Human Physiology

1. Tissue structure, Integumentary System, and early stages of embryology

• The organization of the human body beyond the cellular level:  The structure and function of the four tissue types

• The integumentary system:  The identification and description of the components  of the epidermis and the dermis; specialized cells, structures, and glands

• Early stages of human embryonic development

2. The Nervous System

• The structure and function of the major parts of the brain and spinal cord

• The structure and function of the major nerves

• Components and functions of reflex arcs

• Sensory organs

• Sensory receptors and associated neural pathways in the skin, muscles, and ligaments

• Sensory receptors and associated neural pathways in the nose, eye, and ear

3. Muscle Physiology

• The location, structure, and functions of major muscles and muscle groups of the human body

• The gross anatomy of muscles and microscopic anatomy of muscle tissue

• The physiology of skeletal muscle contraction

4. The Skeletal System

• The basic structure, histology, and components of the human skeleton

• The changes in skeletal structure during growth and development (ossification)

• The basic mechanical principles of movement as they relate to joints (biomechanics)

5.  Homeostasis / The Endocrine System

• The definition of the term homeostasis, its importance, and the conditions required to fulfill homeostasis

• The definitions of the terms internal environment, stress, positive feedback system and negative feedback system, and their roles in homeostasis

• Examples of homeostatic mechanisms, including negative and positive feedback systems

• The hormones of the endocrine glands will be identified, and the effects of each hormone will be studied

6.  The Reproductive System

• The male and female reproductive structures will be identified and the function of the reproductive system will be described

• Gametogenesis of both sexes

• Placental development

7.  The Circulatory System

• The human circulatory and lymphatic systems

• The composition and properties of blood

• The types, characteristics and functions of white blood cells

• The ABO blood groups and the Rh factor

• The tissues related to the heart

• The heart conduction system

• Major arteries and veins

• Blood pressure and pulse

• Major blood reservoirs in the body

• The mechanism of blood clotting

8.  Resistance and Immunity

• Non-specific versus specific resistance

• The nature and roles of cellular and humoral specific immunity

9.  The Respiratory System

• The major components of the human respiratory system and their functions

• The mechanism and types of ventilation

• How oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported in the blood

• The nervous control of breathing

• Respiratory alkalosis and acidosis

10.  The Digestive System

• The digestion and absorption of macromolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids)

11. The Excretory System

• Osmoregulation and fluid balance in humans

• Fluid compartments and regulation of their electrolyte composition in humans

• The major components of the human urinary system and their functions

• Hormonal regulation of nephron function

• Urinalysis: typical values of various components of human urine, and the health implications of selected abnormal values

12. Buffers

• The function and chemical characteristics of major buffer systems used in the various fluid compartments of the human body