Learning Guide

HLTAAP001
Recognise healthy body systems
 FOREWORD

This publication is one of a number of learning guides produced by The Australian Medical
Association (WA) Inc as a resource for the health sector. It is utilised within AMA Training Services
and Health Training Australia as a training resource and within the workplace as a support guide.

The development of this workbook was undertaken by a number of trainers and developers within
AMA and HTA, who have both industry knowledge and specific expertise in the course content.

Although every effort has been made to present reliable and accurate information, the AMA will
assume no responsibility for outcomes and actions resulting from the application of the information
presented in this workbook. Users are encouraged to confirm application in conjunction with
protocols within their specific work environment.

This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research,
criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any
process without written permission. Please forward all enquiries to:

The Manager
Health Training Australia
PO Box 133
NEDLANDS WA 6909
Telephone: (08) 9273 3033
Facsimile: (08) 9273 3045
Email: hta@amawa.com.au
Website: www.htawa.com.au

ISBN 978-0-9925342-1-9
30/03/2017
 CONTENTS
Page

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS.................................................................................................. 4 

Training ....................................................................................................................................... 4 
On and Off-the-Job Training........................................................................................................ 4 
Assessment ................................................................................................................................. 4 
Tips for Students ......................................................................................................................... 5 
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 6 
LEARNING OUTCOMES ............................................................................................................... 7 
Knowledge Evidence ................................................................................................................... 7 
STRUCTURE OF THE HUMAN BODY .......................................................................................... 8 
Cells, Tissues and Organs .......................................................................................................... 8 
HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS ........................................................................................................... 10 
1.  Musculoskeletal System...................................................................................................... 10 
The skeleton .............................................................................................................................. 11 
The muscular system ................................................................................................................ 12 
Muscle types ............................................................................................................................. 13 
Facts about skeletal muscles .................................................................................................... 14 
Relevant areas of medicine ....................................................................................................... 14 
2.  Integumentary System ........................................................................................................ 14 
Relevant areas of medicine ....................................................................................................... 16 
3.  Cardiovascular System ....................................................................................................... 16 
Relevant areas of medicine ....................................................................................................... 19 
4.  Lymphatic System ............................................................................................................... 19 
Relevant areas of medicine ....................................................................................................... 21 
5.  Respiratory System ............................................................................................................. 21 
Factors influencing the rate and depth of breathing .................................................................. 22 
Relevant areas of medicine ....................................................................................................... 22 
6.  Nervous System .................................................................................................................. 23 
Central nervous system............................................................................................................. 23 
Peripheral nervous system ........................................................................................................ 24 
Relevant areas of medicine ....................................................................................................... 25 
7.  Sense Organs ..................................................................................................................... 26 
Relevant areas of medicine ....................................................................................................... 29 
8.  Endocrine System ............................................................................................................... 30 
Relevant areas of medicine ....................................................................................................... 32 
9.  Digestive System ................................................................................................................ 32 
Organs associated with digestion.............................................................................................. 34 
10.  Urinary System.................................................................................................................... 35 
Relevant areas of medicine ....................................................................................................... 36 
11.  Reproductive System .......................................................................................................... 36 
Male reproductive system ......................................................................................................... 36 
Relevant areas of medicine ....................................................................................................... 37 
Female reproductive system ..................................................................................................... 37 
Relevant areas of medicine ....................................................................................................... 38 
MAINTAINING A HEALTHY BODY ............................................................................................. 39 
Balanced Diet ............................................................................................................................ 39 
Suggested dietary considerations ............................................................................................. 39 
Characteristics of a balanced diet and poor nutrition ................................................................ 41 
Physical Exercise ...................................................................................................................... 42 
GLOSSARY .................................................................................................................................. 44 
BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................................................................... 48 
INDEX ........................................................................................................................................... 51

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INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

This learning guide will assist you in developing skills and knowledge to work effectively in the
health industry and to apply these skills to your workplace and daily tasks.

