COURSE OUTLINE

Text: Vander, Arthur J; Sherman, James H; Luciano, Dorothy S;

Human Physiology., 7th edition, McGraw Hill

Weeks 1-1 1/2 Physiology at the cellular level.

Tissue classification, organ system classification, fluid compartments, types of cancer, capabilities of the light vs transmission and scanning electron microscope, cell organelles.

Weeks 1 1/2 - 3 Neurons and synapses

Diffusion of ionic species, derivation of the Nernst potential, the Goldman equation, electrical model of the resting membrane potential, the neuron, the graded potential, the action potential, the synapse, typical neurotransmitters.

Weeks 4-5 The central and peripheral nervous systems.

Anatomy of the spinal cord and brain, organization of the brain, common CNS disorders, somatic and autonomic divisions of the peripheral nervous system, sympathetic and parasympathetic subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system, sensory receptors.

Week 6 Muscle

The sliding filament mechanism, the neuromuscular junction, neuromuscular toxins, control of motor function, smooth muscle.

Weeks 7-9 The circulatory system.

Blood and its components, ABO blood grouping, cardiac anatomy, blood flow circuit, cardiac dynamics - the Swan Ganz catheter, calculation of cardiac work and vascular resistance, cardiac muscle, cardiac conduction system, the ECG - bipolar, unipolar and augmented unipolar limb leads, the cardiac vector, control of heart rate, measurement of cardiac output, osmotic pressure concept, the vascular and lymphatic systems.

Weeks 10-11 Respiration.

Anatomy of the respiratory system, gas diffusion, mechanics of breathing, pulmonary volumes and capacities, blood and pulmonary gas partial pressures, ventilation-perfusion ratio, oxygen and carbon-dioxide transport, oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve, control of respiration.

Weeks 12-13 The renal system.

Osmotic pressure, fluid balance, kidney function, function of the nephron, glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, sodium ion regulation, the renin-angiotensin system, control of water reabsorption, the counter-current multiplier system.

Week 14 The gastrointestinal system.

Anatomy of the GI system; esophageal function; structure of the gastric wall; gastric function, innervation and motility; innervation, function and motility of the large and small intestine.

  Peter E. Engler September 1998                 Classes                                 Top