Surgeon, writer, and Professor Anthony A. Goodman puts a solid understanding of human anatomy and physiology within your grasp. You'll learn to see how structure and function are integrated into efficient unity&;amp;-a perspective that reveals the logic and symmetry of the human organism with awesome clarity. Using detailed color illustrations, life-sized models, and, in one lecture, a video shot during surgery, Dr. Goodman gives clear descriptions of anatomy and physiology aimed at the level of the interested layperson.
Understanding the Human Body: An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, 2nd Edition
Discover this essential guide to understanding the remarkable anatomy and physiology of the human body, presented by a trusted surgeon and professor of medicine.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
London2000 from
An interesting course taught by a superb presenter
This course is somewhat dated and appears to have been made around 2008. Consequently, the graphics are very poor compared with those that appear in more modern productions from Wondrium. However, this is more than made up for by Anthony Goodman's wonderful capabilities as a presenter. He has a natural, conversational way of explaining things (an excellent bedside manner comes to mind!), and only occasionally does he refer to notes on the desk in front of him. He also has an engaging way of branching off down cul-de-sacs to describe some medical curiosity, yet he always manages to finish each talk on time.
I've done other, more recent, online courses on human anatomy and physiology and, despite being dated, I don't believe that much of Dr Goodman's course is behind the times because I don't think a lot has changed in the basic aspects of anatomy and physiology since 2008. This is probably not true of some of the treatments he describes but that's understandable with the rapid advances in medicine and surgery that we see.
I would have preferred less anatomy and more physiology, but that is my personal take and I appreciate that the latter can't be understood without some grasp of the former. Even so, I felt he dived deeper into anatomy than he did physiology, which was often left at quite an elementary level. That being said, the anatomy coverage might have been more enjoyable had the graphics been less blurred. Also, as other reviewers have noted, Dr Goodman does have a habit of pointing something out on a slide without the audience knowing where he's pointing.
Overall, this is a very worthwhile course, and with Dr Goodman's wonderful style of presentation everyone will come away from it with more knowledge than they started.
Date published: 2024-04-21
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Ricky Ticky Tavy from
Excellent Presentation and very interesting.
I love the manner in which the course was presented. Dr. Goodman has a great talent to explain and illustrate the material at hand. I have learned so much in these lectures.
Date published: 2024-04-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
WatchingU from
Excellent presentation by an experienced surgeon
Dr Goodman presents things beautifully. I have taken many great courses on various subjects, and the ones I like most are all presented by good talkers, of which he is a prime example. The course is closely based on the textbook Tortora, G. J., and S. R. Grabowski. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology.10th ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2002, and uses illustrations directly from that book. No doubt that was an expedient choice, but the illustrations are a bit static for video presentation; so even though the illustrations are excellent for a book, the overall effect is not optimal. Nevertheless, the instructor’s personality and style go a long way to make this an excellent course, well worth watching. The practical examples from the surgeon’s personal experience enrich the presentation, and I particularly liked his lecture on cancer, which riveted my attention and taught me things I should have already known. Even though the copyright is 2004, twenty years ago now, the material feels interesting and up to date. Naturally one wonders if a course prepared in 2024 would be even better.
Date published: 2024-02-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Frank Escontrias from
Understanding the human body
Excellent course ... Very well organized and prioritised to fully grasp and understand (learn) fully the ahe anatomy components of the human body and to fully see how each part actually functions ... In demonstrations of a healthy body as well as the causes of disease or ill-functioning. Excellent learning tool about the human body. Thank you.
Date published: 2022-11-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Fearsome Worrier from
Hands-down the best Great Courses I've ever taken,
and one of the best courses I've ever taken, period. I went from not knowing Thing 1 about the subject to having a whole new hobby. That reflects how infectious Dr. Goodman's fascination with his topic is, and how information-dense this course is. I feel like I'm partway through a medical education. I actually took a much longer time to finish it on purpose because I didn't want it to end.
This is a classic Great Courses series without fancy graphics and scripted delivery. Dr. Goodman just talks it, drawing from a deep pool of learning and experience gained from clearly a lifetime on the front lines. He doesn't just introduce body structures and processes, but gives them meaning with examples of how they go wrong, and what doctors can do to fix them. He goes into interesting asides about history and the practice of medicine that brings the subject to life and aids with context, understanding, and retention. This is why newer Great Courses and Wondrium content are not as good as classic ones like this course, because too much scripting and production kills teaching. (ARE YOU LISTENING WONDRIUM?) Great teachers sense as they teach whether something needs emphasis, more explanation, or a sidebar, but if they're sticking to a pre-written script those seemingly extra things will just get overridden.
