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Level 3 Access – Anatomy & Physiology

Level 3 Access – Anatomy & Physiology

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About Course

Welcome to the Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology Course

This online theory course forms part of your Level 3 Access to Aesthetic Therapies qualification at
Portobello Aesthetics Training Academy.

The purpose of this course is to provide you with the essential anatomy, physiology and pathology knowledge required to safely perform aesthetic treatments and understand the science behind them. The knowledge you gain throughout this course will support your practical training and help you develop into a safe, confident and competent aesthetic practitioner.

Throughout the course, you will study the organisation of the human body, the structure and function of the skin, hair and nails, the major body systems, and common pathological conditions relevant to aesthetic practice.

Please work through each topic in order and complete the knowledge checks before attending your practical training sessions.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain the organisation of the human body.
  • Describe the structure and function of cells, tissues, skin, hair and nails.
  • Understand the major body systems and their functions.
  • Recognise common pathological conditions relevant to aesthetic practice.
  • Apply anatomy and physiology knowledge to support safe treatment planning and professional practice.

We recommend taking your time with each topic, making notes where appropriate, and revisiting any areas you find challenging. A solid understanding of anatomy and physiology is fundamental to delivering safe, effective and professional aesthetic treatments.

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Course Content

Organisation of the Human Body

  • Welcome
  • Organisation of the Human Body
  • Anatomical Position & Directional Terms
  • Anatomical Planes & Body Regions
  • Joint Movements
  • Module 1 Quiz – Organisation of the Body

Cells & Tissues
This topic introduces the fundamental building blocks of the human body. Students will learn about the structure and function of cells, the role of key cellular organelles, and how specialised cells combine to form different tissue types. Understanding cells and tissues provides the foundation for studying the skin, muscles, organs and body systems later in the course. Learners will explore the four main tissue types—epithelial, connective, muscle and nervous tissue—and understand how each contributes to normal body function. This knowledge is essential for aesthetic practitioners, as all treatments interact with living cells and tissues. By the end of this topic, students will have the knowledge required to identify key cell structures, explain their functions, recognise the major tissue types and understand their importance in maintaining healthy body function and supporting tissue repair. Learning Outcomes By the end of this topic, learners will be able to: Describe the basic structure of a human cell. Identify the functions of the main cell organelles. Explain the role of protein synthesis and cellular energy production. Identify the four main tissue types. Describe the function of epithelial, connective, muscle and nervous tissue. Explain why an understanding of cells and tissues is important in aesthetic practice.

The Skin
Topic Summary The skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a vital role in protection, temperature regulation, sensation and healing. In this topic, learners will explore the structure of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer, as well as the specialised cells and structures found within each layer. Understanding skin anatomy is essential for aesthetic practitioners, as all aesthetic treatments interact with the skin. Learners will develop the knowledge needed to understand how treatments affect healthy skin and why maintaining skin integrity is essential for achieving safe and effective treatment outcomes. Learning Outcomes By the end of this topic, learners will be able to: Describe the three main layers of the skin. Identify the five layers of the epidermis. Describe the two layers of the dermis. Identify the main structures found within the skin. Explain the primary functions of the skin. Understand the importance of healthy skin in aesthetic practice.

Hair and Nails
Hair and nails are specialised structures of the skin that provide protection, sensation and support for normal body function. In this topic, learners will explore the anatomy of the hair and nails, including the structure of the hair shaft, the hair growth cycle, the structure of the nail and the factors that influence healthy hair and nail growth. Understanding the anatomy and physiology of hair and nails is essential for aesthetic practitioners, as many treatments involve working directly with these structures. Learners will develop the knowledge needed to recognise normal hair and nail anatomy and understand their importance in safe and effective aesthetic practice. Learning Outcomes By the end of this topic, learners will be able to: Describe the structure of the hair. Identify the three layers of the hair shaft. Describe the stages of the hair growth cycle. Identify the main structures of the nail. Explain the factors that influence healthy hair and nail growth. Understand the importance of hair and nail anatomy in aesthetic practice.

