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Module 2 of 8

Anatomy & Physiology Foundations

Learn the body systems medical assistants encounter most often, connect structure to function, and practice recognizing important clinical clues.

Begin Module 2 View Module Map
Eight lessons · Interactive checks · Final checkpoint · 80% required
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Start with body organization

Begin with anatomical position, body directions, cavities, and organization.

Start Lesson 1 →
MODULE MAP

Eight guided lessons

Complete each lesson in order. Your progress is saved automatically on this device.

1Body Organization 2Skeletal & Muscular 3Cardiovascular 4Respiratory 5Digestive 6Urinary 7Nervous & Endocrine 8Integumentary & Immune
Lesson 1

Body Organization & Directional Language

The body is organized from cells → tissues → organs → organ systems → organism. Anatomical position gives healthcare workers one consistent reference point.

Superior / InferiorAbove / below
Anterior / PosteriorFront / back
Medial / LateralToward / away from midline
Proximal / DistalNearer / farther from attachment
Clinical connection: “Pain in the distal right forearm” is more precise than “arm pain.”
Lesson 2

Skeletal & Muscular Systems

The skeletal system provides support, protects organs, stores minerals, and produces blood cells. Muscles create movement, maintain posture, and generate heat.

Axial skeletonSkull, spine, ribs, sternum
Appendicular skeletonLimbs and girdles
Skeletal muscleVoluntary movement
Smooth muscleInvoluntary organ movement
Practice: Skeleton Anatomy Quiz Practice: Muscle Anatomy Quiz
Lesson 3

Cardiovascular System

The heart pumps blood through pulmonary and systemic circulation. Arteries carry blood away from the heart; veins return blood to the heart.

Right heartSends blood to the lungs
Left heartSends blood to the body
ArteriesCarry blood away
VeinsCarry blood toward the heart
Blood flow: Body → right atrium → right ventricle → lungs → left atrium → left ventricle → body.
Practice: Heart Anatomy Quiz Practice: Heart Sounds Quiz
Lesson 4

Respiratory System

Air moves through the upper and lower airways to the alveoli, where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged with the blood.

TracheaMain airway to the bronchi
BronchiConduct air into each lung
AlveoliSite of gas exchange
DiaphragmPrimary breathing muscle
Review: Lungs Anatomy Guide Practice: Lung Sounds Quiz
Lesson 5

Digestive System

The digestive system breaks food down, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates solid waste. Accessory organs assist digestion even though food does not pass through them.

StomachMixes food with acid and enzymes
Small intestineMajor nutrient absorption
Large intestineWater absorption and stool formation
Liver & pancreasProduce substances used in digestion
Review: Digestive System Guide
Lesson 6

Urinary System

The kidneys filter blood, regulate fluid and electrolytes, help control blood pressure, and produce urine.

KidneysFilter blood and form urine
UretersCarry urine to the bladder
BladderStores urine
UrethraCarries urine out of the body
Review: How the Kidneys Work Practice: Kidney Quiz
Lesson 7

Nervous & Endocrine Systems

The nervous system sends rapid electrical messages. The endocrine system uses hormones for slower, longer-lasting regulation.

Central nervous systemBrain and spinal cord
Peripheral nervous systemNerves outside the CNS
Pituitary glandCoordinates many endocrine functions
PancreasHelps regulate blood glucose
Practice: Brain Anatomy Quiz
Lesson 8

Integumentary, Lymphatic & Immune Systems

The skin protects the body and helps regulate temperature. The lymphatic and immune systems return tissue fluid to circulation and defend against infection.

EpidermisOuter skin layer
DermisContains vessels, nerves, and glands
Lymph nodesFilter lymph and support immunity
White blood cellsHelp defend against pathogens
Clinical connection: Skin color, temperature, moisture, wounds, edema, and lymph-node changes can all provide useful assessment clues.
QUICK KNOWLEDGE CHECK

Connect structure with function

1. Where does gas exchange occur?
2. Which organs filter blood and form urine?
3. Where does most nutrient absorption occur?
FINAL CHECKPOINT

Module 2 Assessment

Answer all 10 questions. A score of 80% or higher completes this module.

1. Which term means toward the body's midline?
2. Which structure is part of the axial skeleton?
3. Which chamber pumps blood to the body?
4. Gas exchange occurs primarily in the:
5. Most nutrient absorption occurs in the:
6. Which tube carries urine from a kidney to the bladder?
7. The brain and spinal cord form the:
8. Which system communicates mainly through hormones?
9. The outermost skin layer is the:
10. Which blood cells are central to immune defense?
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ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED

Anatomy & Physiology Foundations Complete

You completed all eight lessons and passed the final checkpoint. Module 3: Infection Control is now ready for the next build.

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Educational achievement only: Completing this module or earning an achievement does not confer professional certification, licensure, continuing education credit, or an accredited credential.