Training

Competence means that you have the required knowledge and skills to do your job. These are
described in ‘competency standards’. Your training will be based on these to make sure it is relevant
to the needs of your job and yourself.

The purpose of the training is to develop your workplace competence, so you will be expected to
practise your skills whenever you can. This can be done through work experience, practical
sessions in a training organisation or through your full time or part-time job. It is important that you
have both theoretical and practical skills and knowledge.

On and Off-the-Job Training

Your training may consist of on-the-job coaching with your workplace supervisor and/or trainer on
a one-to-one or small group basis. It may also involve formal training sessions conducted off-the-
job in addition to working through your learning guide. Make sure you ask lots of questions,
complete the activities.

If you do not understand any part of the unit please contact your Trainer.

Assessment

Once you have completed your training and practised your skills, you will be ready to have your
skills and knowledge assessed. The purpose of this is not to see if you can pass a test but to
determine if you can perform work tasks competently.

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Tips for Students

Read through the information in the learning guide carefully. Make sure you understand the
material. If you come across anything you do not understand:

• Discuss your training with your trainer and make sure you understand what is required and
how the training will be organised.
• Ask for feedback on your progress as you work through the activities.
• Ask for help when you need it. Talk to more experienced colleagues or your trainer and ask for
their guidance.
• Listen, take notes, ask questions and practise your new skills as often as possible. This way
you will improve your speed, memory, and also your confidence.
• During your training, you should seek other sources of information as well; e.g. reference
books, the internet.
• Try to relate the information presented in this learning guide to your own experiences and to
what you already know.
• Work through the activities. They are there for a reason and even if you already have the
knowledge or skills relating to a particular activity, doing them will help to reinforce what you
already know. If you do not understand an activity, think carefully about the way the question
or instructions are phrased.

Students are to read through the learning guide and work through the
corresponding assignments.

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INTRODUCTION
This unit is provided as a collective unit for care workers who have a multi-functional role within
community and a heath care facility but can also be adapted for workers who have a more specific
support role in relation to providing quality health care services.

It covers the basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology required to recognise body systems and
their components and to identify and refer changes associated with the functioning of the human
body in the context of health care work.

In reading through the learning guide you may well come across information and tasks that are not
your everyday responsibility. However, by completing this unit you will gain a better understanding
of your role and responsibilities in a health care setting and thereby improve your existing skills and
knowledge in your current work role.

If you have any questions about this learning guide please contact:

TRAINING PROVIDER: Health Training Australia

ADDRESS: 14 Stirling Highway, NEDLANDS WA 6009
TRAINING CONSULTANT:
CONTACT DETAILS: Ph: (08) 9273 3033 Fax: (08) 9273 3045

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LEARNING OUTCOMES
This learning guide will provide you with information that will assist in your learning and
development of the skills and knowledge required to work with basic information about the human
body and to recognise and promote ways to maintain healthy functioning of the body.

This learning guide aims to provide you with a greater understanding of the principles and
techniques associated with:

• Working with information about the human body.

• Recognising and promote ways to support healthy functioning of the body.

In order to be competent in this unit you will be able to:

• Use and articulate common health terminology related to human anatomy and physiology.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between body systems and a healthy
lifestyle.
• Apply essential knowledge as outlined in your own work role.

Knowledge Evidence

This learning guide provides you with the knowledge required of this unit.

The unit of competency requires you to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively
complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit (to see the complete unit
refer to your Record Book). Manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work
role.

This includes knowledge of:

• Basic structure and functions of the body systems and associated components, including:
- Cells, tissues and organs.
- Cardiovascular system.
- Respiratory system.
- Musculo-skeletal system.
- Endocrine system.
- Digestive system.
- Urinary system.
- Reproductive system.
- Integumentary system.
- Lymphatic system.
- Nervous system, including sensory systems – eye and ear.
- The special senses – smell, taste, vision, equilibrium and hearing.
- Immune system.
• Processes, conditions and resources required by the body to support healthy functioning:
- Body regulation including:
o Maintenance of body temperature.
o Fluid and electrolyte (including PH) balance.
o Elimination of wastes from the body.
o Maintenance of blood pressure.
- Protection from infection.
- Physical activity – active and passive.

