Systems Physiology II
Code: 107960Credits: 6
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Sciences | FB | 2 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Vicente Martinez Perea
- Email :
- vicente.martinez@uab.cat
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
It is desirable that the student has acquired basic knowledge and competences on the structure and organization of the human body and its cellular systems.
It is important that the student has acquired the basic knowledge and competences of the course Histology and General Physiology.
It is recommended that the student has taken and passed the course Systems Physiology I.
To be able to attend the sessions of laboratory practices, the student must justify having passed the biosafety and security tests that will be found in the Virtual Campus and be knowledgeable and accept the operating regulations of the laboratories of the Faculty of Biosciences.
Objectives
The subject Physiology of Systems is programmed during the second course of the Degree in Biomedical Sciences and develops the knowledge of the normal functioning of the following systems of the human organism: blood and haematopoietic organs, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, excretory system and body fluids, digestive system, endocrine system and reproductive system.
The acquisition of the basic competences of the subject will allow the student to confront with a sufficient base the study of the physiopathology and the understanding of the mechanisms of diseases that affect the diverse systems of the human organism during the following courses. Similarly, it contributes to the understanding of pharmacology.
The general training objectives of the subject are:
- Learn the basic concepts of Physiology of the different functional systems of the human body in a state of health.
- Acquire a complete and integrated vision of the interrelations of the different systems of the organism.
- Integrate the knowledge of Physiology with those acquired in other basic subjects, which deal with the structure and the cellular and molecular aspects of the organism, in order to achieve a global vision of the functioning of the human body.
- To train the student to apply the physiological knowledge in the deduction of the consequences of the pathological alterations of the human organism.
- Acquire the practical skills necessary to carry out techniques of frequent functional studies in the biomedical field
Learning outcomes
- CM22 (Prepare scientific texts and basic review papers on the physiology of the different systems of the human body.) Prepare scientific texts and basic review papers on the physiology of the different systems of the human body.
- CM23 (Analyse sex/gender differences in the field of physiology.) Analyse sex/gender differences in the field of physiology.
- KM27 (Describe the basic mechanisms of cellular and tissue physiology.) Describe the basic mechanisms of cellular and tissue physiology.
- KM28 (Describe the main experimental techniques in physiology and their utility in basic and applied research.) Describe the main experimental techniques in physiology and their utility in basic and applied research.
- KM29 (Detail physiological terminology and its main concepts.) Detail physiological terminology and its main concepts.
- SM23 (Apply appropriate and functional methodologies when conducting research projects in the field of Physiology.) Apply appropriate and functional methodologies when conducting research projects in the field of Physiology.
- SM24 (Identify the functional alterations at the level of each system of the human body that cause various types of disease.) Identify the functional alterations at the level of each system of the human body that cause various types of disease.
- SM25 (Analyse the functional mechanisms that enable the organism to adapt to the main variations in the environment.) Analyse the functional mechanisms that enable the organism to adapt to the main variations in the environment.
Contents
THEORETICAL PROGRAM
BLOOD AND HEMATOPOIETIC ORGANS
COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF BLOOD
1.- General functions of blood
2.- Physicochemical characteristics and functional constituents
3.- Hematocrit value: concept, determination, and normal values
4.- Blood volume (volemia): concept, determination, and normal values
BLOOD PLASMA
1.- Physicochemical characteristics of plasma
2.- Plasma composition
3.- Plasma proteins
ERYTHROCYTES
1.- Characteristics and functions of erythrocytes
2.- Erythropoiesis. Destruction of erythrocytes
LEUKOCYTES
1.- Characteristics of leukocytes. Leukocyte formula
2.- Functional characteristics of neutrophils and eosinophils; basophils and mast cells
4.- Functional characteristics of macrophages
5.- Inflammation, mediators, and factors that modify the inflammatory response
HEMOSTASIS
1.- Concept, phases, and components of hemostasis
2.- Platelets and primary hemostasis
