Physiology

Objectives

In this curricular unit, students should gain an integrated knowledge about the different mechanisms of functioning of the human body. They must understand that the regulation mechanisms of the various body functions aim the maintenance of homeostasis of important physiological variables, such as body temperature, blood pressure, water and inorganic ion concentration, pH, and blood glucose. Students should also acquire basic notions about the different types of cells and how they are organized into tissues, organs, and systems with defined functions that are subject to superior control by the nervous and endocrine systems. Examples of pathologies associated with some of the systems will be discussed. In this context, students will analise "clinical cases" to relate the pathologies with the symptoms and the results of medical exams.

General characterization

Code

13012

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

Helena Luísa de Araújo Vieira

Hours

Weekly - 4

Total - 56

Teaching language

Português

Prerequisites

NA

Bibliography

Vander''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY: The Mechanisms of Body Function

15th Edition (2019)

Widmaier, Raff, Strang

 Mc Graw Hill

scientific papers supplied by teachers

Teaching method

Available soon

Evaluation method

Available soon

Subject matter

1.Homeostasis: a framework for human physiology.

2.Neuronal signaling and the structure of the nervous system. Neural tissue, membrane potentials and synapses.

3.The endocrine system. Principles of hormonal control systems. Hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Thyroid gland.

4.Muscle. Skeletal muscle, smooth muscle and cardiac muscle.

5.Cardiovascular physiology. Heart and vascular system. Regulation of systemic arterial pressure.

6.Respiratory physiology.

7.The kidneys and regulation of water and inorganic ions.

8.The digestion and absorption of food.

9.Regulation of organic metabolism.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: