Welcome to the Anatomy & Physiology Course for Prospective Sonographers!
If you’re preparing to enter the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program and haven’t taken an Anatomy & Physiology course before, you’re in the right place! This course is specifically designed to give you a head start by introducing you to the essential concepts of human anatomy and physiology.
Delivered over 11 lessons, this course will guide you through the basic structure and function of the body’s major systems, providing you with foundational knowledge that is key to your success in the DMS program. After each lesson, you’ll complete a quiz to help reinforce what you’ve learned and ensure you’re ready to move on to the next topic.
Understanding these core concepts before you begin your formal studies will give you a valuable advantage as you progress into more advanced topics during your program. Let’s dive in and start building the strong foundation you’ll need for your journey in diagnostic medical sonography!
Course Outline
Lesson 1: Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
- Overview of body organization and anatomical terms.
- Basic structure and function of body systems.
- Introduction to homeostasis and the importance of body systems working together.
Lesson 2: Cell Structure and Function
- Structure of cells and organelles.
- Functions of different cell types in the human body.
- Tissue types and their roles.
Lesson 3: The Skeletal System
- Types of bones and their functions.
- Major bones of the body and their role in sonography.
- Joints and their movements.
Lesson 4: The Muscular System
- Types of muscle tissue: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac.
- Muscle contraction and its role in body movement.
- Major muscle groups and their functions.
Lesson 5: The Cardiovascular System
- Structure and function of the heart and blood vessels.
- Blood flow pathways: systemic and pulmonary circulation.
- The cardiovascular system’s role in homeostasis.
Lesson 6: The Digestive System
- Major digestive organs and their functions.
- The process of digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Common digestive disorders.
Lesson 7: The Urinary System
- Anatomy and function of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- The role of the urinary system in fluid and electrolyte balance.
- Common urinary system disorders.
Lesson 8: The Nervous System
- Structure of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
- Nervous system functions: sensory input, processing, and response.
- Pathologies related to the nervous system.
Lesson 9: The Endocrine System
- Structure and function of major endocrine glands.
- Hormonal regulation and feedback loops.
- Common endocrine disorders.
Lesson 10: The Reproductive System
- Anatomy and function of male and female reproductive organs.
- The process of reproduction and hormone regulation.
- Common reproductive system disorders.
Lesson 11: The Immune System
- Components of the immune system: lymph nodes, spleen, and immune cells.
- The role of the immune system in defending the body against pathogens.
- Common immune system disorders.
Curriculum
- 12 Sections
- 12 Lessons
- Lifetime
Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections
- Introduction to Anatomy & PhysiologyIn this section, you'll be introduced to the foundational concepts of anatomy and physiology. You’ll learn about the organization of the human body, key anatomical terms, and how different body systems function both individually and together. We’ll also explore the concept of homeostasis, which is vital for maintaining the body’s internal balance. This section sets the stage for understanding the complex relationships between the body’s structures and functions.2
- Cell Structure and FunctionIn this section, you will learn about the basic building blocks of life—cells. You’ll discover the structure of a cell and the role of its key parts, or organelles, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosomes. Each organelle has a specific job that helps the cell stay alive and function properly. You’ll also learn about the different types of cells in the body, like red blood cells and muscle cells, and how each one plays a unique role in the body. Finally, we’ll explore tissues, which are groups of similar cells that work together to perform specific functions, such as protecting the body, helping movement, and sending messages. This basic understanding of cell structure and function is essential for understanding how the human body works.2
- The Skeletal SystemThe skeletal system serves as the framework of the human body, providing structure, support, and protection for vital organs. In this lesson, you'll learn about the different types of bones and their functions, explore the major bones of the body and their relevance in sonography, and understand how joints enable movement. This foundational knowledge will enhance your ability to identify and interpret skeletal structures during ultrasound imaging.2
- The Muscular SystemThe muscular system is essential for movement, stability, and many physiological processes, such as circulation and digestion. This system consists of specialized tissues that contract to generate force and enable motion. For diagnostic medical sonographers, understanding muscle structure and function is critical for imaging musculoskeletal areas and identifying abnormalities. This lesson will explore the types of muscle tissue, how muscles contract to produce movement, and the major muscle groups and their roles in the human body.2
- The Cardiovascular SystemThe cardiovascular system is essential for maintaining life by delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues, removing waste products, and ensuring the body's homeostasis. This system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood itself. Understanding its structure, function, and pathways is crucial for sonographers, as cardiovascular imaging plays a significant role in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions.2
- The Digestive SystemThe digestive system is a complex network of organs that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. Understanding the structure and function of each component is essential for comprehending how the body extracts and utilizes energy from the food we eat. This section also covers common digestive disorders to help identify how disruptions in this system can affect overall health.2
- The Urinary SystemThe urinary system is vital for maintaining the body’s internal balance by filtering waste and excess substances from the blood, producing urine, and regulating fluid and electrolyte levels. It plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis and supporting overall health.2
- The Nervous SystemThe nervous system is one of the most complex and vital systems in the human body, responsible for controlling and coordinating nearly all body activities. It consists of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, which work together to process sensory information, make decisions, and execute responses. Understanding the structure and function of the nervous system is essential for diagnostic medical sonographers, as certain conditions and pathologies in this system can significantly affect the body’s function.2
- The Endocrine SystemThe endocrine system is a complex network of glands that produce and secrete hormones, which are essential chemical messengers in the body. These hormones regulate various physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response.2
- The Reproductive SystemThe reproductive system is responsible for the production of offspring, and its anatomy and function are vital for understanding human development. It consists of specialized organs in both males and females that work together to ensure successful reproduction.2
- The Immune System2
- Conclusion and Thank You!Congratulations on completing the Anatomy & Physiology Course for Prospective Sonographers! You've taken an important step toward your future in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS), and we're proud of your dedication to learning. The knowledge you've gained about the human body’s structure and function is the foundation that will support your success as you continue your studies and embark on a rewarding career as a sonographer. We hope that this course has given you a strong head start as you prepare to enter an accredited DMS program. We encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned and how far you've come. If you have any questions, or if you simply want to share your thoughts on the course, feel free to reach out to us by sending an email to info@sonographyconnect.com. We’d love to hear from you! We wish you the very best in your journey to becoming a skilled and compassionate sonographer. Keep up the hard work, stay curious, and continue to pursue your goals with passion. Your future in diagnostic medical sonography is bright, and we are excited to see where your studies take you! Best of luck and success on your journey!1
