• BIOL1801
• Organ System Physiology

This module introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of a number of the body systems. This module will provide the prior knowledge required as the basis for the later study of the control and integration of body systems and the study of the disease process.

Lectures
The cardiovascular system: Composition of and properties of blood. The histology and physiology of the arteries, veins and capillaries. Structure and function of cardiac tissues. Coronary circulation. The cardiac cycle and cardiodynamics.
The Respiratory System: The anatomy, histology and physiology of the pulmonary system. Structure and function of the chest wall, airways and lungs. The role of the lungs in ventilation and gas exchange.
The Renal System: The structure and function of the kidney and urinary tract and their roles in formation and elimination of urine. Nephron structure and urine formation. Composition of urine and urinalysis.
The Nervous System: The structure and function of the central nervous system; brain and spinal cord. Integration of information. Brain protective structures, Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators.
Thermoregulation: Hypothalamic integration of responses. Role of skin, muscle and endocrine system.
Practicals
Anatomy and Histology of the vascular tissue, the pulmonary tissue and the renal tissues.
Physiological measurement of the following cardiovascular parameters: blood pressure, electrocardiography, heart rate and cardiac output using collection and analysis of expired air.
Physiological measurement of normal lung function.
Urinalysis.

Pre-requisite Modules