D.Pharm 1st Year Human Anatomy and Physiology Notes – Complete Study Material 2026–27
Human Anatomy and Physiology (HAP) is one of the most important subjects in Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) First Year. It provides fundamental knowledge about the structure and functions of the human body.
For pharmacy students, understanding human anatomy and physiology is essential because it helps them understand how medicines act on different organs and body systems.
In this article, Pharma Tutor provides a comprehensive overview of D.Pharm 1st Year Human Anatomy and Physiology notes, important topics, examination questions, practical knowledge, and MCQs according to the PCI ER-2020 syllabus.
1. Human Anatomy and Physiology: Introduction
Definition of Anatomy
Anatomy is the branch of medical science that deals with the study of the structure of the human body and its different organs.
Examples:
- Structure of the heart
- Structure of the brain
- Structure of the lungs
- Structure of the kidney
Definition of Physiology
Physiology is the branch of medical science that deals with the study of the normal functions of different organs and systems of the human body.
Examples:
- How the heart pumps blood
- How the lungs exchange gases
- How the kidneys produce urine
- How the brain controls body activities
Difference Between Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy Physiology Study of body structure Study of body functions Deals with organs and tissues Deals with their activities Structural science Functional science Example: Structure of heart Example: Pumping of blood
2. Complete D.Pharm HAP Syllabus
The following topics are covered under the PCI ER-2020 Human Anatomy and Physiology theory syllabus (ER20-14T).
Chapter 1: Scope of Anatomy and Physiology
Important topics:
- Definition of anatomy
- Definition of physiology
- Levels of structural organization
- Anatomical terminology
- Homeostasis
- Basic body terminology
Chapter 2: Structure of Cell
The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of the human body.
Important topics:
- Definition of cell
- Plasma membrane
- Cytoplasm
- Nucleus
- Mitochondria
- Ribosomes
- Endoplasmic reticulum
- Golgi apparatus
- Lysosomes
Functions of important cell organelles: Cell Organelle Function Nucleus Controls cellular activities Mitochondria Produces ATP Ribosomes Protein synthesis Golgi apparatus Modification and packaging Lysosomes Intracellular digestion Cell membrane Regulates movement of substances
Chapter 3: Tissues of Human Body
A tissue is a group of similar cells performing a specific function.
Four major types of tissues:
- Epithelial tissue
- Connective tissue
- Muscular tissue
- Nervous tissue
Important examination topics:
- Classification of epithelial tissue
- Types of connective tissue
- Structure of muscular tissue
- Functions of nervous tissue
Chapter 4: Osseous System (Skeletal System)
The skeletal system provides support, protection, and movement to the human body.
Important topics:
- Functions of bones
- Classification of bones
- Axial skeleton
- Appendicular skeleton
- Structure of long bone
- Types of joints
- Disorders of joints
An adult human skeleton generally consists of 206 bones.
Chapter 5: Haemopoietic System
Blood is a specialized connective tissue responsible for transportation and protection.
Composition of blood:
- Plasma
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
- White Blood Cells (WBCs)
- Platelets
Important topics:
- Functions of blood
- Haemopoiesis
- Structure and functions of RBCs
- Classification of WBCs
- Functions of platelets
- Blood coagulation
- ABO blood groups
- Rh factor
Chapter 6: Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system plays an important role in immunity and fluid balance.
Important topics:
- Definition of lymph
- Composition of lymph
- Functions of lymph
- Lymph nodes
- Spleen
- Tonsils
- Functions of lymphatic system
Chapter 7: Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
Important topics:
- Anatomy of heart
- Location of heart
- Chambers of heart
- Valves of heart
- Blood circulation
- Cardiac cycle
- Heart sounds
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Blood pressure
- Pulse
Normal resting adult blood pressure is commonly around 120/80 mmHg, although individual readings vary.
Chapter 8: Respiratory System
The respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Important topics:
- Organs of respiratory system
- Structure of lungs
- Mechanism of respiration
- Inspiration and expiration
- Exchange of gases
- Transport of oxygen
- Regulation of respiration
- Lung volumes and capacities
Chapter 9: Digestive System
The digestive system breaks down food into simpler substances that can be absorbed by the body.
Important topics:
- Mouth
- Pharynx
- Oesophagus
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Digestion of carbohydrates
- Digestion of proteins
- Digestion of fats
- Absorption of nutrients
Chapter 10: Skeletal Muscles
Important topics:
- Structure of skeletal muscle
- Types of muscles
- Muscle contraction
- Sliding filament theory
- Neuromuscular junction
- Muscle fatigue
- Common muscular disorders
Chapter 11: Nervous System
The nervous system controls and coordinates different activities of the human body.
Important topics:
- Central nervous system
- Peripheral nervous system
- Brain
- Spinal cord
- Cerebrum
- Cerebellum
- Midbrain
- Hypothalamus
- Medulla oblongata
- Cranial nerves
- Autonomic nervous system
Chapter 12: Sense Organs
The sense organs help the body detect and respond to environmental stimuli.
Important topics:
- Structure of eye
- Mechanism of vision
- Structure of ear
- Mechanism of hearing
- Skin
- Tongue
- Nose
- Functions of sensory receptors
Chapter 13: Urinary System
The urinary system removes waste products and helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
Important topics:
- Structure of kidney
- Nephron
- Functions of kidney
- Formation of urine
- Glomerular filtration
- Tubular reabsorption
- Tubular secretion
- Renin-angiotensin system
- Micturition
Chapter 14: Endocrine System
The endocrine system consists of glands that release hormones into the bloodstream.
