The Human Physiology course provides an in-depth study of the normal functions of the human body’s organ systems and the mechanisms regulating them. The course emphasizes the integration of physiological processes that maintain homeostasis and explores how various systems interact to sustain life. Students will gain a strong foundation for understanding pathological conditions and clinical medicine.
The course is divided into two semesters and includes both theoretical lectures and practical laboratory sessions that demonstrate physiological principles through experiments, simulations, and clinical case discussions.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Explain the physiological principles underlying the functions of major organ systems.
- Describe the mechanisms of cellular communication, membrane potentials, and muscle physiology.
- Understand blood composition and hemodynamics, including cardiac function and regulation.
- Analyze the control of respiration, renal function, digestion, and endocrine activity.
- Integrate knowledge of neurophysiology and sensory mechanisms.
- Relate physiological principles to clinical and pathological conditions.
Course Outline (Detailed Syllabus)
1. Introduction to Physiology
- Definition, scope, and levels of organization
- Homeostasis and control systems
- Body fluids and their regulation
2. Cell Physiology
- Structure and function of the cell membrane
- Transport mechanisms (diffusion, osmosis, active transport)
- Resting membrane potential and action potential
3. Blood Physiology
- Composition and functions of blood
- Erythropoiesis, hemoglobin, and anemia
- White blood cells, immunity, and hemostasis
- Blood groups and transfusion principles
4. Nerve and Muscle Physiology
- Structure and function of neurons
- Synaptic transmission and neurotransmitters
- Types of muscle (skeletal, cardiac, smooth) and excitation-contraction coupling
5. Autonomic Nervous System
- Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions
- Neurotransmitters and physiological effects
6. Cardiovascular Physiology
- Structure and properties of the heart
- Cardiac cycle and cardiac output
- Blood pressure and its regulation
- Microcirculation and lymphatic system
7. Respiratory Physiology
- Mechanics of breathing
- Gas exchange and transport
- Regulation of respiration
- Pulmonary function tests
8. Renal Physiology
- Structure and function of the nephron
- Glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and secretion
- Regulation of body fluids and electrolytes
- Acid-base balance
9. Gastrointestinal Physiology
- Organization of the GI tract
- Digestive secretions and motility
- Absorption and control of digestion
10. Endocrine Physiology
- Hormone classification and mechanisms of action
- Regulation of metabolism, growth, and reproduction
- Pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreatic, and gonadal hormones
11. Reproductive Physiology
- Male and female reproductive systems
- Menstrual cycle and hormonal regulation
- Fertilization, pregnancy, and lactation
12. Neurophysiology and Special Senses
- Functional organization of the nervous system
- Reflexes and higher brain functions
- Vision, hearing, taste, and smell physiology
Teaching and Learning Methods
- Theoretical lectures with audiovisual aids
- Practical experiments in physiology lab
- Small group discussions and problem-based learning
- Clinical case studies linking physiology with pathology
Assessment Methods
- Midterm and final written exams (MCQs, short and long essays)
- Practical examinations
- Continuous assessments (quizzes, assignments, participation)
Course Duration:
Full academic year (two semesters)
Prerequisites:
Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, and histology
Curriculum
- 11 Sections
- 90 Lessons
- 150 Days
Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections
- Unit 1 – General & Cellular Physiology9
- 1.1Introduction to Physiology – Definition, importance, and divisions.
- 1.2Internal environment and concept of homeostasis.
- 1.3Body fluid compartments: distribution, composition, measurement, and regulation.
- 1.4Cell membrane structure and transport mechanisms (diffusion, osmosis, facilitated transport, active transport, endo/exocytosis).
- 1.5Resting membrane potential and action potential – generation, properties, and propagation.
- 1.6Nerve fiber types, excitability, refractory period, and saltatory conduction.
- 1.7Neuromuscular junction – structure, transmission, neurotransmitters, and drugs affecting NMJ.
- 1.8Synapses – types, synaptic transmission, facilitation, inhibition, summation.
- 1.9Autonomic nervous system: sympathetic & parasympathetic divisions, neurotransmitters, receptors, and physiological effects.
- Unit 2 – Blood Physiology10
- 2.1Composition and functions of blood.
- 2.2Plasma proteins – types, functions, and clinical significance.
- 2.3Hematopoiesis – stages, regulation, and bone marrow function.
- 2.4Red blood cells – structure, production, destruction, life span.
- 2.5Hemoglobin – structure, synthesis, functions, and abnormalities.
- 2.6White blood cells – types, functions, and differential count.
- 2.7Platelets – formation, function, and role in hemostasis.
- 2.8Blood coagulation – clotting factors, mechanisms, and anticoagulants.
- 2.9Blood groups – ABO and Rh systems, transfusion reactions.
- 2.10Reticuloendothelial system and immunity overview.
- Unit 3 – Muscle Physiology7
- 3.1Types of muscle tissue (skeletal, smooth, cardiac).
