Curriculum

13 Sections
181 Lessons
52 Weeks

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M04 Quiz: Medical Physiology
This comprehensive quiz covers a wide range of topics from all sections of physiology, ensuring a thorough evaluation of your understanding. With a pool of 500 questions, each quiz attempt will present a unique set of randomly selected questions, offering a diverse testing experience every time.
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  M04 Quiz: Medical Physiology
  15 Minutes10 Questions
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  M04 Quiz: Medical Physiology
  5 Minutes5 Questions
M04.01 Cell biology
Understand Cell Structure and Function: Describe organelles and key processes like mitosis. Explore Cell Signaling and Communication: Discuss pathways and cell interactions. Analyze Cellular Transport: Study transport mechanisms and cell cycle regulation. Understand Cell Diversity and Disease: Recognize specialized functions and disease mechanisms. Develop Integrative and Critical Thinking: Connect with other disciplines and analyze data.
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M04.02 Cell physiology
Understand Cellular Processes: Describe metabolism and signal transduction. Explore Energy Production: Define energy pathways and regulation. Analyze Cell Communication: Discuss signaling mechanisms. Understand Homeostasis: Investigate mechanisms maintaining cell balance. Apply in Disease: Understand cellular involvement in diseases.
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M04.03 Fluid Distribution and Edema
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to: Describe the distribution of body fluids and the factors regulating fluid movement. Explain the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to edema. Identify and evaluate clinical signs and causes of edema. Develop appropriate management and treatment plans for patients with edema.
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M04.04 Excitable Tissue
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure, function, and physiology of excitable tissues, emphasizing the mechanisms of action potentials, synaptic transmission, and neuromuscular communication, preparing students to diagnose and treat related disorders effectively.
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M04.05 Muscle
The objective of M04.05 Muscle Physiology is to understand the mechanisms of muscle contraction, the molecular basis of muscle function, the types of muscle tissue, and the regulation of muscle activity. Students will explore muscle metabolism, excitation-contraction coupling, and the physiological adaptations of muscles to exercise and disease.
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M04.06 Cardiovascular
The objective of M04.06 Cardiovascular Physiology is to understand the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, the regulation of blood flow and pressure, and the integration of cardiovascular responses. Students will study cardiac cycle mechanics, electrical conduction, and the physiological basis of cardiovascular diseases and their treatments.
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M04.07 Respiratory
The objective of M04.07 Respiratory Physiology is to understand the mechanisms of breathing, gas exchange, and regulation of respiration. Students will explore the anatomy of the respiratory system, lung mechanics, oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, and the physiological responses to various conditions such as exercise, altitude, and respiratory diseases.
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M04.08 Gastrointestinal
The objective of M04.08 Gastrointestinal Physiology is to understand the processes of digestion, absorption, and motility within the gastrointestinal tract. Students will study the regulatory mechanisms controlling gastrointestinal function, the roles of various digestive enzymes and hormones, and the integration of neural and endocrine signals in maintaining gastrointestinal health and responding to diseases.
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M04.09 Urinary Physiology
The objective of M04.09 Urinary Physiology is to understand the mechanisms of kidney function, including filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion. Students will explore the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-base homeostasis, urine formation, and the physiological responses to alterations in hydration and electrolyte levels, as well as the impact of renal diseases.
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M04.10 Reproductive
This course explores the intricate mechanisms governing human reproduction. From hormonal regulation to the processes of spermatogenesis and oogenesis, delve into the complexities of male and female reproductive physiology. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the hormonal regulation, anatomical structures, and physiological processes underlying human reproduction.
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M04.11 Central nervous system
function of the brain and spinal cord, including neural communication, sensory and motor pathways, and higher cognitive functions. Students will explore synaptic transmission, neuroplasticity, and the physiological basis of neurological diseases and their treatments.
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M04.12 Endocrine
The objective of M04.12 Endocrine Physiology is to understand the regulation and functions of the endocrine system, including hormone synthesis, secretion, and action. Students will study the roles of major endocrine glands, the mechanisms of hormone signaling, feedback loops, and the physiological effects of hormonal imbalances and endocrine disorders.
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M04.07.007 Lung Inflation Curve and Compliance

A static isolated lung inflation curve, as illustrated in Figure VII-1-9, depicts the relationship between lung volume and intrapleural pressure. This curve is essential for understanding lung mechanics and the concept of lung compliance.

Lung Compliance

Lung compliance is a measure of the lungs’ ability to expand and contract. It is defined as the change in lung volume (tidal volume) divided by the change in surrounding pressure. Mathematically, it can be expressed as:

Compliance = ΔV / ΔP

where:

ΔV = Change in lung volume (tidal volume)
ΔP = Change in intrapleural pressure

Clinical Correlates

Common clinical signs of a tension pneumothorax, a condition characterized by increased intrapleural pressure, include:

Respiratory distress
Asymmetry of breath sounds
Deviation of the trachea to the opposite side of the tension pneumothorax
Markedly depressed cardiac output

Example Calculation

Given:

Tidal volume = 0.6 liters
Intrapleural pressure before inspiration = -5 cm H2O
Intrapleural pressure after inspiration = -8 cm H2O

Lung compliance can be calculated as:

Compliance = (0.6 liters) / (-8 cm H2O - (-5 cm H2O)) = 0.200 liters/cm H2O

This result indicates that for every 1 cm H2O change in surrounding pressure, 200 mL of air flows in or out of the respiratory system.

Factors Affecting Lung Compliance

Increased compliance: More air will flow for a given change in pressure.
Reduced compliance: Less air will flow for a given change in pressure.

The slope of the lung inflation curve reflects lung compliance. A steeper slope indicates higher compliance, while a flatter slope suggests lower compliance.

Pathological States Affecting Lung Compliance

Figure VII-1-10 illustrates how lung compliance can change in various pathological states, including:

Emphysema: Increased compliance
Fibrosis: Decreased compliance
Aging: Increased compliance
Saline-filled lung: Increased compliance

Components of Lung Recoil

Lung recoil, the force that opposes lung expansion, consists of:

Tissue recoil: The elastic properties of collagen and elastin fibers in the lung tissue.
Surface tension forces: The forces acting at the air-liquid interface within the alveoli.

Surface tension forces are the primary contributor to lung recoil and can be described by the Law of LaPlace:

Pressure ∝ tension / radius

This law suggests that smaller alveoli have a greater tendency to collapse due to higher internal pressure.

Surfactant

Surfactant, a substance produced by alveolar type II cells, plays a crucial role in reducing surface tension forces within the alveoli. This helps to:

Lower lung recoil and increase compliance
Promote stability among alveoli of different sizes
Prevent atelectasis

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a condition characterized by a deficiency of surfactant. It occurs in both infants (hyaline membrane disease) and adults (ARDS). ARDS can be caused by factors such as sepsis or gastric aspiration.

Conclusion

Lung compliance is a vital factor in respiratory function. It is influenced by various factors, including lung tissue properties, surface tension forces, and the presence of surfactants. Understanding lung compliance is essential for diagnosing and treating respiratory disorders.

Bibliography

West, J. B. (2012). Respiratory Physiology: The Essentials. 10th Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Costanzo, L. S. (2018). Physiology. 6th Edition. Elsevier.
Tidal Volume and Lung Compliance. (2024). In Medical Physiology. Retrieved from MyMedSchool.org.

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M04 Medical Physiology