas analysis.	ISO 15189:2012 – lab correlates with radiology findings
The liver detoxifies only alcohol.	The liver metabolizes drugs, toxins, and endogenous compounds.	Knowledge of hepatic metabolism is essential for interpreting liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin).	Human Tissue Act 2004 – handling liver tissue samples
Nerves regenerate fully after injury.	Nerve regeneration is limited; peripheral nerves regenerate partially; CNS nerves rarely regenerate.	Lab analysis of nerve damage (electromyography) depends on understanding regeneration potential.	Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 – safety with nerve tissue handling
The brain stops developing after childhood.	Brain development continues into early adulthood, particularly prefrontal cortex.	Understanding brain maturation is crucial for interpreting neurological biomarkers and pediatric lab tests.	ISO 15189:2012 – neurology lab tests
Muscle turns to fat if not used.	Muscle and fat are different tissues; inactivity causes muscle atrophy and fat accumulation separately.	Important for interpreting serum creatine kinase and lipid panels.	COSHH 2002 – handling patient samples safely
The kidneys only remove waste.	Kidneys regulate electrolytes, blood pressure, and acidbase balance.	Correct interpretation of creatinine, urea, and electrolyte tests relies on this understanding.	ISO 15189:2012 – renal lab procedures
Fever always indicates infection.	Fever can result from inflammation, autoimmune disorders, or drug reactions.	Misinterpretation can lead to unnecessary microbiology tests.	Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 – lab safety during infectious sample testing

Reflection Questions

1. Identify a myth you previously believed and explain why understanding the correct fact improves lab work.
2. For a lab test of your choice (e.g., liver function test), identify howmisconceptions could affect result interpretation.
3. Discuss how UK regulations and ISO standards ensure safe and accurate lab practice related to human anatomy.
4. Create a mini-case scenario where misunderstanding one anatomical feature could lead to a diagnostic error.
5. Suggest three ways to reinforce accurate anatomical knowledge in a clinical lab setting.

Visual Aids

• Diagrams of heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
• Flow charts for physiological processes (oxygen transport, renal filtration, liver detox).
• Tables comparing normal vs abnormal lab findings.

Learner Task

1. Review the Myth vs Fact table thoroughly.
2. Complete explanations for each myth and fact in your own words, citing real-life lab examples.
3. Annotate diagrams showing correct anatomy corresponding to each fact.
4. Answer all reflection questions linking theory to practical laboratory scenarios.
5. Compile your answers, diagrams, and reflections into a portfolio entry for assessor review.