The Skeletal System
The skeletal system provides the body's framework, protecting vital organs, supporting posture and enabling movement. In this topic, learners will explore the functions of the skeleton, the different types of bones, the structure of a typical bone and the different types of joints found within the body. Understanding the skeletal system is essential for aesthetic practitioners, as it provides the structural support for muscles and soft tissues while allowing safe movement during treatment. Learners will develop the knowledge needed to identify the major components of the skeletal system and understand their role in maintaining health and mobility. Learning Outcomes By the end of this topic, learners will be able to: Describe the main functions of the skeletal system. Identify the major types of bones. Distinguish between the axial and appendicular skeleton. Describe the structure of a typical bone. Identify the different types of joints. Explain the structure and function of a synovial joint.

Muscular System
The muscular system enables movement, maintains posture, produces heat and helps protect vital organs. In this topic, learners will explore the functions of muscles, the three types of muscle tissue, the major skeletal muscles of the face and body, and how muscles work together to produce movement. Understanding the muscular system is essential for aesthetic practitioners, as many treatments involve working directly over muscles of the face and body. Learners will develop the knowledge needed to identify key muscles, understand their actions, and appreciate their importance when performing safe and effective aesthetic treatments. Learning Outcomes By the end of this topic, learners will be able to: Describe the main functions of the muscular system. Identify the three types of muscle tissue. Distinguish between voluntary and involuntary muscles. Identify the major muscles of the face and body relevant to aesthetic practice. Explain how skeletal muscles work together to produce movement. Describe the importance of the muscular system in maintaining posture, generating heat and supporting safe aesthetic treatments.

Circulatory System
Topic Summary The circulatory system is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones and other essential substances throughout the body while removing waste products from cells. In this topic, learners will explore the structure and function of the heart, blood vessels and blood, as well as how blood circulates around the body to maintain health and support the body's tissues. Understanding the circulatory system is essential for aesthetic practitioners, as healthy circulation is vital for tissue repair, wound healing and maintaining healthy skin. Learners will develop the knowledge needed to identify the major components of the circulatory system, understand how blood is transported throughout the body and appreciate the important role circulation plays in supporting overall health. Learning Outcomes By the end of this topic, learners will be able to: Describe the main functions of the circulatory system. Identify the structure and function of the heart. Distinguish between arteries, veins and capillaries. Describe the main components and functions of blood. Explain the difference between pulmonary and systemic circulation. Describe the pathway of blood through the heart, lungs and body.

Lymphatic System
Topic Summary The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, lymph nodes and organs that helps maintain fluid balance and protects the body against infection. In this topic, learners will explore the structure and function of the lymphatic system, the movement of lymph, the role of lymph nodes and the body's immune response. Understanding the lymphatic system is essential for aesthetic practitioners, as it plays a key role in tissue healing, waste removal and immunity. Learners will develop the knowledge needed to identify the major components of the lymphatic system and understand how it supports the circulatory and immune systems. Learning Outcomes By the end of this topic, learners will be able to: Describe the main functions of the lymphatic system. Identify the major components of the lymphatic system. Explain the formation and movement of lymph. Describe the role of lymph nodes in the immune response. Explain how the lymphatic system supports fluid balance and protects the body against infection.

Endocrine System
Topic Summary The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream to regulate and coordinate body functions. In this topic, learners will explore the major endocrine glands, the hormones they produce and their role in controlling growth, metabolism, blood glucose, reproduction and the body's response to stress. Understanding the endocrine system is important for aesthetic practitioners because hormones influence skin health, healing, energy levels and many normal body processes. Learners will develop the knowledge needed to identify the major endocrine glands, understand their primary functions and recognise how hormones help maintain homeostasis. Learning Outcomes By the end of this topic, learners will be able to: Describe the main functions of the endocrine system. Identify the major endocrine glands within the body. State the primary hormones produced by each major endocrine gland. Describe the main function of the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, testes, pineal gland and thymus. Explain how hormones help maintain homeostasis, including the regulation of blood glucose.

Nervous System

Digestive System
Topic Summary The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that the body can absorb and use for energy, growth and repair. It is made up of the digestive tract and several accessory organs that work together to digest food, absorb nutrients and eliminate waste. In this topic, learners will explore the structure and function of the digestive system, the journey of food through the digestive tract and the roles of the major digestive organs. Understanding the digestive system is essential for aesthetic practitioners, as good nutrition and efficient digestion support healthy skin, tissue repair and overall wellbeing. Learners will develop the knowledge needed to identify the major organs of the digestive system, understand the processes of digestion and absorption, and recognise how the digestive system contributes to maintaining normal body function. Learning Outcomes By the end of this topic, learners will be able to: Describe the main functions of the digestive system. Identify the major organs of the digestive system and their primary functions. Explain the processes of mechanical and chemical digestion. Describe how nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. Explain the role of the accessory organs in digestion. Describe how waste is formed and eliminated from the body.

