Anatomy and Physiology - Bit by Bit: Recent Episodes
Dr. Steve Sullivan
"Anatomy & Physiology - Bit by Bit" is not only intended for college students taking A&P, it's for anyone who is interested in how the human body is structured and how it functions. Where students are concerned, the goal is "B or better." Whether you're interested in nursing, physical therapy, physician's assistant, radiography, etc, a B or better should be the goal to be competitive with other students in your field. Hopefully, these short, pointed discussions will help you understand what you need to be successful. minus55media@gmail.com
This episode covers capillary exchange, the way our blood delivers and receives materials to and from the tissues. I also invite you to listen to conversations I had with my colleagues at the Annual National Conference of the Human Anatomy & Physiology Society (HAPS). I got to talk to professors, authors, publishers, and anatomical model creators. www.judinath.com www.anatomicexcellence.com
Today's episode is about blood pressure. It's not just something we avoid, it's essential for our circulatory system to function. We focus on hydrostatic pressure and work out a formula to to calculate resistance to flow. We also discuss coronary artery disease and why it is the leading cause of death in the world. Please feel free to email me with your questions and maybe I'll answer them in a future episode. minus55media@gmail.com
Today we tackle the anatomy of blood vessels. Arteries, veins, and capillaries, oh my! What are they made of? What does that tissue do? What's the difference between them? All these questions are answered in Episode 42. I also answer a listener question about blood plasma from Eliza in Melbourne, Australia. Don't forget to email me your questions at minus55media@gmail.com and check out my youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/StudentHelp4AP
In 2018, triathlete and skydiver Jason Dennen was in a catastrophic skydiving accident that put him in a coma for 8 days, broke 20 bones, damaged several organs, and dislodged his heart from the pericardial sac. Doctors were shocked he reached the hospital alive. Within a year of the accident and being told he wouldn't be able to run again, Jason completed a triathlon. This episode is entirely devoted to hearing Jason's story of how he was injured, how he recovered, the healthcare practitioners involved, family, friends, and faith. You can find out more about Jason at www.jasondennen.com and see how to get his book or meet him at one of his many book signing events. You can also follow him on instagram at @jwdboulder. Jason's story is also chronicled in Men's Health Magazine, which you can read here: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a45025800/skydiving-accident-triathlon-transformation-jason-dennen/
Today's episode focuses on white blood cells (leukocytes) and platelets (thrombocytes). We touch on their formation, anatomy, and function. We also discuss a little about hemophilia, when blood doesn't clot. Please feel free to email me with your questions at minus55media@gmail.com. Also, check out my youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/StudentHelp4AP
In this episode we begin our coverage of the circulatory system with some general information, functions, and an introduction to blood. We discuss red blood cells (erythrocytes), their production, and blood type. I also answer a listener question about hormone-disrupting chemicals. The website I used as a source for that answer is https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine. Feel free to email me your questions at minus55media@gmail.com.
Episode 38 covers the rest of the hormones we"ll be discussing, including those from the pineal, thymus, skin, heart, bones, muscles, and more. Also, you'll get to hear my conversation with Kira Kraiman, national board certified health and wellness coach. We discussed what it means to be a wellness coach as well as smoking cessation, diabetes, nutrition, and exercise. You can check out what Kira's all about on her website www.awellfedlife.org.
Episode 37 covers the endocrine portion of the pancreas as well as the adrenal glands. These two important endocrine glands are incredibly clinically significant. Diseases associated with them are diabetes, cushing, and addison disease. We discuss both's role in glucose metabolism and the regulation of blood sugar. A must listen for anyone considering a career in the health professions.
In this episode we get into the specifics of the thyroid and parathyroid glands as well as their hormones and conditions associated with them, like hypothyroidism, Graves' Disease, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. You'll also get to hear my conversation with Jennifer Bentley, BSN, MSN, who is a former ER nurse and current endoscopy nurse specializing in nursing informatics. You'll get to hear why she decided to become a nurse, what it took, and why she is doing what she's doing now. Please feel free to contact me at minus55media@gmail.com and submit a queston for me to answer on the podcast.
This episode is a deep dive into the hypothalamus and the pituitary. There are 70+ hormones in the body and these two small structures are responsible for 14 of them. With the hypophyseal portal system and the hypothalamo-hypophyseal tract, we can visualize the intricate connection between these two. The pituitary is known as the "master gland," but as we can see, it does nothing unless the hypothalamus tells it to. We also have a little fun discussing when and how hormones were discovered. Please feel free to email me questions at minus55media@gmail.com.
This episode discusses how hormones take action on their target cells. We look at both lipid soluble and water soluble hormones and their subclasses. I also answer a listener's question about neurological exams and how they pertain to a recent episode. If you have any questions for me, please feel free to email me at minus55media@gmail.com and maybe I'll answer it on the show!