Too much scripting and production also deadens lecturers' delivery. Dr. Goodman's presentation is comfortable, natural, and he is in a good humor. He actually made me laugh a few times, and he comes across as a very likeable person. It matters. This must be what they call having a good bedside manner.
Yes, the graphics in this course are often confusing, because it's hard to tell which part of the picture he's talking about. When that happens I have to pause and study the picture, but ultimately you can figure it out.
I'm just sorry the course wasn't twice as long, because now I have to go watch something else instead.
Date published: 2022-11-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
LeeChes from
Very Clear and Comprehensive
Listened to my first lecture on the lungs. Top notched, undergrad college level class.
Date published: 2022-09-04
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Melissa444 from
Ok not great
The material is well presented with good illustrations but at a very basic level. Might be good as a high school biology course. I had higher expectations. I did learn a few things.
Date published: 2022-07-27
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jordy from
Overall Course
Excellent course. I do not have a medical background but learned quite a bit from the course. Dr. Goodman is a very good presenter and has expert knowledge and experience in the medical field. Lastly, it was fun taking the course.
Date published: 2022-06-08
Overview
About
Dr. Anthony A. Goodman is Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Montana State University and Affiliate Professor in the Department of Biological Structure at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He earned his B.A. from Harvard College and his M.D. from Cornell Medical College and trained as a surgical intern and resident at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. He completed his surgical training and served as chief resident at the Harvard Surgical Service of Boston City Hospital, the New England Deaconess Hospital, the Lahey Clinic, and Cambridge City Hospital. For 20 years, Dr. Goodman worked as a general surgeon in south Florida and served as Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Miami School of Medicine. In addition, he served as a surgeon with the U.S. Army Medical Corps and on the hospital ship for Project HOPE. He was also Visiting Professor of Surgery at the Christchurch, New Zealand, Clinical School of Medicine. Founder of the Broward Surgical Society, Dr. Goodman is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Surgery.
Trailer
01: Cardiovascular System-Anatomy of the Heart
This introductory lecture examines the anatomy of the fist-sized muscle that pumps blood through the body. We review the distinction between arteries and veins and discuss the location of the heart, its coverings, layers, and subdivisions.
47 min
02: Cardiovascular System-Physiology of the Heart
In this lecture, we examine the functioning of the cardiac cycle. We also examine the functioning of the heart's conduction system, the functioning of the valves (which produce the heart's distinctive "lub-dub" sound), and possible complications, notably atherosclerosis.
46 min
03: Cardiovascular System-Anatomy of the Great Vessels
This lecture examines the anatomy of the three vessel networks that circulate blood. We identify and describe the structure of the vessels that form these networks. Next, we examine the major circulatory routes for the blood: arterial and venous systemic circulation, pulmonary circulation, and hepatic portal circulation.
45 min
04: Cardiovascular System-Physiology of the Great Vessels
In this lecture, we examine the physiology of the large blood vessels-how they control blood flow, regulate blood pressure, and control bleeding when ruptured. We will also examine the composition of blood and the functions of each of its parts-plasma, white blood cells, and red blood cells.
45 min
05: Respiratory System-Anatomy of the Lungs
This lecture examines the anatomy of the respiratory system. After studying the integration of the respiratory system with the circulatory system, we review the anatomy of the structures through which air enters the body and passes into the lungs.
45 min
06: Respiratory System-Physiology of the Lungs
We turn now to the physiology of the respiratory system. We examine the four areas where respiration occurs and the consequences of blocking this respiration. We review the physiology of the movement of gases into the lungs and of their exchange with waste gases. Finally, we turn to the central respiratory centers, and we examine some respiratory disorders and their treatments.
46 min
07: Nervous System-Anatomy of the Brain
This is the first of seven lectures on the nervous system. We examine the anatomy of the brain-its principal components and its main anatomical divisions. Next we examine the divisions of the cerebrum and the functional areas of the cerebral cortex.