Excretory System
Topic Summary – Excretory System The excretory system removes waste products from the body and helps maintain a stable internal environment. The kidneys are the main organs of the urinary system, filtering the blood to remove waste and excess water while helping to regulate fluid balance. Urine is produced in tiny filtering units called nephrons. It then travels from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored until it leaves the body through the urethra. The kidneys also help regulate blood pressure, maintain the body's water and electrolyte balance, and support the production of red blood cells by releasing hormones. Key Points The excretory system removes waste products and maintains fluid balance. The kidneys filter the blood and produce urine. Urine travels through the ureters to the bladder before leaving the body through the urethra. Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys where filtration occurs. The kidneys help regulate blood pressure, water balance and electrolyte levels. Healthy kidney function is essential for maintaining homeostasis.

Reproductive System
Topic Summary – Reproductive System The reproductive system enables human reproduction by producing gametes (sperm and eggs) and sex hormones. The male and female reproductive systems have different structures but work together to make reproduction possible. The male reproductive system produces sperm and the hormone testosterone. The female reproductive system produces eggs (ova), the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, and provides the environment needed to support pregnancy. The menstrual cycle prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy each month. During ovulation, a mature egg is released from the ovary. If the egg is fertilised by a sperm cell, it may implant in the uterus and begin developing. If fertilisation does not occur, the uterine lining is shed during menstruation, and a new cycle begins. Key Points The reproductive system produces gametes and sex hormones. The testes produce sperm and testosterone. The ovaries produce eggs, oestrogen and progesterone. Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary. Fertilisation usually occurs in a fallopian tube. If fertilisation does not occur, menstruation begins and a new menstrual cycle starts.

Sensory Organs
Topic Summary – Sensory Organs The sensory organs allow us to detect changes in our internal and external environment. Specialised sensory receptors in the eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin detect different types of stimuli and send nerve impulses to the brain through the nervous system. The eye is responsible for vision. Light enters through the cornea and pupil, is focused by the lens onto the retina, and is converted into nerve impulses that travel to the brain via the optic nerve. The ear is responsible for hearing and balance. Sound waves travel through the outer and middle ear to the cochlea, where they are converted into nerve impulses. The semicircular canals help maintain balance. The nose, tongue and skin detect smell, taste and touch. Although they respond to different types of stimuli, they all follow the same pathway: stimulus → sensory receptor → nerve impulse → brain → response. Key Points The five sensory organs are the eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin. Sensory receptors detect stimuli and send nerve impulses to the brain. The eye is responsible for vision. The ear is responsible for hearing and balance. The nose, tongue and skin detect smell, taste and touch. The brain interprets sensory information and produces an appropriate response.

Pathology

Respiratory System
Topic Summary – Respiratory System The respiratory system brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide. Air travels through the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and bronchioles before reaching the alveoli, where gas exchange takes place. In the alveoli, oxygen diffuses into the blood while carbon dioxide diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled. This process supplies the body's cells with oxygen and removes waste gases. Breathing, also called ventilation, is the movement of air into and out of the lungs. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and the chest cavity expands, drawing air into the lungs. During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes, the chest cavity becomes smaller and air is pushed out. Key Points The respiratory system supplies oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. Air follows the pathway: Nasal cavity → Pharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Bronchi → Bronchioles → Alveoli. Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli. Oxygen diffuses into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses into the alveoli. The diaphragm is the main muscle used for breathing. Ventilation moves air, while gas exchange exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Breast Anatomy
Topic Summary – Breast Anatomy The breasts are specialised glands whose primary function is to produce and deliver milk after childbirth. They are made up of mammary glands, lobes, lobules, lactiferous ducts, adipose tissue and Cooper's ligaments, which support the breast and help maintain its shape. Milk is produced in the mammary glands and carried through the lactiferous ducts to the nipple. After birth, the breasts first produce colostrum, a nutrient-rich fluid containing antibodies that help protect the newborn before mature breast milk is produced. Key Points The primary function of the breasts is to produce and deliver milk. Mammary glands produce milk. Lactiferous ducts carry milk to the nipple. Cooper's ligaments support the breast and help maintain its shape. Colostrum is the first milk produced after birth and provides antibodies for the newborn.

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