Tissues, Systems, and Development

This unit examines how cells and tissues build organ systems and how those systems develop, interact, and maintain homeostasis across the lifespan. Students synthesize embryology, histology, organ-system structure/function, immune and endocrine responses, and clinical data interpretation to prepare for advanced clinical applications.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze how organelles, cell types, and tissue organization determine the function of major organ systems (nervous, muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular, lymphatic, endocrine, urinary, digestive, and integumentary) by interpreting micrographs, anatomical diagrams, and case examples.
• Apply embryological and developmental principles to sequence prenatal milestones, describe fetal-to-neonatal physiological adaptations, and predict likely outcomes of common developmental disruptions.
• Demonstrate integration of multiple organ systems by constructing and explaining homeostatic response pathways to physiological challenges (e.g., hemorrhage, infection, electrolyte imbalance, and stress).
• Evaluate clinical and laboratory evidence (histology slides, enzyme activity, urinalysis, antibody responses, and vital-sign changes) to identify system-level dysfunctions and communicate findings using appropriate Greek/Latin anatomical terminology.