Nursing Assistant Certification Course

Week 4: Anatomy and Physiology II

Duration: 3 hours

I. Circulatory System (1 hour)
   A. Structure and Function of the Heart
      1. Chambers of the heart: Atria and ventricles
         Example: The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body, while the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
      2. Valves of the heart: Atrioventricular and semilunar valves
         Example: The mitral valve prevents backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium.
      3. Blood flow through the heart and the cardiac cycle
         Example: During systole, the ventricles contract and pump blood out of the heart.
   B. Blood Vessels: Arteries, Veins, and Capillaries
      1. Structure and function of blood vessels
         Example: Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, while veins return deoxygenated blood to the heart.
      2. Major blood vessels and their roles in circulation
         Example: The aorta is the largest artery, distributing oxygenated blood throughout the body.
   C. Blood Composition and Function
      1. Components of blood: Plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
         Example: Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen and transports it throughout the body.
      2. Functions of blood: Transportation, regulation, and protection
         Example: Blood helps regulate body temperature by redistributing heat generated by metabolic processes.

II. Respiratory System (1 hour)
   A. Structure and Function of the Respiratory System
      1. Upper respiratory tract: Nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx
         Example: The nasal cavity filters, warms, and humidifies incoming air.
      2. Lower respiratory tract: Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli
         Example: The alveoli are the site of gas exchange between the lungs and the bloodstream.
   B. Mechanics of Breathing
      1. Inhalation and exhalation processes
         Example: During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and descends, creating a negative pressure in the thoracic cavity, drawing air into the lungs.
      2. Lung volumes and capacities
         Example: Tidal volume is the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.
   C. Gas Exchange and Transport
      1. Oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange at the alveoli and in body tissues
         Example: Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.
      2. Role of hemoglobin in transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide
         Example: Hemoglobin binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in body tissues where oxygen levels are low.

III. Digestive System (1 hour)
   A. Structure and Function of the Digestive System
      1. Major organs of the digestive tract: Mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine
         Example: The stomach secretes gastric acid and enzymes to break down food into a semi-liquid substance called chyme.
      2. Accessory digestive organs: Salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas
         Example: The pancreas produces enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the small intestine.
   B. Digestion and Absorption
      1. Mechanical and chemical digestion processes
         Example: Mechanical digestion begins in the mouth          Example: Mechanical digestion begins in the mouth with mastication (chewing), while chemical digestion starts with the release of saliva containing enzymes.
      2. Absorption of nutrients in the small intestine
         Example: The small intestine is lined with tiny, finger-like projections called villi that increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.
      3. Role of the large intestine in water absorption and formation of feces
         Example: The large intestine reabsorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining undigested food, forming solid waste (feces) that is eventually eliminated.
   C. Regulation of Digestion
      1. Hormones and their role in regulating digestion
         Example: Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach.
      2. Nervous system control of digestive processes
         Example: The enteric nervous system, often referred to as the "second brain," regulates many aspects of digestion, such as peristalsis and secretion of digestive enzymes.

Upon completing Week 4, students will have gained a solid understanding of the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems. This knowledge will enable them to recognize the interconnectedness of body systems and provide comprehensive patient care as nursing assistants.