About Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Subject Code
BP201T
Semester
Semester 2
Credits
4 Credits
Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BP201T) is a core subject that explores the major organ systems of the human body. Building on the cellular foundations from Semester 1, this course dives into the complex control systems (Nervous, Endocrine) and the vital metabolic systems (Digestive, Respiratory, Urinary). Understanding these systems is non-negotiable for understanding how drugs affect the body (Pharmacology) in later semesters.
Key Learning Objectives
- Master the Nervous System: Understand the generation of nerve impulses and the anatomy of the Brain and Spinal Cord.
- Explain Vital Processes: Describe the mechanism of Digestion, Respiration, and Urine Formation.
- Understand Hormones: Classify endocrine glands and explain the physiological role of their hormones.
- Reproductive Physiology: Describe the anatomy of male and female reproductive systems and the menstrual cycle.
- Genetics Basics: Understand the basic structure of DNA, chromosomes, and gene inheritance.
Syllabus & Topics Covered
Unit 1: Nervous System
- Organization of nervous system, neuron, neuroglia, classification and properties of nerve fibre, electrophysiology, action potential, nerve impulse, receptors, synapse, neurotransmitters.
- Central nervous system: Meninges, ventricles of brain and cerebrospinal fluid.
- Structure and functions of brain (cerebrum, brain stem, cerebellum).
- Spinal cord (gross structure, functions of afferent and efferent nerve tracts, reflex activity).
Unit 2: Digestive System & Energetics
- Anatomy of GI Tract with special reference to anatomy and functions of stomach.
- Acid production in the stomach, regulation of acid production through parasympathetic nervous system, pepsin role in protein digestion.
- Small intestine and large intestine, anatomy and functions of salivary glands, pancreas and liver.
- Movements of GIT, digestion and absorption of nutrients and disorders of GIT.
- Energetics: Formation and role of ATP, Creatinine Phosphate and BMR.
Unit 3: Respiratory & Urinary Systems
- Respiratory system: Anatomy of respiratory system with special reference to anatomy of lungs, mechanism of respiration, regulation of respiration.
- Lung Volumes and capacities, transport of respiratory gases, artificial respiration, and resuscitation methods.
- Urinary system: Anatomy of urinary tract with special reference to anatomy of kidney and nephrons, functions of kidney and urinary tract.
- Physiology of urine formation, micturition reflex and role of kidneys in acid base balance, role of RAS in kidney and disorders of kidney.
Unit 4: Endocrine System
- Classification of hormones, mechanism of hormone action.
- Structure and functions of pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal gland, pancreas, pineal gland, thymus and their disorders.
Unit 5: Reproductive System & Genetics
- Reproductive system: Anatomy of male and female reproductive system, Functions of male and female reproductive system.
- Sex hormones, physiology of menstruation, fertilization, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, pregnancy and parturition.
- Introduction to genetics: Chromosomes, genes and DNA, protein synthesis, genetic pattern of inheritance.
How to Score High in Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- 1
Flowcharts for Physiology: Mechanisms like ‘Urine Formation’, ‘Blood Clotting’ (from HAP1), and ‘Synaptic Transmission’ must be studied via flowcharts.
- 2
Diagrams are King: You cannot pass HAP without diagrams. Practice drawing the Neuron, Brain (Sagittal section), Heart (internal structure), and Nephron daily.
- 3
Link with Pharmacology: When studying the ‘Autonomic Nervous System’ or ‘Receptors’, remember this is the base for Pharmacology-I.
- 4
Compare & Contrast: Differentiate between Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic, Mitosis vs Meiosis, and Spermatogenesis vs Oogenesis.
- 5
Hormone Table: Create a master table: Gland -> Hormone -> Target Organ -> Function -> Disorder (Hyper/Hypo).
Why it Matters for Career
This is arguably the most important subject for a Pharmacist. Whether you are in Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacology R&D, or Pharmacovigilance, you need to know how the body works to understand how drugs fix it. The Concepts of ‘Receptors’ and ‘Enzymes’ start here.
Exam Weightage
The Nervous System (Unit 1) is huge and usually carries 10-15 marks. ‘Mechanism of Urine Formation’ and ‘Menstrual Cycle’ are favorite questions for 10-mark sections. Don’t skip the diagrams of the Brain and Heart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is HAP-2 harder than HAP-1?
Yes, slightly. HAP-1 focused on Tissue/Cell level. HAP-2 focuses on Complex Systems (Brain, Kidney, Hormones) which involves more physiological mechanisms to remember.
How to remember the Cranial Nerves?
Use the mnemonic: ‘Oh Oh Oh To Touch And Feel Very Good Velvet, Ah Heaven’. (Olfactory, Optic, Oculomotor…)
Which unit has the most weightage?
Unit 1 (Nervous System) and Unit 4 (Endocrine System) are very lengthy and carry high weightage. Unit 3 (Respiratory/Urinary) provides sure-shot 5 or 10 mark questions.
Why is Genetics included in HAP-2?
Understanding DNA and Protein Synthesis is foundational for understanding hereditary diseases, Pharmacogenomics, and how our body builds itself from the genetic code.
What is the hardest topic in HAP-2?
Most students find Neurophysiology (Action Potential, Synapse) challenging because it’s abstract. The Endocrine system can also be tricky due to the sheer number of hormones to memorize.