PHYSIOLOGY 8543

Course Description:

This course will develop from the fundamental principles and facts of animal and human physiology taught in the first semester in Physiology 8541. The course consists of four sections: Neurophysiology, Reproductive Physiology, Gastrointestinal Physiology and Physiological Adaptations to Special Environments. Part one presents 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 two 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. Part three presents gastrointestinal physiology with emphasis on motility, secretion, digestion, and absorption of nutrients. Finally, part four discusses special physiological adaptations such as those encountered in extreme altitude, space, regeneration, etc. Emphasis will be in the form of lectures and class discussions. Animal models will be used when appropriate 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 concepts of animal, in particular human, physiology.

General Objectives:

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).

Gastrointestinal System

1- Describe the general structure and function of the GI system.

2- Understand the importance of chewing, salivary secretion and swallowing in the digestive process.

3- Understand the process of motility and secretion in the stomach.

4- Understand the process of secretion in the exocrine pancreas.

5- Understand the process of secretion in the biliary system.

6- Understand the process of motility, secretion and absorption in the small intestine.

7- Understand the process of absorption, secretion and motility in the large intestine.

Adaptations to Special Environments and Physiological Conditions.

1- Understand the body responses to environmental stresses (i.e. temperature, high altitude, space travel, etc.)

2- Understand the physiology of exercise (metabolic aspects, ventilation, thermoregulation)

Teaching Methods:

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

Evaluation:

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

Dr. Annabell C. Segarra, CoordinatorDr. Conchita Zuazaga, Professor

Dr. Robert Furilla, Associate Professor

Dr. Jorge Miranda, Assistant Professor

Dr. Guido Santacana, Associate Professor

Dr. Hugo Sillau, Professor

Dr. Walter Silva, Associate Professor

Dr. Conchita Zuazaga, Professor

Office Hours:

All professors will be available for consultation during the week from 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

Recommended Textbooks:

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

2. Animal Physiology, K. Schmidt-Nielsen. Fourth Edition. Cambridge University Press, N.Y. 1990.

Created by Robert A. Furilla and Updated on February 01, 2000