7 Anatomy & Physiology Concepts that are Easier to Teach with Labster

If you’re teaching a course in anatomy and physiology, perhaps you’re looking for resources to help you introduce or reinforce fundamental anatomy and physiology concepts that every student should know.

There are many important concepts, but we’ve identified seven that are core to learning A&P. We’ve also identified seven Labster virtual labs that help you teach each concept. Not only can your students learn the concepts, but they can also have fun along the way!

1. Skin Layers and Organ Anatomy
2. Muscle contraction
3. Pulmonary ventilation
4. Renal Physiology
5. Female reproductive system
6. Male reproductive system
7. Protein synthesis

1. Skin Layers and Organ Anatomy

Since the skin is the largest organ in the human body, it’s an important topic for students to learn. Skin, or cutaneous membrane, is one of the principal epithelial membranes of the body. It covers its entire surface and appendages (sweat glands, hair, and nails), collectively called the integumentary system. Virtual labs can help students visualize everything. 

In Labster’s Skin Layers and Organ Anatomy simulation, students will learn about the two main parts of the skin - the epidermis and the dermis. Discovering their secrets will help students understand why we need this adaptive and incredibly flexible protective coat and its many structural components like hair, nails, and sweat glands.

2. Muscle contraction

In the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, smooth muscle contractions are classified as either tonic (e.g. continuous) or phasic (e.g. rhythmic). Both are important for the maintenance of a proper GI function. Unlike skeletal contractions that require a direct motor neuron to occur, phasic smooth muscle contractions can occur without a direct neural stimulus. This is challenging to learn in the classroom because students can’t see a GI tract in action, but they can in a virtual lab. 

In Labster’s Smooth Muscle simulation, students will learn the basics of smooth muscle contraction and how it is controlled by the nervous system to provide more insight into the causes of a friend’s digestion issues.

3. Pulmonary Ventilation

Students sometimes need help understanding the mechanisms of breathing due to the complex intricacies of the topic. There’s Boyle’s law, spirometry, altitude effects, etc. Students can practice the spirometry test in the virtual lab! Plus, they get an exciting 3D view of the lungs.

In Labster’s Pulmonary Ventilation simulation, students will be introduced to the respiratory system and what makes it work. They will learn the different stages of pulmonary ventilation and calculate the amount of air our lungs manage with every breath. 

4. Renal Physiology

Renal physiology is the science of the kidney. It covers all kidney functions, including filtering waste products from the bloodstream and recycling nutrients and ions. We teach students about the renal system and its primary function of removing bodily waste from the blood. However, they cannot see this process even if the kidney is dissected because it occurs at the cellular level of our body. With virtual labs, students can see all of the processes.

In Labster’s Renal Physiology simulation, students will learn about the structure of the different tissues inside the kidney, their respective functions for maintaining a healthy body, and their influence on urine regulation.

5. Female reproductive system

The anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system are essential aspects of human biology and reproduction. The anatomy of the female reproductive system gets more challenging by introducing terms like corpus luteum, isthmus, labia minora, vestibule, clitoris, etc. With Labster, students can learn these terms by visualizing them in 3D. 

In Labster’s Introduction to the Female Reproductive System simulation, students will use a realistic and high-tech hologram to observe the structures and organs that play an important role in the female reproductive system. Interact with the uterus, vagina, ovaries, and uterine tubes and inspect them closely to learn about their anatomy and function.

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6. Male reproductive system

The male reproductive system is equally essential to human biology and reproduction. The anatomy and physiology of this complex body system and the journey of sperm make it a lengthy and challenging topic for students. If you also find it a challenging subject matter to teach, Labster has got you covered. 

Labster’s Introduction to the Male Reproductive System simulation introduces students to the gonads, glands, and male reproductive tract in our detailed 3D model in exploration mode before diving inside the male reproductive system. Piece together a puzzle of the testis and epididymis, followed by a journey through the rest of the duct system, picking up specialized fluids from the glands. 

7. Protein Synthesis

Proteins are found all over our bodies. They give structure and form to hair, skin, muscles, and every part of the body. The process of protein synthesis cannot be seen in real-time, but with Labster, students get the breakdown of the process. 

Explore the structure of proteins and learn about the synthesis process inside the cells. Examine the protein sequence to understand the differences of protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Question for consideration:

• How could you incorporate these virtual labs into your teaching plans?