General Human Physiology I

Recommended Prerequisites

[1] Biology [2] Chemistry; [3] English.

Teaching Methods

Face-to-face teaching method with class lectures, plus a learning component based on problem solving (PBL) as well as presentation of works.

Learning Outcomes

The General Physiology I curricular unit is the first contact students will have with basic notions of the functioning of the human body. This knowledge base will be fundamental for complementary curricular units such as Exercise Physiology, Exercise Biochemistry and biomechanics, among others. Students should have acquired knowledge of the basic principles of human physiology, with the following minimum knowledge required: Main components of the human body, especially the cell and its implications in the homeostasis mechanism; mechanism of transport across cell membrane. Concept of gene, genetic code, and its physiological implications. Biophysical mechanisms of the membrane: action potential; Stimulus-contraction coupling in the skeletal muscle; Sensitivity pathways and their implications in motor action; Understanding motor pathways. Higher nerve functions.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Introduction to the study of Physiology. Homeostasis and feedback mechanism. Organs and systems, body compartments. Chemical composition of the body. Main molecules that participate in energy mechanisms. Cell structure. Components of cells and their functions in the regulation of physiological mechanisms. The core and the genetic control. Gene expression. Synthesis and protein release. Cell membrane and interactions between the cell and the surrounding environment. Transport mechanisms across the membrane. Membrane potential. Introduction to the study of the nervous system. Neurons and synapses. Physical phenomena of cellular excitability and conduction of nerve impulse. Classification of neurons and support cells. The central nervous system. Structure and organization of the brain. Autonomous nervous system. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Concept of receptor, neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. Muscle. Skeletal and smooth muscle: differences and similarities. Mechanisms of skeletal muscle contraction. Neuronal control of skeletal muscle contraction. Reflexes and types of muscle fiber. Sensory physiology. Sensory receptors. Sensibilities pathways. Higher nerve functions.

Head Lecturer(s)

Paula Cristina Vaz Bernardo Tavares

Assessment Methods

Continuous
Evaluation tests: 100.0%

Bibliography

[1] Widmaier EP, Raff H, Strang KT. Vander's Human Physiology - The mechanisms of body function. 12ed, McGraw-Hill, 2011 (livro de referência).

[2] Ganong WF. Fisiologia Médica, Lang (McGraw-Hill) 22ed, 2007

[3] Seeley RR, Stephens TD, Tate P. Anatomia e Fisiologia, Lusodidática, 2007, 6ºed