45 min
08: Nervous System-Physiology of the Brain
We turn now to the brain's physiology. After considering how the nervous and endocrine systems work together, we review the functions of the nervous system and of nervous tissue. The main divisions of the central and peripheral nervous systems are reviewed. Finally, we distinguish afferent from efferent nerves and describe the categories of cranial and spinal nerves.
45 min
09: Nervous System-Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves
This lecture examines the anatomy and functions of the spinal cord. We review the reflex arc, which allows the body to react rapidly to changes in the external environment. Finally, the lecture examines the categories and locations of the spinal nerves.
46 min
10: Nervous System-Autonomic Nervous System and Cranial Nerves
We begin this lecture by examining the autonomic nervous system, which controls the body's basic functions without conscious intervention by the higher brain centers. We distinguish between the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes rest and recovery, and the sympathetic nervous system, which promotes "fight and flight." Finally, we will review the 12 pairs of cranial nerves and ...
45 min
11: Nervous System-The Eyes
This lecture examines the eyes. We examine the anatomy of the eyeball, its coverings and functions, and the photoreceptors of the retina that allow us to perceive shades and colors of light. We also review the structure and functions of the lens, eyelids, lacrimal glands and ducts, and extrinsic eye muscles. Next, we consider how the eye perceives light and how the brain converts those perceptions...
45 min
12: Nervous System-The Ears, Hearing, and Equilibrium
We examine the anatomy of the organs of hearing: the external ear, the eardrum, the tympanic cavity, and the labyrinth. Next, the lecture reviews how these structures gather and transmit sound waves to the brain as nerve impulses. Finally, we examine the anatomy and functions of the vestibular apparatus, structures in the inner ear that govern balance.
45 min
13: Nervous System-Memory
This lecture examines memory and brain pathology and provides information about anesthesia and pain. First, we examine the nature, development, pathology, and mysteries of memory. We then examine kinds of damage to the brain and spinal cord and the results of such damage. We conclude by discussing anesthesia and referred pain.
46 min
14: Digestive System-Anatomy of the Mouth, Esophagus, and Stomach
This is the first lecture in a six-lecture examination of the digestive system. We examine the structures through which food passes before its conversion into nutrients for the body. We conclude by reviewing the four divisions of the stomach and its layers.
46 min
15: Digestive System-Physiology of the Mouth, Esophagus, and Stomach
Having studied the anatomy of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, we turn now to the processes of digestion, absorption of nutrients, and excretion of waste products. This lecture examines mechanical then chemical digestion. Next, we examine the three phases of gastric secretion, and the process of gastric emptying. Finally, we consider stomach and digestive disorders and their treatments.
45 min
16: Digestive System-Anatomy of the Pancreas, Liver, and the Biliary Tree
This lecture examines the anatomy of the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. First, we examine the gross and microscopic anatomy of the pancreas. We turn next to the liver. The location, size, and blood supply and routing of the liver are reviewed. Finally, the lecture examines the gallbladder and biliary tree-the duct system that drains bile from the liver into the gallbladder and the duodenum.
45 min
17: Digestive System-Physiology of the Pancreas, Liver, and the Biliary Tree
This lecture reviews the functions of the pancreas, the liver, and the biliary tree. The pancreas and liver secrete digestive juices and enzymes that aid in digestion and absorption. In this lecture, we review the components of the exocrine pancreas. After reviewing several pancreatic disorders, we turn to the liver and examine the various functions that it performs. We conclude with a review of c...
45 min
18: Digestive System-Anatomy of the Small Intestine, Colon, and Rectum
We turn now to the anatomy of the organs in which nutrients and water are extracted for use by the body and by which the resulting waste material is excreted from the body. The small intestine is the organ in which most of the absorption of nutrients and water occurs. We review its anatomical divisions, blood supply, and microstructure. We turn next to the large intestine, or colon, which absorbs ...
45 min
19: Digestive System-Physiology of the Small Intestine, Colon, and Rectum
This last lecture on the digestive system examines the physiology of the small and large intestines and the rectum. First, we examine mechanical and chemical digestion in the small intestine. We turn next to the large intestine or colon, examining the reflexes that move feces into and through the colon for excretion. Finally, we examine the physiology of defecation.
45 min
20: Endocrine System-The Pituitary and Adrenal Glands
This is the first of three lectures on the endocrine system, the glands that secrete hormones directly into spaces surrounding cells. We examine the functional differences between the endocrine and nervous systems, and the basic properties of hormones. Next, we look at the most important endocrine glands: the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus, and the adrenal glands.
