Human Physiology

• use medical terminology and describe elementary anatomy.
• describe fundamental cell physiology.
• discuss the nervous system and how it controls the function of the body and organs.
• explain the workings of the muscular system and muscle cells and the relationship to the nervous system.
• describe metabolic processes.
• discuss the cardiovascular systems anatomy and regulation mechanisms.
• explain how the respiration system functions and the exchange of gasses with the body’s organs and fluids.
• present the gastrointestinal system and discuss the digestive processes that occur.
• explain the functioning of the kidneys and regulation of body fluids.
• discuss the endocrine system and how hormones function.

Medical terminology and elementary anatomy. Fundamental cell physiology: structure and function of the cell; intercellular communication; transport across cell membranes; membrane potential. The nervous system: formation and propagation of nerve impulses; action potential and neurotransmission; sensory receptors. The muscular system: mechanism of contraction; energy production in muscle cells; neuro-muscular transmission. Metabolism: anabolic and catabolic processes; metabolic rate; metabolism of foreign chemicals (ethanol); temperature regulation; fever. Cardiovascular system: blood; heart; circulation; regulation of blood pressure. Respiration: the lungs; pulmonary ventilation; transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood; buffers in the blood; regulation of respiration. Gastrointestinal system: structure; digestive secretion from salivary glands; stomach; intestines; pancreas; digestion and absorption of carbohydrates; lipids and proteines; nervous and hormonal regulation; motility; hepatic function (secretion of bile), appetite regulation and obsesity. Endocrinology: hormone systems; chemistry; synthesis; metabolism; mechanism of action; endocrine glands; physiology of reproduction; hormonal control of calcium metabolism. Blood sugar regulation. The kidneys and body fluids: composition and regulation of body fluids; formation of urine; concentration mechanism; pH-regulation.

27002/27022, It is recommended to have insight and interest in life sciences, organic chemistry and biochemistry.

Lectures (40%), exercises (50%) and demonstrations (10%).