Unit 1: Humans as functioning organisms

1.1 POSTURE AND MOVEMENT

a) The skeleton as the structural framework of the body.
b) Bone as a tissue.
c) Major bones and their functions.
d) Types of joints and the range of movement they permit: ball and socket, hinge, pivot and gliding.
e) The structure of synovial joints as illustrated by the knee joint.
f) First aid associated with bone fractures.
g) Adaptations to an erect posture especially the foot, knee, pelvis, vertebral column and foramen magnum, as compared to a quadruped.
h) Movement about a joint as a result of the contraction of paired muscles attached to articulated bones by tendons.
i) The co-ordinated functioning of the muscles and skeleton in supporting the body against gravity; muscle tone.
j) The functional anatomy of the upper limbs in relation to object manipulation: major bones, joints and muscle groups.
k) Power and precision grip.
l) Adaptations of the thumb in relation to precise object manipulation.
m) The functional anatomy of the lower limbs in relation to locomotion: major bones, joints and muscle groups.
n) The sliding filament model of muscle contraction, actin and myosin.
o) Injuries to ligaments, tendons, bones, cartilages and nerves.
p) Arthritis, slipped disc, whiplash, paraplegia and quadriplegia.

Unit 1: Humans as functioning organisms

General objectives
On completion of Unit 1, you should be able to:

• describe human biology as a multi-disciplinary study of humans at the levels of populations, individuals, systems, tissues and cells
• describe the general principles of biological classification and those features that characterise humans as mammals, primates and hominids
• recognise that an upright stance, uniquely intelligent brain and highly manipulative hands distinguish humans from other primates
• explain that human posture, object manipulation and locomotion involve the co-ordinated activity of muscular and skeletal systems
• describe the body’s requirements for nutrients and oxygen to supply energy and matter for activity, growth, repair and replacement
• explain how the digestive system facilitates the absorption of nutrient molecules
• explain how the respiratory system is adapted for efficient uptake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide
• describe how the circulatory system transports nutrients and oxygen to the cells, waste material and carbon dioxide from the cells,
  and acts as a link between all body tissues and major organ systems
• describe the beneficial effects of exercise on the musculo-skeletal, respiratory and circulatory systems
• describe the major cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and explain the factors which increase their risk of occurrence
• accurately measure time, length, mass, volume, temperature and pulse rate
• use food composition tables to analyse a diet and demonstrate competence in conducting chemical tests on foods
• demonstrate an awareness of basic first aid skills associated with bone fractures, haemorrhage and resuscitation
• demonstrate a positive attitude towards adopting a health sustaining lifestyle.

Unit 1 is broken up into the following units. The content covered in each of these topics is listed below.
The points in normal type can be expected to be covered in tests.
The points typed in italics at the end of each topic are not always covered and if they are, they are assessed in work other than tests.

1.1 Posture and Movement
1.2 The Primates
1.3 Gas Exchange
1.4 Nutrient Procurement
1.5 Internal Transport
1.6 Exercise and Cardiovascular Diseases