BIOL 164 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology is a 3-credit course at the University of Maryland Global Campus.
UMGC describes it as an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the human organism. Topics include the basic concepts of physics and chemistry needed to understand biological functions, and the structure and function of cells, tissues and the major organ systems of the body.
UMGC lists BIOL 101, BIOL 103 or BIOL 160 as the prerequisite, and students may receive credit for only one of BIOL 164 or GNSC 161. Students find A&P demanding because of its volume of terminology and because physiology asks you to explain processes, such as how a nerve signal travels or how the kidneys regulate fluid, not just name parts.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
| Course code | BIOL 164 |
| Credits | 3 |
| Prerequisite | BIOL 101, BIOL 103 or BIOL 160 |
| Credit rule | Credit for only one of BIOL 164 or GNSC 161 |
| Typical work | Quizzes, exams, structure-function explanations, short papers |
What BIOL 164 Covers
| Topic | In plain language |
|---|---|
| Physics and chemistry basics | Atoms, bonds, pH, diffusion and pressure, as they apply to the body |
| Cells | Cell structures and how cells carry out their functions |
| Tissues | The four main tissue types: epithelial, connective, muscle and nervous |
| Major organ systems | How systems such as the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems are built and work |
| Structure and function | How the form of each part suits its job |
Key Concepts Explained
Why Physics and Chemistry Come First
Body functions follow physical and chemical rules. Gas exchange depends on diffusion down concentration gradients; blood flow depends on pressure differences; enzyme action depends on pH and temperature. UMGC includes these basics because physiology cannot be explained without them.
Example: In the lungs, oxygen is more concentrated in the alveoli than in the blood arriving from the body, so it diffuses into the blood; carbon dioxide is more concentrated in the blood, so it diffuses out. The alveoli's huge combined surface area and very thin walls make this diffusion fast: a clear case of structure supporting function through a physical principle.
Tissue Types
Epithelial tissue covers and lines surfaces; connective tissue supports and binds; muscle tissue contracts; nervous tissue conducts signals. Organs combine several tissue types.
Organ Systems Working Together
No system works alone. During exercise, the nervous system raises heart rate, the cardiovascular system delivers more blood and the respiratory system increases ventilation.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
Follow your syllabus and rubric for exact tasks. A&P courses typically include:
| Assignment type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Structure-function explanation | Linking anatomy to physiology | Describe the structure, then explain how it enables the function |
| Quizzes and exams | Terminology and processes | Use labeled diagrams and practice explaining processes in order |
| Short applied paper | Applying knowledge to health | Explain how a disorder disrupts normal structure or function |
| Discussion posts | Understanding and communication | Answer clearly with a credible source |
Cells and Tissues: The Foundation
Before organ systems, BIOL 164 covers the structure and function of cells and tissues. Key ideas include the plasma membrane and how substances cross it (diffusion, osmosis, active transport), the roles of organelles such as mitochondria and ribosomes, and how cells specialize to form tissues.
Osmosis is a classic exam topic. Red blood cells placed in a hypotonic solution (lower solute concentration than inside the cell) take in water and may burst; in a hypertonic solution they lose water and shrink; in an isotonic solution they stay the same. This is why intravenous fluids are made isotonic with blood.
Linking cell-level principles to such clinical examples shows real understanding.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Terminology overload. Learn word roots (cardio-, hepat-, -itis) to decode new terms.
- Memorizing without function. Ask "what does this structure do, and how?"
- Weak chemistry foundations. Review pH, diffusion and osmosis early.
- Isolated systems. Show how systems interact.
Study Tips for BIOL 164
- Study a little every day; A&P builds cumulatively.
- Label blank diagrams repeatedly until you can do them from memory.
- Use flashcards with spaced repetition for terminology.
- Explain one process aloud each day, such as how a muscle contracts.
- For every organ system, write three lines: its main organs, its main functions and one way it interacts with another system. Reviewing these summaries weekly builds the big picture.
How We Help with BIOL 164
Send the instructions, rubric, readings and feedback. An anatomy and physiology tutor can explain structures and processes, review your draft or prepare a custom answer to learn from. Our research paper guide covers sourcing and structure for longer papers.
GradeEssays is independent of the University of Maryland Global Campus. Our help is tutoring and reference material; you complete and submit your own work under UMGC's academic integrity policy, and we never take quizzes or exams for students. Revisions within the scope of your original request are free.
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Frequently Asked Questions
UMGC lists BIOL 101, BIOL 103 or BIOL 160.
UMGC lists BIOL 164 at 3 credits.
No. UMGC states that students may receive credit for only one of them.
UMGC includes the basic physics and chemistry needed to understand biological functions, such as diffusion, pressure and pH.
Learn common word roots, use labeled diagrams and practice with spaced-repetition flashcards.
Yes. We explain how its structures support its functions and how it interacts with other systems.