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Medical Physiology II

Code: 103629 ECTS Credits: 9
2024/2025
Degree Type Year
2502442 Medicine FB 2

Contact

Name:
Raquel Moral Cabrera
Email:
raquel.moral@uab.cat

Teachers

Xavier Navarro Acebes
Andreea Ciudin Mihai
Roser Velasco Fargas
Jordi Bruna Escuer
Esther Udina Bonet
Montserrat Durán Taberna
Ismael Capel Flores

Teaching groups languages

You can view this information at the end of this document.


Prerequisites

 

No official prerequisites are defined for this subject. However, it is recommended that the student has acquired the basic knowledge and competence on the structure and organization of the human body and its body systems, particularly in the subjects of Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Biophysics. It is also necessary to have completed and achieved the basic knowledge and competence of the General Physiology subject of the first year, as well as of the Medical Physiology I of the first semester of the second year.


Objectives and Contextualisation

The Medical Physiology II subject is programmed during the second semester of the second year of the Degree of Medicine and develops the knowledge of the normal function of the following systems of the human body: nervous system and special senses, endocrine and reproductive systems, and the mechanisms of adaptation of the body to the environment. The acquisition of the basic competence of this subject will allow the student to understand the normal function of the systems and to confront the study of the physiopathology and the understanding of the mechanisms of diseases that affect the different systems of the human body during the next years.

The general training objectives of the subject are:

  • To understand the basic concepts of physiology of the nervous, endocrine and reproductive systems of the human body in health, as well as the mechanisms of adaptation to the environment.
  • To acquire a comprehensive and integrated view of the interrelations of the different systems of the body.
  • To integrate the Physiology knowledge with concepts learned in other basic subjects, that deal with the structure and the cellular and molecular aspects of the organism, to achieve a global vision of the functioning of the human body.
  • To train the student to apply the physiological knowledge in deducting the consequences of the diseases.
  • To acquire practical skills in each one of the fields of Physiology for performing the most frequent functional tests in the biomedical field.
  • To acquire attitudes aimed at the promotion of health and the prevention of disease, oriented towards health medicine, and appropriate for a medical practice based on scientific evidence.

Competences

  • Critically assess and use clinical and biomedical information sources to obtain, organise, interpret and present information on science and health.
  • Demonstrate basic research skills.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and physical, biochemical and biological processes that help to understand the functioning of the organism and its disorders.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the basic sciences and the principles underpinning them.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the causal agents and the risk factors that determine states of health and the progression of illnesses.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the functions and interrelationships of body systems at different levels of organisation, homeostatic and regulatory mechanisms, and how these can vary through interaction with the environment.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the structure and function of the body systems of the normal human organism at different stages in life and in both sexes.
  • Demonstrate, in professional activity, a perspective that is critical, creative and research-oriented.
  • Formulate hypotheses and compile and critically assess information for problem-solving, using the scientific method.
  • Indicate the basic diagnosis techniques and procedures and analyse and interpret the results so as to better pinpoint the nature of the problems.
  • Organise and plan time and workload in professional activity.
  • Perform the basic practical procedures of examination and treatment.
  • Use information and communication technologies in professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyse the functional mechanisms that help the organism to adapt to the main environmental variations.
  2. Apply knowledge of physiology to the production of structured review texts.
  3. Demonstrate basic research skills.
  4. Demonstrate, in professional activity, a perspective that is critical, creative and research-oriented.
  5. Describe the function and regulatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the excretory system, the digestive system, the endocrine system and the male and female reproductive system.
  6. Describe the functioning of the nervous system and the neural regulation mechanisms.
  7. Describe the general organisation and function of the systems of the human body in health.
  8. Describe the interrelationship between the different body systems in the maintenance of homeostasis and good health.
  9. Describe the physiology of the different sense organs.
  10. Formulate hypotheses and compile and critically assess information for problem-solving, using the scientific method.
  11. Identify physiological information sources, including textbooks, atlas images, internet resources and other specific bibliographic databases.
  12. Identify the basic mechanisms of cell and tissue physiology.
  13. Identify the functional disorders at the level of each system that cause various types of diseases.
  14. Identify the functional variations of the human organism at different stages in life and their principal causes.
  15. Identify the main experimental techniques in physiology and their usefulness to basic and applied research.
  16. Identify the main techniques used in physiology laboratories.
  17. Identify the scientific bases of human physiology.
  18. Indicate techniques of functional studies that are appropriate for diagnosis and evaluation of biomedical procedures.
  19. Interpret normal and abnormal results of techniques of functional studies of body systems.
  20. Make correct use of the international physiological nomenclature.
  21. Organise and plan time and workload in professional activity.
  22. Perform basic techniques for the examination and functional assessment of physiological systems.
  23. Relate the cell and tissue characteristics of the organs and systems of the body to their function.
  24. Use information and communication technologies in professional practice.

Content

NERVOUS SYSTEM AND SPECIAL SENSES
INTRODUCTION TO NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
NEURONAL CIRCUITS
SEGMENTAL CONTROL OF MOVEMENT AND POSTURE
SUPRASEGMENTAL CONTROL OF MOVEMENT AND POSTURE
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
NERVOUS REGULATION OF VISCERAL FUNCTIONS
INTRODUCTION TO SENSE PHYSIOLOGY
SOMATIC AND VISCERAL SENSITIVITY
TASTE AND SMELL SENSITIVITY
AUDITORY AND VESTIBULAR SENSITIVITY
VISUAL SENSITIVITY
BRAIN ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY. SLEEP-WAKE STATES
HIGHER FUNCTIONS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
 
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION TO ENDOCRINOLOGY
HYPOTHALAMUS AND PITUITARY GLAND (HYPOPHISIS)
PINEAL GLAND
GROWTH HORMONE SYSTEM
PROLACTIN SYSTEM
HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY-THYROID AXIS 
ADRENAL MEDULLA
HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY-ADRENOCORTICAL AXIS 
HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY-GONADAL AXIS 
ENDOCRINE PANCREAS
HORMONAL CONTROL OF CALCIUM METABOLISM
OTHER HORMONES
 
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
PHYSIOLOGY OF THE SEXUAL RESPONSE
FERTILIZATION AND PREGNANCY
PARTURITION AND LACTATION
 
INTEGRATION AND ADAPTATION 
REGULATION OF BODY TEMPERATURE
SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY
PHYSIOLOGY OF AGING

 


Activities and Methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Type: Directed      
CASE RESOLUTION WORK (PAUL) 6 0.24 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 5, 8, 10, 17, 12, 13, 11, 15, 16, 14, 18, 19, 23, 20, 24
LABORATORY PRACTICES (PLAB) 21 0.84 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 5, 8, 10, 17, 12, 13, 15, 16, 14, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 20
THEORY (TE) 52 2.08 1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 5, 8, 17, 12, 13, 11, 15, 16, 14, 18, 19, 23, 20, 24
Type: Supervised      
TUTORIALS 23 0.92 1, 6, 7, 9, 5, 8, 10, 17, 12, 13, 11, 15, 16, 14, 18, 19, 21, 23
Type: Autonomous      
PREPARATION OF CASE-BASED WORK AND PRACTICES 23 0.92 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 5, 8, 10, 17, 12, 13, 11, 15, 16, 14, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 20, 24
SELF STUDY 90 3.6 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 5, 8, 10, 17, 12, 13, 11, 15, 16, 14, 18, 19, 21, 23, 20, 24

Theory classes:

Systematic explanation of the subject topics, giving relevance to the most important concepts. The student acquires the basic scientific knowledge of the subject in theory classes, which will be complemented by self study of the themes of the subject program.

Laboratory practices:

Practical sessions for the observation and performance of procedures, the practical learning of physiological techniques and their medical application. Group work and active self-learning are promoted.

Case-based work:

Work on cases and problems of relevance for learning the subject. The knowledge acquired in theory classes, practices and personal study is applied to the resolution of practical cases presented using the moodle application.

Tutorial teaching:

Availability of tutorials for helping in the autonomous study of physiological concepts and application for the resolution of cases.

Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.


Assessment

Continous Assessment Activities

Title Weighting Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Practical evaluation and/or questionnaires in Moodle application 15% 1.5 0.06 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 5, 8, 10, 17, 12, 13, 11, 15, 16, 14, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 20, 24
Written evaluation through objective tests: 2 tests of multiple choice questions and/or restricted questions essay tests of theoretical knowledge (75%) and knowledge of practices (15%) 85% 8.5 0.34 1, 6, 7, 9, 5, 8, 17, 12, 13, 15, 16, 14, 18, 19, 23

The acquisition of the competences described in the subject will be valued, including the learning of the Physiology of the human organism, the general training to distinguish between normality and dysfunction and the ability to integrate theoretical and practical concepts.

The evaluation of the subject will be based on the theoretical and practical syllabus that appears in the Program.

 

1. Evaluation model:

Each block or system that integrates the program of the subject will be evaluated individually, both from the theoretical and practical syllabus (laboratory and case practices).

Systems for evaluation in Medical Physiology II:

1) Nervous system and special senses
2) Endocrine and reproductive Systems, adaptation to the environment

To pass the subject it will be necessary to pass each of the two blocks with a minimum grade of 5.0 in the same academic year.

 

2. Continuous evaluation:

Two partial exams will be programmed in order to evaluate the two blocks of the subject:

1) Nervous system and special senses
2) Endocrine and reproductive Systems, adaptation to the environment

The continuous evaluation of each block will consist in:

A. Midterm exam with:

- multiple-choice items and/or restricted written questions to assess theoretical knowledge of the subject and concepts related to laboratory practices.