Episode 33 introduces the endocrine system and its functions. We discuss hormones, their chemical makeup, and how they're secreted and transported. The endocrine system is clinically significant to just about every healthcare field and we'll spend more than one episode on it.Please feel free to email me questions about A&P and I may answer them on the podcast! minus55media@gmail.com
As you may have noticed, I've been taking a break during the holidays and the semester break. Thanks for you patience and I'll see you soon with Episode 33 covering the endocrine system.
Episode 32 continues with the ear covering balance and equilibrium. We discuss what vertigo is, the symptoms, and how it's treated. I also have a conversation with Dr. Kathy Burleson of Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. Dr. Burleson is the founder and chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the Human Anatomy & Physiology Society (HAPS). We discuss that committee's goals and some of the research about DEI and A&P textbooks that Dr. Burleson presented at the last HAPS National Conference. If you're interested in A&P at all, check out HAPS at www.hapsweb.org. It is an incredible professional society of A&P instructors from around the world.Please feel free to email me questions about A&P and I may answer them on the podcast! minus55media@gmail.com
This episode covers the anatomy of the ear and the physiology of hearing. I also discuss the physics of sound waves and how we convert sound waves to the electrical signals that make it to our brain so we can perceive sound. Please feel free to email me questions about A&P and I may answer them on the podcast! minus55media@gmail.com
Episode 30 covers the anatomy of the eye, image formation, visual reflexes, and the neural pathway of vision. I also had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Benjamin Rowe, optometrist and owner of Doylestown Family Eye Associates in the suburbs of Philadelphia. We discuss what an optometrist does, how to become one, and eye pathology. You can find Dr. Rowe at https://doylestowneye.com/ourteam. The team at Doylestown Family Eye Associates has been treating my whole family for at least 10 years. Five stars, highly recommend! Please feel free to email me questions about A&P and I may answer them on the podcast! minus55media@gmail.com
Episode 29 continues with sensation by covering the chemical senses: olfaction (smell) and gustation (taste). You'll also get to hear my conversation with chef and restauranteur Chris Pastena of Oakland, California. Chris also co-founded the non-profit Community Kitchens, which works to feed the hungry in the Oakland area. You can learn more about Community Kitchens and how you can help at www.ckoakland.orgPlease feel free to email me questions about A&P and I may answer them on the podcast! minus55media@gmail.com
Episode 28 begins our discussion of sensation, the last nervous system topic. We focus on general senses, saving special senses for the next episode. In this episode I spoke with Dr. Krista Rompolski, who teaches A&P in the physical therapy department of Moravian University in Bethlehem, PA. Krista is also an author on the textbook Fox’s Human Physiology, from McGraw-Hill Education. Krista shares her experiences teaching about sensation and her own clinical experience dealing with chronic pain.Please feel free to email me questions about A&P and I may answer them on the podcast! minus55media@gmail.com
Episode 27 finishes up the autonomic nervous system discussing the neurotransmitters of the ANS, dual innervation, and central control. It also includes, my conversation with Dr. Beth Kersten, professor of anatomy & physiology at the State College of Florida’s Venice campus. Beth is one of the authors of Gunstream’s Anatomy & Physiology, a textbook published by McGraw-Hill Education. Beth is also an integral part of A&P Digital Suite, not only creating the bulleted narrative that summarizes my tutor videos, but also reviewing everything I do to make sure we are providing high quality, accurate learning resources. Please feel free to email me questions about A&P and I may answer them on the podcast! minus55media@gmail.com
Episode 26 begins our discussion of the autonomic nervous system, our fight-or-flight and rest-and-digest control. The autonomic nervous system mediates the visceral reflexes that control heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and a plethora of physiological processes. You’ll also get to hear my conversation with Dr. Michael Windelspecht, author of the Mader’s Biology series of textbooks from McGraw-Hill Education and one of the owners of Inspire Adventures. Inspire Adventures takes students to the Central American country of Belize where they embark on educational excursions actively learning ecology and biology in the field. https://www.inspire-edventures.com/ and check out his podcast at https://www.inspire-edventures.com/podcast.Please feel free to email me questions about A&P and I may answer them on the podcast! minus55media@gmail.com
Episode 25 is the final brain episode covering the brainstem, diencephalon, and cerebellum. These are the more primitive parts of our brain controlling whether we’re hungry or thirsty, our fight-or-flight mechanisms, cardiovascular and respiratory function, monitoring our body’s position in space, and coordinating our movements. It’s a lot to cover, so there is no guest on today’s episode. If you have questions, please feel free to email me at minus55media@gmail.com.
Episode 24 covers the largest part of the brain, the cerebrum. But first, my conversation with Dr. Bee Heeney-Stemple, professor of Anatomy & Physiology at Bucks County Community College (where I teach!). Dr. Heeney-Stemple has been researching the effect of stress, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on learning, including techniques to counteract those effects to maximize student and instructor success in the classroom. These 5 steps are: 1. Get to know your students and create a safe learning environment. 2. Sustain communication and be constant in your support, encouragement, and awareness to prevent crises. 3. Be flexible and accommodate. 4. Know your institutional services. 5. Obtain professional development on PTSD. If you have any questions please email me at minus55media@gmail.com.
After an almost 2 1/2 year hiatus, the return episode covers the basics of the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid of the central nervous system. Please feel free to email me questions about A&P and I may answer them on the podcast! minus55media@gmail.com
This episode covers the brain barrier system that protects the brain tissue from harmful agents that can be found in our blood. I also discuss cranial nerves I–XII, their origins, and their functions. Dr. Kevin Petti, Professor at San Diego Miramar College, coauthor of the textbook "Visual A&P" from Pearson Education, and the founder of Anatomia Italiana, https://anatomiaitaliana.com/, joins me to discuss A&P and his teaching program in Italy that connects art and anatomy.
Episode 21 begins our journey into the anatomy & physiology of the human brain, beginning of course with anatomy! It also marks our first episode with a guest. Dr. Charles Welsh is not only a professor of Biology at Duquesne University, but he is also the author of Hole's Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology, as well as a co-author on Hole's Anatomy & Physiology (the majors-level text book), both published by McGraw-Hill Education. Dr. Welsh and I discuss teaching and writing about anatomy & physiology as well as some important A&P concepts that students need to get.
In this episode I continue on with the nervous system and spinal cord, discussing spinal nerves, plexuses, and reflexes. I also answered a listener's question about recommended books, like "Mader's Human Biology" by Dr. Michael Windelspecht and "Hole's Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology" by Dr. Chuck Welsh. Both great resources by excellend authors and professors. You can also use my personal learning resources at www.aandponlinematerials.weebly.com. Send me your questions at minus55media@gmail.com.
This episode covers the spinal cord anatomy and a little bit of function. I also discuss how spinal tracts are named and I answer a question about myelination, nerve signal conduction velocity, and Multiple Sclerosis. You can get more valuable resources for learning Anatomy & Physiology at https://aandponlinematerials.weebly.com/ There you'll find lab materials, tutor videos on key concepts, dissection videos, etc. Good luck and be well! Send me your questions at minus55media@gmail.com.
This episode covers everything you need to know about the nerve signal. This includes the resting membrane potential in neurons as well as local and action potentials. I also discuss chemical synapses and neurotransmitters. Send me your questions at minus55media@gmail.com.
This episode is a little longer than usual and covers the basics of the nervous system and the anatomy of neurons and nerve tissue. It is an essential introduction to the nervous system. I hope you enjoy it. Send me your questions at minus55media@gmail.com. www.aandponlinematerials.weebly.com
This bonus episode isn't about any specific principle in human anatomy & physiology. Instead, I am discussing the five rules of understanding A&P. This is something I've been sharing with my students with years. I hope you enjoy it and it helps you.
This episode discusses the way neurons innervate skeletal muscles and they manner in which skeletal muscles shorten to move the skeleton, regulate movement of materials, etc. The neuromuscular junction is the union of a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber. There are three phases to muscle contraction: excitation, excitation-contraction coupling, and sliding filaments. Finally after contraction, we have relaxation. All are covered in this one episode.
This episode covers the anatomy of skeletal muscle cells. From the sarcolemma to the sarcomere to the myofilaments, this information is crucial to understanding how skeletal muscle works.
This episode discusses the three types of muscle tissue, the characteristics that all muscle tissue types share, the functions of muscle tissue, and its general structure.
This episode covers the difference between compact bone and spongy bone, Wolff's Law, and calcium homeostasis.
Is blood blue? How many ribs do men & women have? Do we really have 5 senses? What's so funny about the funny bone? This bonus episode is dedicated to dispelling four common myths people believe about the human body. Inspired by a listener's email, I hope you enjoy busting these myths!
This episode introduces the skeletal system with a topic overview and discussion of the histology of osseous tissue.
This episode covers the general basics of the integumentary system including functions, the cells and layers of the epidermis, the dermis and cutaneous glands, and superficial wound healing. Feel free to send me your questions to be answered on future episodes: minus55media@gmail.com
This episode covers the study of tissues, histological sections, and the four primary tissue classes.
This episode gets specific about diffusion, osmosis, and carrier-mediated transport across the cell's plasma membrane.
This episode covers the main principles of homeostasis, the way our bodies maintain a consistent internal environment despite living in an inconsistent external environment. Negative and positive feedback systems are discussed.
This episode discusses the difference between anatomy and physiology as well as the way the human body is organized from atoms all the way up to the whole organism.