3.- Blood coagulation
4.- Fibrinolysis, coagulation–fibrinolysis balance, and blood flow
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION TO THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
1.- Basic principles of cardiovascular system function
CARDIAC MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY
1.- Characteristics of myocardial fibers and myocardial contraction
2.- Electromechanical coupling. Role of calcium
3.- Determinants of contractile force. Differences with skeletal muscle
4.- Ventricular function curve
5.- Myocardial metabolism
ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY OF THE HEART
1.- Resting potential, action potential, and threshold in myocardial muscle
2.- Action potential
3.- Myocardial excitability and conductivity. Origin of spontaneous electrical activity
4.- Conduction of the electrical impulse in the heart
5.- Regulation of cardiac automatism
6.- Recording of cardiac electrical activity. ECG
CARDIAC CYCLE
1.- Systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation)
2.- Atria
3.- Ventricles
4.- Function of intracardiac valves: unidirectional flow
REGULATION OF CARDIAC FUNCTION
1.- Basic parameters of cardiac function
2.- Mechanisms regulating cardiac function
3.- Neural control of cardiac function
VENOUS HEMODYNAMICS
1.- General functions of the venous system
2.- Specific venous reservoirs
3.- Venous pressure and resistance
4.- Qualitative and quantitative relationship between venous return and cardiac output
ARTERIAL HEMODYNAMICS
1.- Differences between pulmonary and systemic arteries
2.- Functional segments of systemic circulation
3.- Distribution of blood volume in circulation
4.- Relationship between flow velocity and cross-sectional area
5.- Relationship between pressure and resistance
6.- Arterial pressure curve
7.- Determinants of arterial pressure
8.- Rhythmic fluctuations of arterial pressure
MICROCIRCULATION. CAPILLARY AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
1.- Basic function of microcirculation. Metabolic exchange
2.- Capillary system
3.- Diffusion phenomenon
4.- Starling principle
5.- Hemodynamic functions of the lymphatic system
MECHANISMS OF BLOOD FLOW CONTROL
1.- General classification of control mechanisms
2.- Short-term local control mechanisms
3.- Long-term local control mechanisms
4.- Humoral control mechanisms
5.- Neural control mechanisms
REGULATION OF ARTERIAL PRESSURE
1.- Relationship between arterial pressure and local flow control
2.- Changes in arterial pressure with age
3.- Global control of arterial pressure
4.- Functional differences between short- and long-term control
5.- Classification of regulatory mechanisms
6.- Neural mechanisms of short-term control
7.- Properties of baroreceptors and chemoreceptors
8.- Low-pressure receptors
9.- Ventricular receptors
10.- CNS ischemic response
11.- Humoral mechanisms of short-term control
12.- Intrinsic circulatory mechanisms of short-term control
13.- Long-term control mechanisms
CIRCULATION IN SPECIAL REGIONS
1.- Coronary circulation
2.- Cerebral circulation
3.- Cutaneous circulation
4.- Muscular circulation
5.- Splanchnic circulation
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION TO RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY
1.- Functional organization of the respiratory system
2.- Respiratory and non-respiratory functions
RESPIRATORY MECHANICS
1.- Respiratory cycle
2.- Pressure and volume changes throughout the respiratory cycle
3.- Elastic properties and resistance of the respiratory system – lung compliance. Importance of pulmonary surfactant
4.- Work of breathing
PULMONARY AND ALVEOLAR VENTILATION
1.- Methods for assessing ventilatory function. Spirometry
2.- Lung volumes and capacities
3.- Pulmonary spaces – dead space
4.- Pulmonary ventilation (minute ventilation)
5.- Alveolar ventilation
GAS EXCHANGE IN THE LUNGS
1.- Composition and partial pressures of respiratory gases
2.- Diffusion of gases across the respiratory membrane
3.- Pulmonary diffusion capacity
TRANSPORT OF RESPIRATORY GASES IN BLOOD
1.- Oxygen binding and transport
2.- CO₂ binding and transport
3.- Gas exchange between blood and tissues
4.- Respiratory quotient
5.- Blood buffering capacity
REGULATION OF RESPIRATION
1.- Respiratory centers: functional organization
2.- Respiratory rhythm
3.- Neural control of respiration
4.- Chemical control of respiration
5.- Voluntary control of respiration
6.- Respiratory adaptation in special situations
PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE
1.- Integrated muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular, thermal, and hydroelectrolytic responses
2.- Adaptation to exercise
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION TO DIGESTIVE PHYSIOLOGY
1.- General functions of the digestive system
2.- Components and functions of the digestive system
3.- Control of gastrointestinal functions: extrinsic innervation. Enteric nervous system. Gastrointestinal hormones and regulatory peptides
4.- Immune regulation
5.- Gastrointestinal reflexes
GASTROINTESTINAL SECRETIONS
1.- General characteristics of gastrointestinal secretions
SALIVARY SECRETION
1.- Functions of saliva
2.- Saliva composition
3.- Mechanisms of salivary secretion
4.- Regulation of salivary secretion
GASTRIC SECRETIONS
1.- Functional activity of the gastric mucosa: functional histology
2.- Acid secretion: composition and regulation. Pharmacological control of acid secretion
3.- Other gastric secretions: digestive enzymes, mucus, and intrinsic factor
4.- Gastric mucosal barrier
EXOCRINE PANCREATIC SECRETION
1.- Functions
2.- Composition
3.- Neuroendocrine regulation: phases of pancreatic secretion
BILE SECRETION AND LIVER
1.- Functions of bile secretion
2.- Composition
3.- Bile acid biosynthesis: regulatory mechanisms
4.- Bile pigments
5.- Regulation of bile secretion
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION OF NUTRIENTS
1.- Carbohydrates: dietary intake, enzymatic digestion, absorption mechanisms
2.- Proteins: dietary intake, enzymatic digestion, absorption mechanisms
3.- Lipids: dietary intake, enzymatic digestion, absorption, chylomicron formation: structure of chylomicrons
4.- Vitamin absorption
INTESTINAL WATER AND ELECTROLYTE HANDLING
1.- Intestinal secretion and absorption of water and electrolytes
2.- Physiological basis of diarrhea
GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY: SWALLOWING AND ESOPHAGEAL TRANSIT
1.- Mastication. Formation of the food bolus
2.- Swallowing: phases
3.- Swallowing disorders: dysphagia
4.- Esophageal transit: primary and secondary peristalsis
5.- Esophageal motility disorders: achalasia
GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY: GASTRIC MOTILITY
1.- Functional structure of the stomach
2.- Gastric accommodation reflex
3.- Gastric motor activity: pacemaker activity and slow waves
4.- Control of gastric emptying
5.- Vomiting
GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY: SMALL INTESTINE MOTILITY
1.- Postprandial motility: segmentation and peristaltic movements
2.- Peristaltic reflex: enteric neural circuits
3.- Interdigestive motility: migrating motor complex
4.- Motor function and control of the ileocecal valve
LARGE INTESTINE: DIGESTIVE AND MOTOR FUNCTIONS
1.- Functional structure of the colon
2.- Colonic mechanisms of digestion and absorption
3.- Large intestine motility
4.- Defecation reflex: continence
REGULATION OF BODY TEMPERATURE
1.- Body temperature
2.- Heat balance
3.- Mechanisms regulating body temperature: heat loss and heat production
4.- Thermoregulatory disorders: hyperthermia and fever
SEMINARS AND CASE RESOLUTION PROGRAM
- Blood and hemostasis – case analysis
- Cardiovascular system: cardiac output calculation. Hemodynamic parameters
- Cardiovascular system: analysis of high physiological demand situations
- Respiratory system: alveolar and pulmonary ventilation. Volumes and respiratory spaces
- Enterohepatic circulation: applied relevance
- Gastrointestinal adaptations (pregnancy, lactation, development, and diet): case studies
- Physiological basis of diarrhea
LABORATORY PRACTICAL PROGRAM
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
- Electrocardiogram
- Recording procedure. Electrode placement
- Bipolar, unipolar, and precordial leads
- Evaluation of normal ECG recordings
- Determination of heart rate and electrical axis
EXERCISE ADAPTATIONS
- Measurement of physiological responses to different types of physical exercise
RESPIRATORY FUNCTION TESTS
- Spirometry procedure and recording
- Determination of respiratory functional parameters
GASTROINTESTINAL PHYSIOLOGY
- Nutrient digestion: activity of human salivary amylase
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| practical labioratory thecniques | 7 | 0.28 | CM22, KM27, KM28, KM29, SM24, SM25 |
| study | 46 | 1.84 | KM27, KM29, SM24, SM25 |
| works elaboration | 15 | 0.6 | CM22, CM23, KM27, KM29, SM24, SM25 |
| supervised type | 3 | 0.12 | KM27, KM28, KM29, SM24, SM25 |
| questions resolution | 21 | 0.84 | CM22, CM23, KM27, KM28, KM29, SM24, SM25 |
| classrom cases resolution | 10 | 0.4 | CM22, CM23, KM28 |
| theoretical expossitions | 36 | 1.44 | CM22, CM23, KM27, KM28, KM29, SM24, SM25 |
Theoretical classes:
Systemized exhibition of the subject's agenda, giving relevance to the most important concepts. The student acquires the basic scientific knowledge of the subject attending classes of theory, which will complement the personal study of the exposed subjects.
Classroom practices:
Presentation and work on cases or problems of relevance to the learning of the subject. The knowledge acquired in the theory classes and in the personal study apply to the resolution of practical cases that are posed in the seminars. Students work in small groups.
Practical classes:
Practical sessions for the observation and realization of procedures, the practical learning of physiological techniques. It promotes group work and active self-learning.
Use of AI.