The grade of this exam will be 85% of the final grade of the block.

B. Tests throughout the course on the knowledge acquired in laboratory practices and case studies. The grade of these tests will be 15% of the final grade:

- Evaluation of practices, through on-site tests and/or questionnaires carried out in the Moodle application, on the concepts achieved in these.

 

To pass each system it will be necessary to obtain a minimum of 5.0 in the partial examination of theoretical and practical knowledge of the subject (section A) and a minimum of 5.0 in the overall grade of the system (85% partial exam A + 15% tests B).

To pass the subject it will be necessary to have passed each one or of the systems with a minimum of 5.0. In this case, the final grade will be the average of the marks obtained in each of the approved systems.

 

3. Final examination:

A final recovery exam will be carried out, in which the student will have to attend only to the blocks that they have not passed in the continuous evaluation of the same academic year.

The final examination of each system will consist of tests of multiple-choice questions and/or restricted written questions, and will evaluate the knowledge of theory (corresponding aproximately to 75% the exam) and laboratory and case-based practices (corresponding aproximately to 25% the exam)

 

To pass each system it will be necessary to obtain a minimum of 5.0 in the exam.

To pass the subject it will be necessary to have passed the two systems with a minimum of 5.0. In this case, the final grade will be the average of the marks obtained in each of the approved systems.  In case of not passing any of the systems, the maximum score obtained will be 4.8.

It will be considered as "not evaluable" the student who does not take the partial and final exams expressly scheduled.

 

4. Examination review procedure:

Students may submit claims to the statement of the questions during 24 hours following the completion of the exams.

The revision of the grades will be carried out in the period to be announced together with the publication of the grades of the midterm and final exams.

 

5. Single evaluation

Students can benefit from the single evaluation system, according to the regulations of the Faculty. The single assessment will be based on the same content of the subject syllabus, the acquisition of the same competences, and will have the same level of demand as the continuous assessment.

The single evaluation will consist of tests, carried out on the same date, for each of the systems or blocks that make up the subject.

In the evaluation of each system or block, an exam consisting of multiple choice questions and / or restricted written questions will be carried out to evaluate the theoretical knowledge of the subject and the concepts related to laboratory practices and case studies, with an approximate weighting of 75% and 25% of the overall grade of each system.

To pass each system it will be necessary to obtain a minimum of 5.0 in the exam.

To pass the subject it will be necessary to have approved all the systems or blocks with a minimum of 5.0. In that case, the final grade will be the average of the marks obtained in each of the systems. In case of not passing any of the systems, the maximum score obtained will be 4.8.

It will be considered as "not evaluable" the student who is not presented to the scheduled global and recovery exams.

Recovery exam. The same recovery system shall be applied as in the case of continuous evaluation.

The review of qualifications will follow the same procedure as for continuous assessment.


Bibliography

Hall JE, Guyton AC. Tratado de Fisiología Médica: Guyton & Hall, 14ª ed, Elsevier, 2021. https://www-clinicalkey-com.are.uab.cat/student/content/toc/3-s2.0-C20200037060

Koeppen BM, Stanton B. Berne & Levy Physiology. 8th ed. Elsevier, 2024. https://www-clinicalkey-com.are.uab.cat/student/content/toc/3-s2.0-C20230011980

Purves D. Neuroscience. 6th ed. Sinauer, 2018.

Tresguerres JAF. Fisiología Humana. 4ª ed. Mc Graw Hill-Interamericana, 2014. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/avjcib/alma991006207539706709

 


Software

No specific software is needed

Language list

Name Group Language Semester Turn
(PAUL) Classroom practices 101 Catalan second semester afternoon
(PAUL) Classroom practices 102 Catalan second semester afternoon
(PAUL) Classroom practices 103 Catalan second semester afternoon
(PAUL) Classroom practices 104 Catalan second semester afternoon
(PAUL) Classroom practices 105 Catalan second semester afternoon
(PAUL) Classroom practices 106 Catalan second semester afternoon
(PAUL) Classroom practices 107 Catalan second semester afternoon
(PAUL) Classroom practices 108 Catalan second semester afternoon
(PAUL) Classroom practices 109 Catalan second semester afternoon
(PAUL) Classroom practices 110 Catalan second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 101 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 102 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 103 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 104 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 105 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 106 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 107 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 108 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 109 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 110 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 111 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 112 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 113 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 114 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 115 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 116 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 117 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 118 Catalan/Spanish second semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 119 Catalan/Spanish second semester morning-mixed
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 120 Catalan/Spanish third semester morning-mixed
(TE) Theory 101 Catalan/Spanish second semester morning-mixed
(TE) Theory 102 Catalan/Spanish second semester morning-mixed
(TE) Theory 103 Catalan/Spanish second semester morning-mixed