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STRUCTURE OF THE HUMAN BODY

Cells, Tissues and Organs

The human body is a complex and highly developed structure, which works extremely well most of
the time despite its complexity. It is composed of cells, tissues and organs.

Cells
The cell is the basic unit of all living organisms. A cell cannot be seen by the naked eye and requires
a microscope to see it. Some organisms, such as bacteria, have only one cell, while other
organisms such as humans have many cells. Human beings have an estimated
100,000,000,000,000 (100 trillion) cells.

While each cell has the same basic structure, the function, the size and shape of the cells may be
different. For example, fat cells are spherical, red blood cells are disk shaped, and nerve cells are
branching. Although no one cell type is exactly like all others, cells do have many common features.
Each cell can take in nutrients, convert these nutrients into energy, carry out specialised functions,
and reproduce as necessary. Each cell stores its own set of instructions for carrying out each of
these activities.

The three main parts of each cell are:

1. The cell membrane, which is the outer covering which holds the cell together and encloses all
the cell contents. It allows food, water and oxygen to pass into the cell from the outside and
waste material from inside the cell to pass to the outside.
2. The nucleus, which is the control centre of the cell. It directs the work of the cell and enables
the cell to reproduce. Nucleolus, is a sperical structure found within the nucleus where RNA is
produced [Ribonucleic Acid (RNA is a nucleic acid that is an essential component of all cells,
composed of a long, usually single-stranded chain of nucleotide units that contain the sugar
ribose; ribonucleic acid)].
3. The protoplasm, which is a jelly-like substance made up of water, protein, glucose and salt; the
activities of the cell take place here.

Chromosomes are threadlike structures found within the nucleus that are composed of DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid) within the nucleus. DNA is made up of genes. Genes are the basic unit of
heredity information. Genes control the physical and other traits that are inherited by children from
the parents. These traits include height, eye colour and skin colour. Human body cells usually have
46 chromosomes. The sex cells (ova and sperm) only have 23 chromosomes. When egg and sperm
unite, each cell contributes half of the total 46 chromosomes.

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Tissues
Because cells cannot work alone, groups of cells with similar functions combine together to form
tissues.

The body has four main types of tissue:

1. Epithelial tissue covers internal and external body surfaces. Epithelial cells fit close together to
form continuous sheets. Epithelial tissue lines the nose, mouth, respiratory tract, intestines and
stomach. The hair, nails, skin and glands are also composed of epithelial tissue. Epithelial
tissue does not have a blood supply.
2. Connective tissue is found everywhere in the body. It provides an anchor, connects and also
supports other body tissue. Bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage are connective tissues.
Blood is also a form of connective tissue.
3. Muscle tissue allows the body to move by contracting and stretching. Because of their
elongated shape, muscle cells are called fibres.
4. Nervous tissue carries and receives impulses between the brain and body parts. Nerve tissue
makes up the brain, spinal cord and nerve fibres.

Cross section of the peripheral nerve

Organs
Groups of tissues form organs. Organs are usually composed of more than one type of tissue. The
stomach is a good example of an organ; its lining is epithelium, its wall is muscle tissue, and it has
nerve cells that stimulate it to contract. Examples of organs include the kidneys, heart, liver, lungs
and brain.

Systems
Systems are formed by groups of organs and tissues working together to perform specialised
functions such as breathing, movement, digestion and reproduction.

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HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS

The human body is very complex. In order to make the study of the human body a little easier, the
body has been divided into systems. Each system is highly complex and while all of the systems
have specialised functions, they are also closely related to one another and their interaction is
necessary for our survival. The human body can maintain health and survive only if all systems
work together as an efficiently functioning cooperative.

