Physiology A - LModule physiology I
Academic Year 2023/2024 - Teacher: ROSARIO GULINOExpected Learning Outcomes
- To familiarize with the functional mechanisms of cells, tissues and organs, as well as their integrative properties.
- Acquiring the main principles of cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and digestive functions and their integration.
- To learn the nutrient properties and their utilization by the organims, as well as energy request and consumption.
- To learn the adaptive properties of the human body to exercise and environmental modifications.
Course Structure
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Introduction to physiology: homeostasis and its control mechanisms.
Cardiovascular system
Blood and lymph: main properties and functions. Haemostasis.
The heart: myocardial excitability; electrical and mechanical events of the cardiac cycle; nervous and hormonal control of heart functions. Cardiac output and heart rate, and their control mechanisms. The circulation: properties and functions of arterial, venous and lymphatic vessels; the microcirculation; blood pressure and its control mechanisms.
Respiratory system
Functional anatomy of the airways and lungs. Respiratory mechanics; lung compliance. Alveoli and gas exchange; haemoglobin and oxygen transport; carbon dioxide transport. Ventilation and its control.
Urinary system
Functional anatomy of the kidneys and urinary tract. Body compartments and liquid balance.
The nephron: structure; glomerular and tubular functions; clearance and control of renal flows.
Control of micturition.
Integrated control of the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems.
Control of body temperature and pH.
Gastrointestinal system
Metabolism and energy balance. Properties of nutrients. Functional anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract. Enteric nervous system. Motility and secretory activities. Digestion and absorption.
Textbook Information
Suggested books:
- Human Physiology: An integrated Approach. By D.U. Silverthorn. Ed. Pearson. 8th edition.
- Textbook of Medical Physiology. By Guyton and Hall. Ed. Elsevier. 14th edition.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to physiology: homeostasis and its control mechanisms | Suggested books |
| 2 | Blood and lymph: main properties and functions | Suggested books |
| 3 | Haemostasis | Suggested books |
| 4 | Myocardial excitability | Suggested books |
| 5 | Electrical and mechanical events of the cardiac cycle | Suggested books |
| 6 | Nervous and hormonal control of heart functions | Suggested books |
| 7 | Cardiac output and heart rate, and their control mechanisms | Suggested books |
| 8 | Properties and functions of arterial vessels | Suggested books |
| 9 | Properties and functions of venous and lymphatic vessels | Suggested books |
| 10 | Capillary functions | Suggested books |
| 11 | Blood pressure and its control mechanisms | Suggested books |
| 12 | Functional anatomy of the airways and lungs | Suggested books |
| 13 | Respiratory mechanics | Suggested books |
| 14 | Compliance | Suggested books |
| 15 | Lung volumes | Suggested books |
| 16 | Alveoli and gas exchange | Suggested books |
| 17 | Haemoglobin and oxygen transport | Suggested books |
| 18 | Carbon dioxide transport | Suggested books |
| 19 | Ventilation and its control | Suggested books |
| 20 | Functional anatomy of the kidneys and urinary tract | Suggested books |
| 21 | Body compartments and liquid balance | Suggested books |
| 22 | The nephron: structure; glomerular and tubular functions | Suggested books |
| 23 | Control of micturition | Suggested books |
| 24 | Integrated control of cardiovascular, respiratory and urinary systems | Suggested books |
| 25 | Control of body temperature | Suggested books |
| 26 | Control of pH | Suggested books |
| 27 | Metabolism and energy balance | Suggested books |
| 28 | Nutrients and their properties | Suggested books |
| 29 | Functional anatomy of gastrointestinal tract | Suggested books |
| 30 | Enteric nervous system | Suggested books |
| 31 | Motility and secretory activities of the gastrointestinal system | Suggested books |
| 32 | Digestion and absorption | Suggested books |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Knowledge will be tested by means of a written examination (true/false test).
The evaluation will primarily check the ability to handle the logical flow of the discipline, and secondarily the acquisition of detailed contents.
The written examination may be followed by an oral exam, at the discretion of the lecturer or if requested by individual students.
Online oral exams will be possible in particular circumstances.