H171 cells and membranes_2025_Prof Essop_Final (2)

H171 Physiology Overview

Course Schedule

• Introduction to Physiology

  • Neurophysiology: March 19 & 26

  • Cardiovascular physiology: May 7 & 14

  • October: Respiration physiology

• Lectures (by instructors):

  • Cells & membranes (14 lectures)

  • Neurophysiology I & II (12 lectures each)

  • Muscle physiology (12 lectures)

  • Hematology (12 lectures)

  • Immunology (8 lectures)

Course Materials

• Textbook: Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach by Dee Silverthorn (8th edition)

• Additional Resources: Slides and other materials provided by lecturers.

• Attendance: Voluntary but recommended; marks awarded for ≥80% attendance.

Group Project

• Objective: Apply fundamental physiology concepts to real-life contexts.

• Format: Literature review and video presentation.

• Deadlines:

  • Topic selection: March 14, 2025

  • Group finalization: March 24, 2025

  • Literature review submission: September 19, 2025

  • Video presentations: October 13, 2025

Tests and Assessments

First Semester

• Test Dates:

  • Test 1: March 14, 2025

  • Test 2: May 23, 2025

• Weighting:

  • Tests: 73% (overall)

  • Practicals: 9% (3 practicals)

  • Group project: 15%

  • Attendance: 3%

• Final Exam Date: November 14, 2025 (subject to change).

Key Concepts in Physiology

Physiology vs. Anatomy

• Physiology studies functions of living organisms while anatomy focuses on structures.

Major Themes of Physiology

• Structure and function relationships, energy transfer, information flow, homeostasis, and evolution.

Levels of Organization

• Molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels.

Office Information

• Module Convenor: Prof. Faadiel Essop, Room 3027, 3rd Floor, BMRI Building.

Historical Context and Development of Physiology

Early Contributions

• William Harvey (1628): Recognition of blood circulation as a key physiological concept.

• Ancient Greeks: Explored causes of diseases with rational methods.

Notable Historical Figures

• Ibn Sina (Avicenna): Influences in medieval medicine, especially in physiology and anatomy.

Evolution of Physiology

• Growth of the discipline from ancient philosophy to modern science, focusing on homeostasis and regulatory systems in the body.

Fundamental Physiological Principles

Homeostasis

• Definition: A self-regulating process that maintains stability while adjusting to external changes.

• Importance of balance between internal and external environments to maintain health.

Major Control Systems

• Local and long-distance reflex mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis, significant physiological responses to stimuli.