The human body is comprised of the following systems:

1. Musculoskeletal system.
2. Integumentary system (skin).
3. Cardiovascular system.
4. Lymphatic system.
5. Respiratory system.
6. Nervous system.
7. Sense organs (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch).
8. Endocrine system.
9. Digestive system.
10. Urinary system.
11. Reproductive system.

1. Musculoskeletal System

This system involves the bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles which support the body, protect
the internal organs and allow for movement.

Most muscles that cause movement work by contracting and relaxing. The action of raising your
leg involves the contraction of several muscles creating an opposing force in the leg, causing it to
move upwards. Some muscles, such as the diaphragm that makes the lungs expand and contract,
do not need bones to work with, but function attached to large masses of tissue.

The skeletal muscles make up nearly half the total weight of the human body.

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The skeleton

The human skeleton consists of bone tissue, cartilage and bone marrow. The adult skeleton
normally consists of 206 bones and strong connective tissues which form ligaments, tendons and
cartilage. The connective tissue is attached to the bones forming joints and there are approximately
100 joints within the human skeleton.

Clavicle
(5) Cervical vertebrae
Scapula

(7) Thoracic vertebrae Humerus

Ribs

(5) Lumbar vertebrae

Radius
(2) Sacral vertebrae/Coccyx
Ulna

Femur

Patella

Tibia
Fibula

The functions of the skeleton:

• Provides a strong framework for the body.
• Provides points of attachment for the muscles and assists in movement.
• Stores fats and minerals which are important in muscle contraction and nerve activity.
• Produces the bulk of the red blood cells in the bone marrow.
• Gives protection to many of the internal organs.

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Bones
There are five types of bones:
1. Long bones, such as those in the arms (humerus, radius and ulna) and legs (femur, tibia and
fibula)
2. Short bones, such as the wrist bones (carpals) and ankle bones (tarsals).
3. Flat bones, such as the ribs, clavicle (collar bone), scapula (shoulder blade), sternum
(breastbone).
4. Sesamoid bones – bones that are round and enclosed in tendons - e.g. patella (knee cap).
5. Irregular bones – any bones that are not classified as long, short, flat or sesamoid - e.g.
vertebrae (spinal bones), mandible (lower jaw).

When referring to bones, some of the names that we use actually refer to groups of bones rather
than a single bone; for example, the skull is made up of eight bones.

Healthy bones are very strong, however, they can be susceptible to fractures (breaks). It is
therefore important to eat a nutritious diet and take regular exercise to help maintain a health bone
structure throughout life.

Joints
A joint is the point at which two or more bones meet. They are held together by strong bands of
fibrous connective tissue called ligaments.

There are many different kinds of joints but the ones that we are most aware of are those that allow
movement. These are called synovial joints. Synovial joints are lined with cartilage and a
membrane. The joint is filled with a fluid (known as synovial fluid) which is secreted by the
membrane for lubrication, to prevent “wear and tear” of the joint.

There are three main types of joints:

1. Ball and socket - this joint allows movement in all directions; for example, the hip and shoulder
joints.
2. Hinge joint - this joint allows movement in one direction only; for example, the knee and elbow
joints.
3. Pivot joint - this joint allows movement side to side; an example of this where the spine is
connected to the skull.

Arthritis is inflammation or infection of the joints (usually accompanied by pain, swelling and
changes in the joint structure). There are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis.

The muscular system

The muscles in the body number over 650; the total number varies among textbooks, as some list
as separate muscles what others regard as one muscle.

The skeletal muscles consist of long slender bundles of fibres which allow movement. They are
controlled by messages which are sent from the brain via the motor nerve pathways. Muscles are
connected to bones by strong fibrous connective tissues called tendons.

Muscles used in movement occur in pairs as they work in opposition, as one muscle shortens and
pulls the bone, the opposite muscle lengthens. To continue movement this action is then reversed.

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