Functional Anatomy and Physiology (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

You will start the course by hearing why knowledge of anatomy and physiology is important in the profession of occupational therapy and familiarize yourself with basic terminology, such as directions of movement.

Next, you will explore the structure and basic function of the human musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, and muscles) for the most relevant body parts for occupational therapists (upper limb, torso, shoulder girdle, and cervical spine).

Workshops in the anatomy section include:
- Structures of the wrist and elbow
- Structures of the upper arm and shoulder girdle
- Upper limb assessment
- Sensory assessment
- Functional anatomy

In the physiology section, you will delve deeper into the structure and basic function of the circulatory system, respiratory system, and central and peripheral nervous systems. You will also explore the functioning of sensory systems.

Objective

Aim of the course:
On this course, you will learn to understand aspects of the structure and functioning of the human body from the perspective of occupational therapy.

Course competencies:
Expertise in theoretical basis of rehabilitation and occupational therapy

Intended learning outcome:
You understand and know how to use terminology related to musculoskeletal anatomy. You understand the basic structural aspects of the human body and the physiological mechanisms of organ systems for the part of systems that play a key role for occupational therapists. You are able to describe the structure, role and functioning of key muscles and joints essentially associated with moving the torso and upper limbs and using the hands. You are able to identify by palpation key anatomical structures of the body, especially those needed for using the hands.
You understand the basic structures and functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
You know how to assess mobility of an upper limb, production of muscle force, fine motor skills and the sense of touch in its different forms.
You know the basics of making upper limb orthoses and understand their significance as part of the rehabilitation process.

Content

The core contents of the course include the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and the terminology related to it, including the structure and basic functioning of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints and muscles) regarding the body parts that are of key importance for occupational therapists: upper limb, torso, shoulder girdle and cervical spine. Students also examine physiology, specifically the structure and functioning of the circulatory system, the structure and functioning of the respiratory system, the structure and basic functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as the sensory systems. The content additionally includes rehabilitation of an upper limb from the perspective of occupational therapy, including assessing the mobility of the upper limb, production of muscle force, fine motor skills and the sense of touch, and making upper limb orthoses.

Materials

You have several options for studying anatomy and physiology. Since anatomy and physiology are universally consistent, you can use the study material that suits you best. Here are some good options:

Biel, A., Dorn, R., & Grönholm, M. (2022). Reittiopas ihmiskehoon: Käytännön opas lihasten, luiden ja muiden rakenteiden löytämiseen ja paikallistamiseen (1st Finnish edition). VK-Kustannus Oy.
McMillan, I., McMillan, I. R., & Tyldesley, B. (2012). Tyldesley & Grieve’s muscles, nerves, and movement in human occupation (Fourth edition). John Wiley.
Platzer, W., & ed. (2014). Color atlas of human anatomy: Volume 1 (7th edition). Stuttgart.
Nienstedt, W. (2014). Ihmisen fysiologia ja anatomia (18th–19th ed.). Sanoma Pro Oy.
Lätti, S., Müller, E., Leppäluoto, J., Kettunen, R., Rintamäki, H., Vakkuri, O., & Vierimaa, H. (2013). Anatomia ja fysiologia: Rakenteesta toimintaan (3rd revised ed.). Sanoma Pro.
Sand, O., Sjaastad, Ø. V., Haug, E., Bjålie, J. G., & Hekkanen, R. (2011). Ihminen: Fysiologia ja anatomia. WsoyPro.
Risto, T. (2023). Ihmisen fysiologiaa: Perusteista pidemmälle (1st ed.). VK-Kustannus.

Applications:
Visible Body: Anatomy & Physiology/Muscle Premium - App for studying anatomy
Launch Anatomy & Physiology 2019 - App for studying physiology

Teaching methods

In this course, you will explore functional anatomy and physiology both theoretically and practically through supportive learning methods. The course employs a flipped learning method, meaning you will study the material in advance and come to lectures prepared.

