Human Phisiology

Recommended Prerequisites

Discipline complementary to the compulsory courses in the area of physiology. Therefore,  the frequency of the discipline of Animal Physiology or General Physiology is recommended. The course is lectured in Portuguese, so that a good domain of this language is required.

Teaching Methods

The teaching methods of both theoretical and theoretical-practical classes aim the global learning of the discipline.

The lectures are based on presentations with simple texts and diagrams, graphs, etc.., with the support of media. There is opportunity to discuss the most difficult concepts and more complex points.

In practical classes, students perform experimental activities that focus and complement the subjects of lectures.

Learning Outcomes

This course aims to provide students with knowledge and skills in the area of physiology that have not been addressed in more general courses. Particular emphasis will be given to human physiology, which will be studied in a integrated manner, with emphasis on the mechanisms of regulation and coordination of the activities of the various systems. The physiological mechanisms are studied at cellular and molecular level. Changes of physiological processes in situations of disease are often studied to stimulate learning.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Endocrine system: hormonal secretion and action

 Endocrine glands and their hormones as regulators of  the body activities, action mechanisms of hormones. Detailed study of hormones of the pituitary and its relation to the nervous system, adrenal glands, thyroid and parathyroid, pancreas and other endocrine glands; autonomous and paracrine regulation.

 2. Hormonal regulation of metabolism

 Absorption and post-state absorption states, energy balance; Hormonal control of growth, bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis. Examples of diseases of hormonal regulation of metabolism.

 3. Human reproduction and its hormonal regulation

 Male and female reproductive systems; Gametogenesis; Genetic determination of sex and embryonic development of the reproductive organs; Hormonal regulation of reproduction; fertilization, pregnancy and childbirth.

 4. Defense and Immunity

 Defense mechanisms: humoral and cellular immunity. Coordination of the immune system. Undesirable immune responses.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 10.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 15.0%
Exam (37,5%) + Midterm exam (37,5%): 75.0%

Bibliography

•Silverthorn, D.U. (2013) Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach (6ª Ed) Perason Ed.

•Fox, S.I. (2011) Human Physiology (12ª Ed) McGraw-Hill Ed

•Seeley . Stephens . Tate (2005) Anatomia & Fisiologia (6ª Ed) Lusodidacta Ed.