PHYSIOLOGY 8541

Course Title: Physiology
Course: 8541
Credit Hours: 3
Clock Hours: 54
Coordinator: Dr. A. C. Segarra
Prerequisite: General Biology

Course Description:

The course consists of five sections: Cell and Membrane Physiology, Muscle Physiology, Neurophysiology, Endocrine Physiology and Reproductive Physiology. Part one introduces basic physiological processes at the cellular level, emphasizing membrane physiology. Part two presents the anatomy and physiology of muscle cells. Part three presents basic concepts in neurophysiology, with an introduction to the organization of the nervous system, electrical and chemical transmission of nerve impulses, sensory systems, motor systems, autonomic nervous system, limbic system and regulation of higher brain functions. Part four discusses the endocrine system and homeostatic balance, emphasizing hormonal regulation of nutrients and complex processes such as reproduction. Part five presents the physiology of reproduction. The process of sexual differentiation, the neuroendocrinology of the male and female reproductive system, sexual behavior, contraceptives, pregnancy and lactation are all briefly discussed. Emphasis will be in the form of lectures and class discussions. Animal models will be used to help in the presentation of fundamental concepts of general physiology. The ultimate goal of the course is to enable students to understand the basic physiological processes of vertebrates, and in particular, humans.

 

General Objectives:

Cell and Membrane Physiology
Membrane physiology
Diffusion of uncharged solutes and of electrolytes.
Osmosis and transport (facilitated and active) across the cell membrane
The "Pump and Leak" model
Gibbs-Donnan equilibrium
Epithelial physiology
Osmotic regulation of the cell

Muscle Physiology
Microscopic anatomy of the muscle fiber
Mechanisms of muscle contraction
Development and regulation of muscle function

Neurophysiology

1- Describe the general organization of the nervous systems from the systemic (CNS vs PNS) to the cellular (perikarya, dentrites, axon) level.

2- Understand the basic principles involved in the transmission of a nerve impulse, both electrical (action potential) and chemical (synapse). The student should understand the physiological basis of the membrane potential, the action potential, synaptic transmission, neurotransmitters and associated receptors, and forms of neural integration (temporal and spatial summation).
 
3- Understand the neural mechanisms involved in enabling an organism to be aware of the surrounding environment (sensory systems) and to be able to respond to it (motor systems). The student should understand how stimuli are transduced and transmitted to higher brain centers to be decoded and reconstructed.The student should understand the function of the motor system with particular emphasis on the control of muscles by nerves, the involvement of the spinal cord and the brain in the motor system, and the vestibular control of equilibrium and balance.
 
4- Describe the general organization of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its role in the regulation of many physiological systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, etc.). The student should demostrate knowledge on the structure and function of the autonomic nervous system (organization, sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, reflexes governed by the ANS and control of the the adrenal gland).

5- Describe and understand the role of the hypothalamus in the regulation of homeostatic balance and as an integral part of the limbic system.

6- Understand how many simple and complex behaviors, (sexual behavior, learning, etc.), moods, emotions and motivation are regulated by the central nervous systems.The student should demonstrate knowledge on central integrative systems (circadian rhythms, motivational systems - for the maintenance of internal balance, learning, memory, and language systems).

Endocrine Physiology
1- Introduction to the endocrine system
Describe the chemical composition of hormones, how they are synthesized and secreted
 
2- Mechanisms of hormone action
Understand the interactions between hormones and receptors and the mechanisms by which this interaction initiates a cellular response, discuss the concept of second messengers.
3- Neuroendocrinology
Discuss the interaction between the brain, pituitary and target glands in the regulation of hormonal secretion.
4- Anterior pituitary
Enumerate the hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary and discuss their physiological role; contrast pulsatile vs tonic secretion of hormones.
5- Posterior pituitary
Compare hormone synthesis by the anterior and posterior pituitary, list the hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary and discuss their physiological role.
6- Discuss the role of hormones in the maintenance of homeostatic balance of:
Ca++, glucose, lipids, other nutrients, water and electrolyte balance.
7- Discuss the role of the endocrine system in eliciting a response to stress.

Reproductive Physiology

1- Understand the interplay between genes and hormones in the expression of male and female phenotypes.

2- Describe and compare the reproductive systems of male and female vertebrates.

3- Compare the sexual behavior of male and female mammals. Indicate the role of the central nervous system, pituitary and gonads in the regulation of this behavior.

4- Describe the main events that lead to fertilization, implantation and labor.

5- Understand the mechanisms by which "the pill", "RU486" and Norplant act as "contraceptives".

6- Understand the hormonal regulation of lactation.

 

Teaching Methods:

Lectures, independent study and group discussions. Resources: Illustrations, slides, tutorial activities and hand-outs prepared by the staff.

 

Evaluation:

- Two partial exams will be administered and will account for 80% of the grade.
- The additional 20% of the grade will be based on quizzes, oral and/or written paper presentations and/or class participation.
- The distribution of grades will be based on the following scale: 100-90% A, 89-80% B, 79-65% C, and F for averages below 65%.

Written examinations are the means utilized by the Department to measure the students achievements in their educational experiences. It is our intention to guarantee that all students have the opportunity to demonstrate their academic achievement under the same circumstances; eliminating all possibility for unfair or unethical behavior. We trust the students in their commitment to honesty and professional ethics; should unethical behavior be evidenced, appropriate measures will be taken.

 

Participating Faculty-Department of Physiology, U.P.R.:

Dr. Annabell C. Segarra, Coordinator
Dr. Guido Santacana, Associate Professor
Dr. Nelson Escobales, Professor
Dr. Walter Silva, Associate Professor
Dr. Conchita Zuazaga, Professor

 

Office Hours:

All professors will be available for consultation during the week by prior appointment.

 

Recommended Textbooks:

1. Physiology; R.M. Berne and M.N. Levy. Fourth Edition. Mosby, Inc. N.Y. 1998.

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Created by Robert A. Furilla and Updated on September 06, 2000