46 min
21: Endocrine System-Pancreas
This lecture examines the endocrine functions of the pancreas. As an endocrine organ, the pancreas produces insulin and glucagon. After reviewing the four cell types composing the endocrine pancreas, the lecture examines in detail several insulin-related disorders: two principal types of diabetes mellitus and hyperinsulinism.
45 min
22: Endocrine System-Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands
This lecture examines the thyroid gland and the parathyroid glands. For each, we briefly review the gross and microscopic anatomy, its physiology, and the consequences of dysfunction. Thyroid dysfunction can lead to cretinism, myxedema, Graves' disease, and other pathologies. Parathyroid dysfunction can lead to disorders including bony demineralization, high calcium levels, duodenal ulcers, kidney...
45 min
23: Urinary System-Anatomy of the Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder
This is the first of two lectures on the urinary system. We examine the anatomy of the kidneys, the ureters, and the bladder. We consider the kidneys' major functioning unit-the nephron. The lecture concludes by reviewing the conduits through which urine passes before excretion from the body.
45 min
24: Urinary System-Physiology of the Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder
This concluding lecture on the urinary system examines the physiology of the urinary tract organs, especially the kidneys. The primary function of the urinary system is to maintain the body's homeostasis. This lecture focuses on the physiology of the nephron and how it filters many of the blood's components, reabsorbs some, and removes others. The lecture concludes by briefly reviewing the physiol...
45 min
25: Reproductive System-Male
Lecture 25 is the first of three on the reproductive system. We examine the gross anatomy of the male reproductive system. The scrotum contains the testes, which produce spermatozoa. The lecture also reviews the functions of the prostate and Cowper's glands, the process of erection and ejaculation, and the composition of the semen.
45 min
26: Reproductive System-Female
This lecture reviews the female reproductive system. We begin by reviewing the anatomy of the external female genitalia, and the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Next we consider the physiology of the menstrual cycle, fertilization, and early pregnancy. Finally, we examine the anatomy and physiology of the breast, the risk factors and treatments for breast cancer.
46 min
27: Reproductive System-Physiology of Genetic Inheritance
This lecture examines the physiology of genetic inheritance. It begins by identifying the differences between DNA in somatic and germ cells and between genetic and inherited changes in cell DNA. Next, it distinguishes between types of cells and reviews allele inheritance and the sex chromosomes. We examine several developmental abnormalities related to digestion, respiration, and cardiovascular ac...
45 min
28: Musculoskeletal System-Physiology and Physics of the Muscles
In this lecture, we will examine the physiology and physics of the muscles. There are three kinds: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac. The muscles are innervated by motor neurons, which stimulate them to contract. Nerves connect with target muscles by means of a neurotransmitter, which conducts the electrical stimulation from the nerve to the muscle across the synaptic gap. The lecture concludes by exa...
45 min
29: Musculoskeletal System-Anatomy of the Muscles
In this lecture, we examine how muscles operate as levers in conjunction with the bones. We review the names of the muscles, as indicated by their size, shape, orientation of their fibers, mechanical action, number of origins, origin and insertion points, function, and location.
45 min
30: Musculoskeletal System-Bones
In this final lecture on the musculoskeletal system, we examine the divisions and functions of the skeletal system. First, we consider the gross anatomy of the bones, marrow cavity, blood supply, and surface markings. Next, we examine the cells that compose the bones. Finally, the lecture reviews kinds of bone fractures and their treatments.
46 min
31: Immune System-Anatomy and Physiology
This lecture examines the body's mechanisms for defense against invaders. The main components of the immune system are T-cells, B-cells, natural killer cells, phagocytes, and major histocompatibility complex antigens. The lecture also examines the ability of B-cells and T-cells to memorize past immunological responses and reviews clinical applications: transplantation surgery, HIV/AIDS, and autoim...
46 min
32: The Biology of Human Cancer
In this lecture, we will examine the subject of cancer. We will see how the fragility that allowed us to evolve has saddled us with susceptibility to mutations that can cause cancer. We examine environmental causes of cancer: chemicals, physical agents, and biologic agents, as well as the mechanisms that lead to the basic definition of cancer: failure to differentiate, potential to invade, potenti...
47 min