Important glands:
- Pituitary gland
- Thyroid gland
- Parathyroid gland
- Adrenal gland
- Pancreas
- Gonads
Important topics:
- Definition of hormones
- Classification of endocrine glands
- Functions of hormones
- Hormonal regulation
- Diabetes mellitus
- Thyroid disorders
Chapter 15: Reproductive System
Important topics:
- Male reproductive system
- Female reproductive system
- Functions of reproductive organs
- Spermatogenesis
- Oogenesis
- Menstrual cycle
- Fertilization
- Pregnancy
- Parturition
Note: The chapter sequence and detailed topics should be checked against the official syllabus followed by your examining authority.
3. Important Questions for D.Pharm HAP Examination
Long Answer Questions
- Define anatomy and physiology. Explain the organization of the human body.
- Describe the structure and functions of a typical cell with a labelled diagram.
- Classify different types of tissues and explain their functions.
- Describe the structure of the human heart with a labelled diagram.
- Explain the cardiac cycle in detail.
- Describe the composition and functions of blood.
- Explain the mechanism of respiration.
- Describe the digestive system and explain the process of digestion.
- Explain the structure and functions of the human brain.
- Describe the structure of the kidney and explain urine formation.
Short Answer Questions
- Define homeostasis.
- What are mitochondria?
- Write the functions of RBCs.
- What is haemopoiesis?
- Define blood pressure.
- What is ECG?
- Write the functions of lymph.
- Define nephron.
- What are hormones?
- Write the functions of the thyroid gland.
4. Important Diagrams for HAP Examination
Students should practise the following diagrams:
- Structure of a human cell
- Structure of a neuron
- Human skeleton
- Structure of the human heart
- Human respiratory system
- Human digestive system
- Structure of the kidney
- Structure of nephron
- Human brain
- Male reproductive system
- Female reproductive system
- Structure of the eye
Examination Tip: Practise neat, properly labelled diagrams. A well-presented diagram can improve the clarity of your answer.
5. Important Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. What is the structural and functional unit of the human body?
A. Tissue
B. Organ
C. Cell
D. System
Correct Answer: C. Cell
Q2. Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?
A. Nucleus
B. Mitochondria
C. Ribosome
D. Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: B. Mitochondria
Q3. How many chambers are present in the human heart?
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
D. Five
Correct Answer: C. Four
Q4. Which blood cells transport oxygen?
A. WBCs
B. RBCs
C. Platelets
D. Lymphocytes
Correct Answer: B. RBCs
Q5. What is the functional unit of the kidney?
A. Neuron
B. Nephron
C. Alveolus
D. Sarcomere
Correct Answer: B. Nephron
Q6. Which gland is commonly known as the master gland?
A. Thyroid
B. Adrenal
C. Pituitary
D. Pancreas
Correct Answer: C. Pituitary
Q7. Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?
A. Cerebrum
B. Cerebellum
C. Hypothalamus
D. Medulla
Correct Answer: B. Cerebellum
Q8. Which organ is primarily responsible for gas exchange?
A. Heart
B. Kidney
C. Lungs
D. Liver
Correct Answer: C. Lungs
Q9. Which vitamin is essential for normal blood clotting?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin K
Correct Answer: D. Vitamin K
Q10. Which hormone helps regulate blood glucose levels by lowering them?
A. Thyroxine
B. Insulin
C. Adrenaline
D. Cortisol
Correct Answer: B. Insulin
6. Important HAP Practical Topics
Human Anatomy and Physiology practical training helps students understand the functioning of different body systems.
Important practical areas include:
- Study of compound microscope
- Study of permanent histological slides
- Identification of blood cells
- Determination of haemoglobin
- Blood grouping
- Recording of pulse rate
- Measurement of blood pressure
- Recording of respiratory rate
- Study of anatomical models
- Demonstration of physiological parameters
Practical activities should be performed under appropriate faculty supervision using institutional safety procedures.
7. How to Prepare for D.Pharm HAP Examination?
Follow these study strategies:
- Study one chapter regularly instead of completing everything at the last moment.
- Prepare short notes for important definitions.
- Practise labelled anatomical diagrams.
- Understand physiological mechanisms instead of memorising them blindly.
- Solve MCQs regularly.
- Revise important long-answer questions.
- Practise previous examination papers where available.
- Give special attention to cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, and haemopoietic systems.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the subject code of Human Anatomy and Physiology in D.Pharm First Year?
Under PCI ER-2020, the theory subject code is ER20-14T and the practical subject code is ER20-14P.
Q2. How many hours are prescribed for HAP theory?
The PCI ER-2020 curriculum specifies 75 hours for HAP theory and 75 hours for practical training.
Q3. Is Human Anatomy and Physiology important for pharmacy students?
Yes. It provides fundamental knowledge about the human body and helps students understand the physiological basis of diseases and drug actions.
Q4. Which chapters are important for HAP examinations?
Cardiovascular system, nervous system, blood, digestive system, respiratory system, and urinary system are important areas of study. However, students should prepare the complete prescribed syllabus.
Q5. Where can students find D.Pharm HAP notes?
Students can visit Pharma Tutor for pharmacy-related study materials, notes, important questions, and examination preparation resources.
Conclusion
Human Anatomy and Physiology is a fundamental subject for every D.Pharm First Year student. A clear understanding of the structure and functions of the human body provides the foundation for learning pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, and other pharmaceutical sciences.
Students should focus on conceptual understanding, important diagrams, practical knowledge, and regular revision to perform well in their examinations.
Keep learning with Pharma Tutor – Your Educational Partner in Pharmacy.