The human body module provides foundational anatomy and physiology that all other medical topics in this vault assume. Study the terms first, then the organ system texts in any order — though the nervous system text is the most heavily referenced by other modules.
Suggested sequence
1. Foundational terms
Start here. These define the building blocks that the organ system texts use without re-explaining:
- Cell — the basic unit of life
- Tissue — cells organized into functional groups
- Organ — tissues organized into functional structures
- Neuron — the cell type that processes and transmits signals
- Synapse — the junction between neurons
- Receptor — the molecular mechanism by which cells detect signals
- Action potential — how electrical signals propagate along neurons
- Inflammation — the body’s response to damage or infection
- Homeostasis — how the body maintains stable internal conditions
2. Organ systems
Each text covers one organ system’s anatomy, physiology, and connections to clinical practice:
- The Nervous System — read this first; most other modules reference it
- The Cardiovascular System
- The Respiratory System
- The Musculoskeletal System
- The Digestive System
- The Immune System
3. Where to go next
After completing this module, you have the foundational knowledge for:
- Pain — builds heavily on the nervous system, inflammation, and central sensitization
- Airway Fundamentals — builds on the respiratory system
- Pharmacology Fundamentals — builds on receptors, the liver, and drug metabolism
- Somatics — builds on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems