Intro to Human Anatomy
About this free Intro to Human Anatomy course
Intro to Human Anatomy is a free anatomy and physiology course that explains how the human body is built and how it works. It starts with the levels of structure, from atoms up to the whole organism, and the map language doctors use to describe the body. It then moves through every major organ system, showing how they work together to keep you alive.
The course is organized in three phases: the building blocks, the control and processing systems, and circulation and defense. You'll see how feedback loops keep everything from blood sugar to body temperature in balance, how a nerve signal becomes a muscle contraction, and how oxygen crosses the walls of your lungs. By the end, you won't just know body parts; you'll understand the body as one connected system.
Who this course is for
This course is for students in grades 8 through 12, including students interested in medicine, nursing, sports science, or health careers. No prior biology course is required, though Intro to Biology is a helpful warm-up.
Course outline
- Unit 1: The body's blueprint. Levels of organization, anatomical directions and planes, and homeostasis and feedback loops.
- Unit 2: Life at the cellular level. Organelles, diffusion, osmosis, active transport, and the four tissue types.
- Unit 3: The body's outer shield. The integumentary system: the layers of the skin, touch receptors, temperature control, and vitamin D.
- Unit 4: Frame and force. Bone remodeling, the three types of muscle, and the sliding filament theory.
- Unit 5: Wired for communication. The CNS and PNS, neurons, and the sympathetic and parasympathetic responses.
- Unit 6: The body's chemical messengers. The endocrine system, major glands, and blood glucose regulation.
- Unit 7: Fuel processing. The digestive system, from mechanical and chemical digestion to nutrient absorption.
- Unit 8: Breath by breath. The mechanics of breathing and gas exchange in the alveoli.
- Units 9-12: Circulation, defense, and the full circle. The cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune, urinary, and reproductive systems.
What you'll learn
- Use anatomical terms to describe locations and planes of the body
- Explain homeostasis and how feedback loops maintain it
- Describe the structure and function of all 12 major body systems
- Explain how nerve signals cause muscle contraction
- Trace the path of food, air, and blood through the body
How long it takes
Plan on about 15 hours, or a little over an hour per unit. The course fits a semester of weekly lessons.
Frequently asked questions about Intro to Human Anatomy
Is Intro to Human Anatomy really free?
Yes. Intro to Human Anatomy is completely free, with no fees, subscriptions, or account required. STEM for Others is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and every course in our curriculum library is free for students, families, and teachers.
Is this course useful for students interested in medicine?
Yes. Anatomy and physiology are the foundation of every health career. This course gives you the vocabulary and systems-level understanding that pre-med, nursing, and sports medicine courses build on.
How do I start the course?
Click Begin Course at the top of this page to open the full slide deck in a new tab. You can also flip through the slides embedded above. Work through one unit at a time and try the practice questions before moving on.
Do I get a certificate?
The self-paced Intro to Human Anatomy materials don't include an official certificate. If you're taking the course through a STEM for Others chapter program, ask your chapter leader about recognizing your completion.
Can teachers and clubs use this curriculum?
Yes. Teachers, homeschool families, libraries, and after-school clubs are welcome to use the Intro to Human Anatomy materials with their students at no cost. STEM for Others volunteers also teach our curriculum in partner schools and libraries. You can find a chapter near you or start one at your school.
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