Physiological Bases of Human Movement

Running, jumping, eating, listening to lectures or just sleeping requires intricate and coordinated interaction for the proper function of the body. Without the lungs, there would be no oxygen and waste carbon dioxide would not be expelled. Without the specialised differential tissues of the liver, kidney, or brain, we would not be able to process toxins, stabilise the blood volume or coordinate movement. Without the heart and blood vessels, there would be no transport of essential gasses, nutrients, wastes hormones and other essential chemicals for life. Each part, from the microscopic cells that are the body's fundamental building block, to the skin, the largest organ that protects and covers the body, has an essential and important role in maintaining life and who we are.

This subject takes students on a journey to explore and learn about the normal structure and function of key organ systems of the human body and how they interact to enable us to live and move and have our being. Commencing with the fundamental building block, the cell and its internal structures, the subject identifies the various types of tissues and their specialised functions made up by cells. The subject then focuses on the healthy structure and function of following systems, individually and as interdependent systems: integumentary, nervous, endocrine (hormones), gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory and urinary. Particular emphasis is given to topical issues surrounding the sports and healthy lifestyle industry.