An Inquiry Approach to Anatomy and Physiology

The major fears students have regarding the study of anatomy and physiology involve the concern over memorizing terms and disconnect between the content and its relation to clinical applications. What if you could take the course over one semester without the pressure of memorizing and in an open book format? An inquiry approach to anatomy and physiology is the book for you.


Consider the forty-year-old female patient that you are assessing in the emergency room. The patient states she spilled a pot of boiling water on her left hand one hour ago. The tissue is differentiated according to location. Some parts are red, some have the beginning of blister formation, and the center of the burn reveals muscle tissue. Most of the pain is centered on the edges rather than the center of the burn where it is the most exposed.


1. What type of burn is this: fi rst, second or third degree
2. Will the healing process be quick or long-term?
3. What is the direction of this amount of the healing process in the skin?
4. Why is pain most pronounced at the edges of the burn area?