Anatomy and Physiology

Beneath our skin, numerous complex and beautiful systems sustain life. It can be easy to take those processes for granted, though, because so many of them occur without any conscious effort. Over the course of this program, viewers will discover the hidden wonders of the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems and how they all work in conjunction with each other to create the amazing machine we call the human body. Very visual, with athletic models, animated cutaways, labeled diagrams, and even cadaver parts. (27 minutes)

Neuropathologist Dr. Marco Rossi dissects and examines a normal human brain. Using three methods of dissection—coronal plane, CT-MRI plane, and sagittal plane—Dr. Rossi separates the hindbrain from the midbrain, and removes a portion of the brain containing the substantia nigra. The anterior and posterior of the forebrain are dissected, and each section is examined, along with the left occipital lobe. After separating the brain stem from the cerebellum, both are sectioned and examined. (35 minutes)

After an overview of skin anatomy and physiology, this program describes the techniques necessary for making accurate assessments of elderly patients with new or ongoing skin conditions. The video also defines specialized terminology and suggests post-assessment courses of action. An intelligent and accessible look at the fundamentals of skin care for senior citizens. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. A part of the series Aged Care. (26 minutes)

A tough outer layer can come in handy, but the strongest defense isn’t always the thickest. This program explores all kinds of bodily protection, from animal hides and shells to artificial armor to human skin—showing how anatomy and technology have evolved to guard against potential dangers.

Most animals, including humans, are essentially food-processing tubes. In this program, anatomy guru Gunther von Hagens lays out the human body’s seven-meter digestive tract end-to-end, showing viewers each stop on the gastrointestinal highway. Beginning with the tongue, salivary glands, pharynx, and epiglottis, von Hagens uncovers and removes the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small and large intestines, and anus, as well as the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. He also explores the bile ducts of the liver, illustrates the ways that urine and feces are stored and released, and—in an anatomical context—explains burps, heartburn, nausea, ulcers, and other rarely discussed facts of life. (50 minutes)
***Viewer discretion is advised. Contains clinically explicit language and demonstrations.

Gunther von Hagens, the world’s leading expert in human dissection, reveals the kinetic framework of the body in this program—as well as the neural expressway that enables the structure to move. Von Hagens’ dissection shows how the skeleton operates like a system of levers, giving viewers a detailed look at the shape, composition, and mobility of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Special attention is also given to the brain and spinal cord, both of which von Hagens carefully exposes and removes. The cortex, corpus callosum, basal ganglion, and other brain parts are identified, along with the flexibility and protection provided by the spinal column. Viewer discretion is advised. Contains clinically explicit language and demonstrations. (50 minutes)

In this BBC series, Adam Rutherford looks at the work of second century anatomist of the Roman Empire, Claudius Galen. Galen used first hand experience to describe his anatomical observations in writing so detailed that later Persian translations included illustrations. After the fall of Constantinople, classical works influenced Renaissance thinkers and artists like Leonardo da Vinci, who also performed dissections to discover how the human body works. Following Galen's evidence-based investigation, Andreas Vesalius performed public dissections in Padua, noting in detailed illustrations and descriptions the human skeleton, muscles, nerves, organ and brain. His illustrations were classically posed before a landscape, showing a body in motion. Vesalius is known as the Founder of Modern Anatomy because of his "De Humani Corporis Fabrica" (The Fabric of the Human Body), that is as artful as it is accurate.

Studies remarkable advances being made to repair and replace damaged human body parts. In 2001, the first self-contained artificial heart, Abiocor, was implanted into human patients.

This program looks at the human body in motion, studying the interaction of the skeleton and muscles and the ways in which engineers and designers imitate these systems. Demonstrating how bones allow mobility while also providing protection, the program examines skeletal strength, calcium’s importance, the internal structure of bones, and their dependence on muscles for cohesion and power. Linking architecture, machine design, computer science, and other disciplines, this Science Screen Report offers a fresh way of understanding human anatomy. A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is available online. Produced in association with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and the Junior Engineering Technical Society. (14 minutes)