ITEC Anatomy & Physiology study plan

Draw and label a cell membrane, the major organelles and their functions, and explain how membrane transport (diffusion, osmosis, active transport) supports homeostasis.

Classify the four primary tissue types with 3 distinguishing structural features and 2 functions each, and give one body location per type.

Define homeostasis, negative and positive feedback, and trace one full feedback loop (e.g. blood glucose or body temperature) naming sensor, control centre and effector.

Explain how cell differentiation produces specialised tissues and why tissue damage triggers repair responses.

Build a one-page glossary of 40 core terms from Domains 1 and 10 and self-test until you can define 90% from memory.

Identify all major bones of the axial and appendicular skeleton on a blank diagram without labels.

Describe the structure of a long bone (diaphysis, epiphysis, periosteum, medullary cavity, red and yellow marrow) and state where each bone tissue type is found.

Compare compact and spongy bone by structure, location and mechanical role.

Explain the roles of osteoblasts, osteoclasts and osteocytes in bone remodelling and calcium release, and link this to homeostasis.

Classify joints by structure and movement, giving two examples of each type and the movement range permitted.

Locate the major skeletal muscles or muscle groups and state the origin, insertion and primary action for at least 15 of them.

Explain the sliding filament mechanism of contraction in sequence, naming actin, myosin, calcium and ATP at each step.

Distinguish skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle by cell shape, nuclei, control and fatigue characteristics.

Describe the antagonistic pairing of flexors and extensors at one joint and explain how this produces coordinated movement.

Relate muscle contraction to heat production and posture maintenance as homeostatic contributions.

Trace the path of blood through the heart chambers, valves and great vessels, and state which side carries oxygenated blood.

Describe the cardiac cycle including systole, diastole and the role of the SA and AV nodes, and define stroke volume, heart rate and cardiac output with the formula.

Compare arteries, veins and capillaries by wall structure and function, and explain how valves and skeletal muscle assist venous return.

Outline the lymphatic system: lymph formation, lymph nodes, major vessels and the role of lymphocytes in immunity.

Explain how blood pressure is regulated and how the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems work with the respiratory system to deliver oxygen and remove waste.

Label the upper and lower respiratory tract and describe the mechanics of inspiration and expiration including diaphragm and intercostal action.

Explain gas exchange at the alveoli in terms of partial pressure gradients, surface area, thin membranes and diffusion, and define tidal volume and vital capacity.

Trace food through the digestive tract, naming the site, enzyme and substrate at each stage of chemical digestion.

Describe the roles of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas in digestion and the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine.

Link both systems to homeostasis by explaining how they supply oxygen and nutrients and remove carbon dioxide and waste.

Describe the structure and function of a neuron and explain how an action potential is generated and propagated.

Distinguish the central and peripheral nervous systems and outline the divisions of the autonomic nervous system with their effects.

Identify the major endocrine glands, the hormone each secretes and one target organ action per hormone.

Explain negative feedback control of at least two hormones (e.g. thyroid hormone and insulin) and the consequence of failure of that control.

Describe how the nervous and endocrine systems cooperate to regulate a single body function such as stress response or blood glucose.

Label the layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous) and describe the structure and growth cycle of hair and nails.

Explain the roles of the skin in protection, temperature regulation, sensation, vitamin D synthesis and excretion.

Trace the path of filtrate through the nephron and describe where filtration, reabsorption and secretion occur.

Explain how the kidneys regulate water balance, pH and blood pressure, and define the composition of urine.

Outline the structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems and the role of sex hormones in gamete production.

Integrate all body systems into one summary sheet showing at least two inputs and two outputs for each system.

Explain three worked examples of interrelationship, such as exercise increasing heart rate, breathing rate and sweat production, using correct terminology.

Revisit your weakest domain from earlier weeks and re-test until you reach 85% or better.

Complete two timed mixed-topic practice sets of 40 questions each and review every wrong answer to its source concept.

Write a one-page exam-day summary of formulas, feedback loops and directional terms you must recall instantly.