1 Describe organ systems within a healthy human body

Unit 9: Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Ill-Health

Introduction

The aim of this unit is to provide students with background knowledge and understanding of how the healthy human body works and changes that take place during ill-health, both physical and mental. Being able to recognise when any individual is becoming unwell or recovering from illness are critical skills for a career in healthcare. The unit will explore how body systems function and interrelate during health and ill-health. The focus will be on managing risks to health, e.g. infection, dehydration and malnutrition, pressure sores and the importance of early warning systems which recognise and respond to individuals whose condition is deteriorating. The unit will engage students in practical observations of the healthy human body and signs and symptoms of ill-health. The skills developed will enable students to interpret normal and abnormal physiological measurements for any individual and respond appropriately to changes Topics included will be an overview of the anatomy and physiology of cardiac, respiratory, digestive, urinary and nervous systems as well as how these are affected in common long-term conditions and illnesses such as diabetes, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and dementia. On successful completion of the unit, the knowledge and skills gained will lead to students being able to contribute to improved care and better outcomes for individuals with complex conditions, in their roles as healthcare workers.

Learning Outcomes By the end of this unit students will be able to:

1 Describe organ systems within a healthy human body

2 Explain the interrelationship of body systems in health and ill-health from a physiological perspective

3 Investigate how physiological measurements in the body are affected by ill-health

4 Implement planned care interventions based on an individual’s physiological measurements which contribute to reducing risks to health.