Lectures are conducted face-to-face, but you also have access to lecture recordings from previous years to support your learning, for example, when revising for exams.

You will apply theory to practice through activities in Moodle. These tasks illustrate the importance of anatomical knowledge as part of activity analysis, a crucial tool for occupational therapists.

The course also includes mandatory workshops where you will apply what you’ve learnt in practice. In these workshops, you will delve deeper into the structures of the upper limb and upper body, physical function assessment methods used in occupational therapy, and the preparation of upper limb splints.

Exam schedules

Exams are conducted in two parts as supervised Moodle exams. The anatomy exam takes place mid-course, and the physiology exam is at the end of the course.

You have three opportunities to take the exams: the main exam day and two retake opportunities. Note that the retake dates for the physiology exam may fall at the beginning of the next period.

Student workload

Anatomy section: preparation for lectures, lectures, and exam 3 ECTS (81 hours)
Physiology section: preparation for lectures, lectures and exam 1 ECTS (27 hours)

Workshops: 1 ECTS (27 hours)

For the workshops on upper limb and sensory assessment, you will prepare by watching a related recording. No preparation is needed for other workshops.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Adequate 1
You know how to name terms related to musculoskeletal anatomy. You recognise the basic structural aspects of the human body and the physiological mechanisms of organ systems for the part of systems that play a key role for occupational therapists. You are able to describe the structure, role and functioning of key muscles and joints essentially associated with moving the torso and upper limbs and using the hands. You are able to find by palpation key anatomical structures of the body, especially those needed for using the hands. You are able to name the basic structures and functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Satisfactory 2
You know how to define terms related to musculoskeletal anatomy. You are able to describe the basic structural aspects of the human body and the physiological mechanisms of organ systems for the part of systems that play a key role for occupational therapists. You are able to explain the structure, role and functioning of key muscles and joints essentially associated with moving the torso and upper limbs and using the hands. You find and identify by palpation key anatomical structures of the body, especially those needed for using the hands. You are able to explain the basic structures and functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good 3
You know how to define and use terms related to musculoskeletal anatomy. You are able to describe how the basic structural aspects of the human body and the physiological mechanisms of organ systems function for the part of systems that play a key role for occupational therapists. You are able to explain and give examples of the structure, role and functioning of key muscles and joints essentially associated with moving the torso and upper limbs and using the hands. You identify by palpation key anatomical structures of the body, especially those needed for using the hands. You are able to explain the basic structures and functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Very good 4
You know how to define, use and interpret terms related to musculoskeletal anatomy. You are able to describe how the basic structural aspects of the human body and the physiological mechanisms of organ systems function for the part of systems that play a key role for occupational therapists, and you can integrate your knowledge. You are able to explain and give examples and justifications concerning the structure, role and functioning of key muscles and joints essentially associated with moving the torso and upper limbs and using the hands. You identify and are able to interpret by palpation key anatomical structures of the body, especially those needed for using the hands. You are able to explain the basic structures and functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems and their functioning as well as integrate your knowledge.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent 5
You know how to define, use and interpret terms related to musculoskeletal anatomy. You are able to describe how the basic structural aspects of the human body and the physiological mechanisms of organ systems function for the part of systems that play a key role for occupational therapists as well as integrate your knowledge and apply what you have learned in practice. You are able to explain and give examples and justifications concerning the structure, role and functioning of key muscles and joints essentially associated with moving the torso and upper limbs and using the hands, and apply what you have learned in practice. You identify and are able to interpret by palpation key anatomical structures of the body, especially those needed for using the hands. You are able to explain the basic structures and functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems and apply your knowledge in practice.

Further information

Your performance in the course is graded on a scale of 0–5. Your grade is based on the average of the two exams. Skilfully completed activity analysis tasks (over 80% correct) can positively impact your grade. Additionally, you must attend all course workshops.

Open University: 2 flexible pathway places available