ML 125 - Physiology and Pathology

• understand the organization of the body, cells, tissues, and membranes by:
  • defining anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology;
  • naming the levels of organization of the body from simplest to the most complex;
  • listing and defining the principal systems that make-up the human body;
  • defining homeostasis and describing its importance in health and disease;
  • listing the general parts of a human cell and explaining their structure and function;
  • defining each of the cellular transport mechanisms and giving an example of the role of each in the body;
  • explaining the chemical composition and functions of cytoplasm;
  • defining a tissue and list the four basic types;
  • comparing the characteristics and function of the four major types of tissue;
  • defining gland and distinguish between the two types of glands; and
  • locating and describing the principal membranes of the body.
• understand the physiology of the muscular system by:
  • explaining the characteristics and function of muscle tissue;
  • comparing the three types of muscle tissue in terms of location, structure, and function;
  • explaining the importance of the blood and nerve supply to the muscles;
  • describing several different types of muscle contraction;
  • explaining the physiology of muscle contraction and oxygen debt; and
  • explaining several different ways in which muscle tissue exhibits homeostasis.
• understand the nervous system by:
  • identifying the three basic functions of the nervous system in maintaining homeostasis;
  • describing the structure of the neuron and other neuroglial cells;
  • describing the events involved in the production and conduction of a nerve impulse;
  • defining synapse and its importance in the production of a nerve impulse;
  • listing and defining the role of the various neurotransmitters;
  • describing how nerve tissue is grouped;
  • describing the structure and function of the spinal cord;
  • listing the principal parts of the brain and explaining the general function of each;
  • describing the function of the autonomic nervous system;
  • explaining how the autonomic system is controlled; and
  • listing and explaining the various pathologies associated with the nervous system.
• understand the endocrine system by:
  • discuss the importance of the endocrine system in maintaining homeostasis;
  • describe the mechanism of hormone action on body cells;
  • describe the location, function and hormone secretion by the endocrine glands;
  • explain the importance of the hypothalamus/nerve tissue on the endocrine glands;
  • explain how stress affects the body and its relationship to disease; and
  • list and explain the various pathologies associated with the endocrine system.
• understand the cardiovascular system: heart and vessels and lymphatic system by:
  • describing the structure and function of the heart;
  • describing the flow of blood through the heart;
  • describing how nerve impulses are conducted through the heart to produce the heart beat;
  • explaining the importance of the electrocardiogram;
  • describing the phases of heart contraction and its relationship to the ECG;
  • listing the factors which affect heart contraction and heart rate;
  • describing the structure and function of the various types of blood vessels;
  • explaining how the heart and blood vessels affect blood pressure;
  • listing and explaining the various pathologies associated with the heart and blood vessels;
  • explaining the function of the lymphatic system in homeostasis;
  • describing the tissue and organs associated with the lymphatic system;
  • explaining how lymphatic tissue is organized and distributed throughout the body;
  • describing the flow of lymph through the body; and
  • listing and explaining the various pathologies associated with the lymphatic system.
• understand the respiratory system by:
  • identifying, locating and describing the organs and structures of the respiratory system;
  • describing the structure of the lungs and its role in respiration;
  • explaining the processes of inspiration and expiration;
  • explaining how gas exchange occurs between the lungs and the blood as well as the blood and the cells;
  • explaining how the nervous system controls breathing;
  • listing factors affecting respiration; and
  • listing and explaining the various pathologies associated with the lymphatic and respiratory systems.
• understand the digestive system by:
  • defining digestion and describing the various processes involved;
  • listing the organs that comprise the digestive system;
  • describing the location and the structure and function of each organ involved in digestion;
  • describing the location and the structure and function of the accessory organs involved in digestion;
  • listing the enzymes involved in digestion and stating their purpose; and
  • listing and explaining the various pathologies associated with the digestive system.
• understand the urinary system by:
  • listing the organs of the urinary system and describing how they affect homeostasis;
  • describing the structure and function of the nephron;
  • describing how the kidney filters blood and regulates its volume, chemical composition and pH;
  • discussing the process of urine production and excretion;
  • explaining the importance of urinalysis;
  • listing the normal and abnormal constituents of urine; and
  • listing and explaining the various pathologies associated with the urinary system.