Code A1
Type Compulsory
Semester A
ECTS credits 6
Teaching Staff A. Mitsakos, E. Kouvelas, G. Kostopoulos, G. Stathopoulos Department of Physiology, Medical School, University of Patras

PHYSIOLOGY

Coordinator: K. GYFTOPOULOS, DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY

Teaching Staff: STAFF MEMBERS OF DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY (E. Kouvelas, K. Kostopoulos, G. Stathopoulos, A. Mitsacou)

Aims & Objectives

To acquire basic knowledge of human physiology

Learning outcomes & Competences

Learning terminology and concepts essential to the understanding of human physiology
Understanding of the fundamental processes and regulatory mechanisms of the major organ functions in the human body
Embedding of basic physiology in simple clinical practice examples

Prerequisites

Basic principles of cell biology, biochemistry and anatomy

Content

Overview of homeostasis and energy consumption; excitability and intercellular communication; physiology of central, peripheral and autonomic nervous system; cardiovascular and respiratory physiology; physiology of the gastrointestinal and renal system

Recommended reading / Bibliography

In each topic suggested reading is provided.

Teaching and learning methods

Topics are mainly analyzed in Lectures, with appropriate PowerPoint presentations that are distributed to the participants.

Assessment

Final assessment is by means of multiple choice written exams.

ANATOMY

Coordinator: K. GYFTOPOULOS, DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY

Teaching Staff: STAFF MEMBERS OF DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY (K. Gyftopoulos, E. Petrou, V. Bravou. D. Papachristou, S. Syggelos, M. Assimakopoulou)

Aims & Objectives

To acquire a basic knowledge of human anatomy in order to facilitate communication with medical staff and better understanding of the biomedical technology used in clinical practice.

Learning outcomes & Competences

Understanding basic principles of Human Anatomy
Learning of basic anatomical terms in each system.
Embedding of basic anatomy in simple clinical practice examples (PBL).

Prerequisites

None

Content

Introduction and Anatomical Terminology. Structural Plan of the Human Body. Form, structure and function, Levels of structural organization. Levels of functional organization (specialization at the cellular level, formation of organs and organ systems).
The Cellular and Tissue Level of Organization. Cell structure and function Embryological approach to differentiation. Tissues of the human body.
The Organ Systems. The integumentary system. Basic structure and functions, Mechanical and electrical properties. Permeability, reaction to injury.
The Skeletal System, Basic structure and function. Bones and bone growth. Articulations, Kinesiology. Mechanical axis of a bone. Osteology and radiological anatomy. The Muscular System, Basic structure and function.
The Nervous System. Basic structure and function. The neuron. Receptors and effectors. Neuronal circuits – reflexes. The muscular tone. Central and peripheral nervous system. Sensory, motor and integrative systems.
The endocrine system.
The heart and the cardiovascular system. Anatomy of the heart. Principles of circulation. Regulation of blood pressure. Principles of blood pressure measurement.
The vessels – blood and lymphatic. The immune system.
The respiratory system. The pleural cavity and the lungs. Mechanics of respiration.
The digestive system. Anatomy of the oral cavity, the oesophagus, the stomach, the duodenum, the small and large intestine. Glands of the digestive system (liver, pancreas).
The urinary system. The kidneys. Physiology of urine production. The ureters. Disorders in peristalsis (eg colic). The lower urinary system (bladder, urethra, prostate).
The reproductive system. Male and female genital system. Functional anatomy –erectile function. The reproductive function. Hormonal influence on the genital system.

Recommended reading / Bibliography

In each topic suggested reading is provided.

Teaching and learning methods

Topics are mainly analyzed in Lectures, with appropriate PowerPoint presentations that are distributed to the participants. Additional material (videos etc) is provided where appropriate.Visit to the Laboratory of Anatomy is scheduled depending on availability.

Assessment

Final assessment is by means of written exams.