The course provides knowledge of the principal body functions: immune, nervous, musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, and digestive systems. This knowledge is the basis for understanding the integrative regulations necessary for the maintenance of body homeostasis, and their adaptation to stress.
The course is focused on self-learning and group work. Learning material will be provided mainly in the form of recorded lectures, book chapters and online materials. Face-to-face activities will consist of lectures, seminars, and workshops where students will be able to work in groups to discuss physiological mechanisms and practice critical thinking. One laboratory will allow the students to get practical training in measurement of cardiovascular and respiratory function in humans. The main topics covered in the course include:
A. Blood and Body Defenses
• Role of erythrocytes in regulating gas transport.
• Platelets and the regulation of hemostasis.
• Leukocytes and resident immune cells.
• Immune and adaptive immune responses.
B. Nervous System
• Afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) divisions.
• Autonomous nervous system: sympathetic and parasympathetic.
C. Musculoskeletal System
• Anatomy of skeletal muscle and bones generating movement.
• Molecular, cellular, and biophysical mechanisms generating force in skeletal muscle.
• Nervous mechanisms regulate movement and balance.
D. Cardiovascular System
• Heart electrical activity regulating myocyte contraction.
• Regulation of blood circulation by vasculature.
• Pressure, flow, and resistance affecting fluid distribution and exchange.
• Cardiovascular control mechanisms.
E. Respiratory System
• Structure of airways and respiratory muscles.
• Principles of partial pressures regulating air flow.
• Central control of breathing.
F. Urinary System and acid-base balance
• Filtration, reabsorption, and secretion regulating fluid balance.
• Maintenance of acid-base balance.
G. Endocrinology and reproduction
• Endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine effects.
• Hormone composition, mechanisms of synthesis, receptor type and intracellular signaling.
H. Digestive system
• Food processing and absorption.
• Function of the liver and pancreas in nutrient absorption.