- 3.2Structure and function of skeletal muscle fibers.
- 3.3Sliding filament theory and excitation-contraction coupling.
- 3.4Motor unit and recruitment.
- 3.5Muscle tone, fatigue, rigor mortis, and tetanus.
- 3.6Smooth muscle – differences, types, and properties.
- 3.7Cardiac muscle – features, conduction system, and action potentials.
- Unit 4 – Nervous System Physiology (Part I)9
- 4.1Reflex arc and reflex activity.
- 4.2Spinal cord physiology – reflexes, posture, and motor control.
- 4.3Brain stem and cerebellar functions.
- 4.4Basal ganglia – structure, role, and disorders.
- 4.5Thalamus and hypothalamus – functions and clinical correlations.
- 4.6Cerebral cortex – sensory and motor areas, higher functions.
- 4.7Learning, memory, and speech centers.
- 4.8Limbic system and emotion.
- 4.9Autonomic regulation of visceral functions.
- Unit 5 – Cardiovascular System9
- 5.1Structure and function of the heart.
- 5.2Electrical activity of the heart – cardiac action potentials, conduction system, and ECG interpretation (waves, intervals, abnormalities).
- 5.3Cardiac cycle – mechanical events and heart sounds.
- 5.4Cardiac output – definition, factors, and measurement.
- 5.5Blood pressure – regulation (neural, hormonal, renal), short- and long-term control.
- 5.6Capillary exchange, Starling’s forces, and lymphatic circulation.
- 5.7Coronary circulation and cardiac performance.
- 5.8Regulation of heart rate and vascular resistance.
- 5.9Pathophysiological correlations – hypertension, shock, heart failure basics.
- Unit 6 – Respiratory Physiology8
- 6.1Mechanics of breathing – inspiration, expiration, compliance, and surfactant.
- 6.2Lung volumes and capacities.
- 6.3Alveolar ventilation and dead space.
- 6.4Gas exchange and diffusion of O₂/CO₂.
- 6.5Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood.
- 6.6Regulation of respiration – neural and chemical control.
- 6.7Hypoxia, cyanosis, and acclimatization to high altitude.
- 6.8Pulmonary function tests and clinical correlations (COPD, asthma).
- Unit 7 – Renal Physiology8
- 7.1Nephron structure and function.
- 7.2Renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
- 7.3Tubular reabsorption and secretion.
- 7.4Concentration and dilution of urine.
- 7.5Regulation of sodium, potassium, and calcium balance.
- 7.6Acid-base regulation and buffers.
- 7.7Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and ADH mechanism.
- 7.8Micturition reflex and bladder physiology.
- Unit 8 – Endocrine Physiology8
- 8.1Overview of hormones – types, mechanisms of action, and feedback regulation.
- 8.2Hypothalamic and pituitary hormones.
- 8.3Thyroid gland – synthesis, secretion, and physiological effects.
- 8.4Adrenal cortex and medulla – hormones and their actions.
- 8.5Endocrine pancreas – insulin, glucagon, diabetes mellitus.
- 8.6Parathyroid hormone and calcium metabolism.
- 8.7Pineal gland and melatonin.
- 8.8Endocrine disorders – hypo/hyper-secretion examples.
- Unit 9 – Gastrointestinal Physiology8
- 9.1Functional anatomy of the GI tract.
- 9.2Mastication, swallowing, and esophageal motility.
- 9.3Gastric secretion and digestion.
- 9.4Pancreatic secretion, bile formation, and gallbladder function.
- 9.5Intestinal motility and absorption.
- 9.6Liver functions and detoxification.
- 9.7GI hormones and regulation.
- 9.8Clinical correlations – ulcers, diarrhea, malabsorption.
- Unit 10 – Reproductive and Integrative Physiology8
- 10.1Male reproductive physiology – spermatogenesis, testosterone, hormonal control.
- 10.2Female reproductive physiology – ovarian cycle, menstrual cycle, hormones.
- 10.3Fertilization, pregnancy, and lactation physiology.
- 10.4Placental functions and fetal circulation.
- 10.5Exercise physiology – cardiovascular and respiratory adaptations.
- 10.6Thermoregulation – temperature control and fever mechanisms.
- 10.7Sleep and biological rhythms.
- 10.8Aging and physiological adaptation.
- 🧪 Laboratory (Practical) Work6
- 11.1Hematology: RBC count, WBC count, Hb estimation, blood grouping, coagulation time.
- 11.2Cardiovascular: ECG recording and analysis, blood pressure measurement.
- 11.3Respiratory: Spirometry and lung volume measurement.
- 11.4Renal: Urine analysis (specific gravity, proteins, sugar).
- 11.5Neurophysiology: Reflex testing and muscle fatigue experiments.
- 11.6Endocrine: Case-based discussions (diabetes, thyroid disorders).
