Anatomy and physiology

The human body, written for EMS students. Twelve systems in plain English, with the structures you are actually asked about and the reason each one matters at a patient's side. Free to read, no account needed.

Foundations

Body Organization and Anatomical Terminology

Planes, directional terms, cavities, quadrants, and the words a report is written in.

Read · 8 min →

Structure and Movement

The Skeletal System

Bones, joints, marrow, and the fractures that bleed.

Read · 9 min →

The Muscular System

Skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle, and what happens when muscle dies.

Read · 8 min →

Circulation and Gas Exchange

The Respiratory System

Upper and lower airway, the mechanics of a breath, and where gas exchange happens.

Read · 11 min →

The Cardiovascular System

Heart, vessels, blood, and what blood pressure is actually made of.

Read · 12 min →

Control Systems

The Nervous System

Brain, cord, nerves, and what a rising pressure inside the skull looks like.

Read · 12 min →

The Endocrine System

Glands, hormones, and how the body controls blood sugar.

Read · 9 min →

Processing and Elimination

The Digestive System

The gut, the liver and pancreas, and where abdominal pain comes from.

Read · 9 min →

The Urinary System

Kidneys, nephrons, fluid balance, and the dialysis patient.

Read · 8 min →

Defense and Reproduction

The Integumentary System

Skin layers, temperature control, and what burn depth really means.

Read · 8 min →

The Lymphatic and Immune Systems

Lymph, nodes, spleen, and the physiology behind anaphylaxis.

Read · 8 min →

The Reproductive System and Pregnancy Physiology

Reproductive anatomy plus the pregnancy changes that alter vital signs.

Read · 9 min →