Human Physiology

The structure and function of cells: cell processes and products, cell compartments and their functions, the life cycle of the cell. Transport across the cell membrane: plasma membrane structure and functions, transport mechanisms, ion channels, protein pumps. Cellular control mechanisms: DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, membrane receptors, signal tranduction, intercellular communication. The neuron: neuron structure and function, membrane potential, action potential, neuron communication, the synapse, neurotransmitters and associated receptors. Levels of organization in the human body: the chemical level, the cellular level, cell junctions, tissue types, organs, the body system level. The cardiovascular system: the heart, the vascular system, the capillary system, systemic and pulmonary circulation, the lymphatic system. The Blood: functions of the blood, the blood cells, hematopoiesis, hemoglobins, anemia, blood groups, the plasma composition, lipoprotein structure and metabolism, fluid and acid-base balance, mechanisms of hemostasis, anticoagulants. Body defense and the immune response: immunoglobulins, innate immunity, adaptive immunity. The respiratory system: structural and functional relationships of the lung, gas uptake and transport. The gastrointestinal system: gastrointestinal secretions, gastrointestinal fluids and composition, gastrointestinal hormones, digestion and absorption. The kidney: functional anatomy of the kidney, processes involved in the urine formation, tubular transport, the role of kidney in blood pressure control, in erythropoiesis, in vitamin D3 metabolism. Endocrine control mechanisms: the chemistry of hormones, hormone types, secretion, transport, metabolism, mechanisms of action. Endocrine glands: Hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland, the endocrine pancreas, diabetes mellitus.

Objectives

Prerequisites

None.

Syllabus