Obviously Human Anatomy (ZOOL 210) is about the structure of the human body, but I actually have several goals in mind as I teach this subject.

1) To teach a foundation of knowledge about human anatomy to my students so that they are well prepared for various professional programs in medicine (nursing, radiological technology, laboratory technology, pharmacy, physical therapy, etc.) and related fields of study (exercise science, dance, art, anatomy, physiology).

2) To give some insight into careers in medicine and related areas.

3) To give students some experience with dissections. The many areas in medicine and medically related specialties require some degree of dexterity and some use of basic dissecting instruments. Our experiences in the lab provide some insight into the use of one's hands with these tools of the trade.

4) To help students develop important intellectual skills such as informational research, writing, and math.

5) To develop a true appreciation and respect for the beautiful structure of the human body.

6) To have fun while working toward all of the above goals.

Well, those are my goals. They don't stand out in the official description from the Snow College catalog:

"A study of the structure of the human body. Designed primarily for students preparing for careers in nursing, physical therapy, and related fields."

So who should take Human Anatomy?

Many professional programs in medicine (nursing, radiological technology, laboratory technology, pharmacy, physical therapy, etc.) and related fields of study (exercise science, anatomy, physiology, athletic training) require that applicants complete a course in basic human anatomy. The majority of students who take the course are in this category.

It is also required of some students in dance programs.

Biology majors or students who are undecided often take the course to get a feel for what this area of study is like.

Art students sometimes take the class because of its application in the study of human form.

A few students in very different areas of study (English, foreign language) occasionally take the class simply because they are interested.

All are welcome.

I get a lot of questions about the lab for this course. There are two cadavers in the lab, one male, one female. We obtain them from the University of Utah Medical School Body Donor Program. Persons who donate their bodies for use in such labs do so willingly. Because of these cadavers and the individuals who once were a part of these bodies we maintain a professional atmosphere in the lab. We never name the cadavers nor do we ever make comments or jokes about them. We have fun in the lab, but never at the expense of the those who have given us the opportunity to study the human body first hand. If you are interested in learning more about the Body Donor Program please contact me

Human Anatomy students at Snow College study the cadavers directly. They also are required to do dissections of the bodies to prepare the cadavers for other students to study.

Many students express concern about how they will react the first time they work with one of these bodies. Most reactions are amazingly benign. Students find the bodies very much like big models. Most are also so fascinated by what they are doing that they forget any apprehensions and set about their work. A small number do go through a short period of adjustment. If you take the class ever feel queazy or light-headed, please just sit down. You don't need to ask permission. You certainly should not try to leave the room. Just sit. Put your head down. Relax for a moment. You'll be fine and will be able to get back to work in a few minutes.

The lab experience of Human Anatomy students at Snow College has three parts. One is the regular lab scheduled each week as a part of the class and as listed in the published class schedule (evening classes have the lab as a part of one of the evening classes). Another is the dissection done with a study group and a teaching assistant working with the group. The third is study time done on your own. Let's consider how to get the most out of each one of these.

1) Regular lab periods. Regular labs must be attended. A quiz is given each week at the beginning of the lab. Usually this quiz is on the material studied the previous week but there are exceptions. Quizzes are usually announced in lecture the day before and objectives for the quiz given at that time. After the quiz students study lab material (skeletal material, models, and the cadavers). The best approach to studying during this time is to review lecture notes and the text with lab material in hand. The worse thing to do is to focus strictly on the notes and text and ignore the lab material. Lab time is precious. You can study the notes and the text at home or in the library. Get your hands on the lab material. Nothing will help you learn anatomy better. Besides the most difficult test for the entire course is the lab final.

2) Dissections. Dissections serve three purposes. First, they give you a better appreciation of the complexity and interrelatedness of the various body systems. Second, they give you an opportunity to develop some basic dissection skills and dexterity. Third, they prepare the cadavers for teaching. Work on each of these. Don't stand back and let others do the work. Get a feel for the instruments. Get your hands on the specimen. Observe how the skin varies from one region to another. Get a feel for the tactile difference between an artery and a vein. Watch a body part move as you carefully pull a tendon. Be respectful of the cadavers and handle them carefully but use them. They're here for you to learn from.

3) Study time in the lab. Study time in the lab may be whenever the lab does not have a class in it. You may use the lab when a dissecting group is working. This lab time is a great opportunity for study groups to get together and really study. Use the lab material. Use the reference material. As you work, however, please remember one thing. One big concern is that the lab and the material in it will be abused or items stolen. Please help prevent this. Material may be taken to another room in the building, but is should never leave the building. Also never use pens or pencils to point out structures. Never! It's too easy to forget the tip is out or the cover off. There are plenty of probes in the lab. Use them.

Well, that's a quick look at the course. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me.

Here are links to other pages dealing with Human Anatomy: