Overview
Anatomy and Physiology is a Division C event that focuses on the understanding of human body systems. Participants are tested on their knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of various physiological systems, including the processes and interrelationships among them. Each year, the event focuses on specific body systems, which rotate on a multi-year schedule.
Quick Facts
- Type: Written Test Event
- Format: Multiple-choice, fill-in, diagram labeling, short answer, and analysis questions
- Team Size: 2 students
- Duration: 50 minutes
- Materials Allowed: One two-sided sheet of notes per student and writing implements
Rules & Format
Event Format
Anatomy and Physiology consists of a written test that may include:
- Multiple-choice questions: Basic recall and application of knowledge
- Diagram labeling: Identification of anatomical structures
- Short answer questions: Explanation of physiological processes
- Analysis questions: Interpretation of data, symptoms, or case studies
- Fill-in questions: Terminology and definitions
Materials Allowed
According to the Science Olympiad rules, participants may bring:
- One 8.5" x 11" two-sided sheet of notes per student
- Writing implements (pencils, pens)
Note: The specific body systems covered change on a rotating basis every few years. Always check the current year's official rules for the systems in focus and any updates or changes.
Content Guide
Anatomy and Physiology covers a wide range of topics related to human body systems. Here's a breakdown of the major content areas:
Basic Concepts
- Cell structure and function
- Tissue types and organization
- Homeostasis and feedback loops
- Anatomical terminology and planes
System Structure
- Gross anatomy of featured systems
- Histology (microscopic anatomy)
- Organ relationships and organization
- Anatomical variations and development
System Function
- Physiological processes
- Regulatory mechanisms
- Biochemical pathways
- System integration and coordination
Clinical Applications
- Common disorders and diseases
- Diagnostic techniques
- Treatment approaches
- Research and medical advances
Body Systems
Respiratory System
The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange, bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide.
O₂ + Hb ⇌ HbO₂
Major structures include:
- Nasal cavity and pharynx
- Larynx and trachea
- Bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli
- Lungs and pleural membranes
- Diaphragm and intercostal muscles
Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system transports blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products.
Major components include:
- Heart (chambers, valves, conducting system)
- Blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries)
- Blood components (plasma, erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets)
- Cardiac cycle and electrical conduction
Nervous System
The nervous system coordinates body activities through electrical signals and neurotransmitters.
Major divisions include:
- Central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
- Peripheral nervous system (cranial and spinal nerves)
- Autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic)
- Sensory systems (vision, hearing, taste, smell, touch)
Digestive System
The digestive system breaks down food into nutrients that can be absorbed and used by the body.
Major structures include:
- Oral cavity (teeth, tongue, salivary glands)
- Esophagus and stomach
- Small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum)
- Large intestine (cecum, colon, rectum)
- Accessory organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas)
Endocrine System
The endocrine system regulates body functions through hormones secreted by glands.
Major glands include:
- Pituitary gland (anterior and posterior)
- Thyroid and parathyroid glands
- Adrenal glands (cortex and medulla)
- Pancreas (islets of Langerhans)
- Gonads (ovaries and testes)
- Pineal gland and thymus
Reproductive System
The reproductive system is responsible for the production of offspring.
Male structures include:
- Testes and epididymis
- Vas deferens and seminal vesicles
- Prostate gland and penis
Female structures include:
- Ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Uterus and vagina
- Mammary glands
Immune System
The immune system protects the body from pathogens and foreign substances.
Major components include:
- Leukocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes)
- Lymphoid organs (bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, spleen)
- Antibodies and complement system
- Innate and adaptive immunity
Anatomical Structures
Heart
The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
Key Structures:
- Atria (right and left)
- Ventricles (right and left)
- Valves (tricuspid, mitral, pulmonary, aortic)
- Cardiac muscle tissue (myocardium)
Brain
The brain is the control center of the nervous system and the site of cognitive functions.
Key Structures:
- Cerebrum (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital lobes)
- Cerebellum and brainstem
- Diencephalon (thalamus, hypothalamus)
- Limbic system
Lungs
The lungs are the primary organs of respiration, facilitating gas exchange.
Key Structures:
- Bronchial tree
- Alveoli and respiratory membrane
- Pulmonary circulation
- Pleural membranes
Kidney
Kidneys filter blood, maintain fluid balance, and regulate electrolytes.
Key Structures:
- Nephrons (glomerulus, tubules)
- Renal cortex and medulla
- Collecting ducts and calyx
- Ureters and urinary bladder
Liver
The liver performs numerous metabolic, detoxification, and synthetic functions.
Key Structures:
- Hepatic lobules
- Hepatocytes and Kupffer cells
- Bile ducts and gallbladder
- Portal triad
Endocrine Glands
Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Key Glands:
- Pituitary (master gland)
- Thyroid and parathyroids
- Adrenal glands
- Pancreatic islets
Physiological Processes
Respiratory Physiology
- Ventilation - Movement of air into and out of the lungs
- External Respiration - Gas exchange between alveoli and pulmonary capillaries
- Internal Respiration - Gas exchange between systemic capillaries and tissues
- Gas Transport - Oxygen and carbon dioxide transport in blood
- Respiratory Control - Neural and chemical regulation of breathing
Cardiovascular Physiology
The heart and blood vessels work together to transport blood throughout the body:
- Cardiac Cycle - Systole and diastole phases
- Electrical Conduction - SA node, AV node, Purkinje fibers
- Blood Pressure Regulation - Baroreceptors, renin-angiotensin system
- Circulation Pathways - Pulmonary and systemic circuits
Neurophysiology
Neural communication occurs through electrical and chemical signals:
- Action Potentials - Depolarization and repolarization
- Synaptic Transmission - Neurotransmitter release and binding
- Sensory Processing - Transduction, transmission, perception
- Motor Control - Upper and lower motor neurons, reflexes
Digestive Physiology
Food processing occurs through mechanical and chemical digestion:
- Mechanical Digestion - Chewing, peristalsis, segmentation
- Chemical Digestion - Enzymes, bile, acid
- Absorption - Transport across intestinal epithelium
- Elimination - Formation and expulsion of feces
Disorders & Diseases
Respiratory Disorders
Obstructive Disorders
- Asthma - Airway inflammation and constriction
- COPD - Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
- Cystic fibrosis - Mucus accumulation
- Sleep apnea - Intermittent airway obstruction
Restrictive Disorders
- Pulmonary fibrosis - Scarring of lung tissue
- Pneumonia - Fluid-filled alveoli
- Tuberculosis - Bacterial infection
- Pleural effusion - Fluid between pleural layers
Vascular Disorders
- Pulmonary embolism - Blood clot in lung vessels
- Pulmonary hypertension - High blood pressure in lungs
- Pulmonary edema - Fluid accumulation in lungs
Lung Cancer
- Small cell carcinoma
- Non-small cell carcinoma
- Metastatic lung cancer
- Risk factors and prevention
Cardiovascular Disorders
Heart Disorders
- Coronary artery disease
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Heart failure
- Cardiac arrhythmias
Vascular Disorders
- Hypertension
- Atherosclerosis
- Aneurysm
- Peripheral vascular disease
Blood Disorders
- Anemia
- Leukemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Hemophilia
Congenital Defects
- Septal defects
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Patent ductus arteriosus
- Coarctation of the aorta