For this subject, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is allowed exclusively in support tasks, such as bibliographic or information search, proofreading or translations. The student will have to clearly identify which parts have been generated with this technology, specify the tools used and include a critical reflection on how these have influenced the process and the final result of the activity. Non-transparency of the use of AI in this evaluable activity will be considered academic dishonesty and may result in a partial or total penalty in the grade of the activity, or higher penalties in serious cases.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluation of the preparation and presentations of the problems and cases and of works carried out | 15% | 3 | 0.12 | CM22, CM23, KM27, KM28, KM29, SM23, SM25 |
| Assessment of theoretical knowledge through two objective examinations. These examinations will consist of a combination of multiple-choice questions and essay questions (to assess students' ability to solve problems and provide reasoned explanations). | 70% | 6 | 0.24 | CM23, KM27, KM28, KM29, SM24, SM25 |
| Evaluation of practical knowledge through tests, analysis of data and tests | 15% | 3 | 0.12 | CM22, CM23, KM27, KM28, KM29, SM24, SM25 |
The competences of this subject will be evaluated by means of:
1- Evaluation of theoretical knowledge through objective tests (70% of the final grade)
Two partial evaluations of the subject will be carried out, with a weight proportional to the number of classes given. These tests will consist of development questions and/or multiple-choice questions, where the whole subject matter of the course will be covered. It is necessary to obtain a grade equal or higher than 4,5 in each partial evaluation to consider that part as passed. The parts not passed can be recovered in a final recovery test. An average will only be made with other evaluation activities (calculation of the final grade) when all the tests are passed with a grade higher or equal to 4,5.
2 - Evaluation of the problems, cases and works carried out in the seminars (15% of the final grade).
By their nature, the seminars/case studies are not recoverable activities. Failure to complete a particular seminar will result in a grade of 0.0 for the activity in question. This grade is obtained from the average of the grades of the scheduled seminars.
3- Evaluation of practical knowledge (laboratory) (15% of the final grade).
Practical activities are evaluated on the basis of two activities: i) questionnaires of laboratory practices (5% of the grade, non-repeating students or repieating students which have waived the completion of the practical sessions, see below for details); ii) exams of practical contents (10% of the grade, non-repeating students or repieating students which have waived the completion of the practical sessions, see below for details). A single practice exams will be given at the same time as the second evaluation of theoretical knoledge. The practice exams will not be recoverable.
In order to attend the laboratory practice sessions, the student must prove that he/she has passed the biosafety and security tests that can be found in the Virtual Campus and that he/she is aware of and accepts the rules of operation of the laboratories of the Faculty of Biosciences. The laboratory practicals are compulsory activities according to the regulations of the Faculty of Biosciences.
Practicum grades are not recoverable or modifiable.
- Calculation of the final grade:
Final grade = Weighted grade ofthe theoretical midterm (70%) + Seminar grade (15%) + Practical grade (15%).
The final grade is calculated on the basis of the three evaluation activities indicated above and can only be calculated if in the evaluation of theoretical knowledge each of the three partial grades have been passed with a grade greater than or equal to 4,5.
In case of not being able to calculate an overall final grade for not fulfilling the condition of passing the midterm with a grade higher or equal to 4,5 the student will receive a final grade that will correspond to the lowest grade of the two theoretical knowledge evaluations.
- Repeating students: No grade will be kept from one course to the next. Repeating students can make partial waivers:
(i) Waive the completion of the practical sessions. In this case, they will have to take the practical exam, like the rest of the students, and the grade obtained in the exam will represent their final practical grade (15% of the final grade).
ii) Waiving the seminars. In this case, the final grade will be calculated as theory (85%) + practical (15%).
To participate in the recovery, students must have been previously evaluated in a set of activities the weight of which is equivalent to a minimum of two thirds of the total grade of the course. Therefore, the student will obtain the grade of \"Not Evaluable\" when the evaluation activities performed have a weight of less than 67% in the final grade.
Single evaluation: This subject does not include a single evaluation.
Any irregularity in an assessment activity (academic fraud, plagiarism, or the improper use of AI, unless such use is expressly authorized in the course syllabus) that may result in a significant change to the grade will lead to that assessment activity being awarded a grade of 0. If the course syllabus establishes that obtaining a minimum grade in that assessment activity is an essential requirement for passing the course, or if multiple irregularities occur in the assessment activities of the same course, the final grade for the course will be 0. In addition, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student who commits any of these irregularities.
Bibliography
GNERAL REFERENCES:
BERNE R, LEVY M. Fisiología (8a ed.). Elsevier-Mosby, 2024.
GUYTON AC, HALL JE. Tratado de Fisiología Médica (15ª ed.). Elsevier, 2026.
POCOCK G, RICHARDS CD. Fisiología humana. La base de la Medicina (2ª ed.). Masson, 2005.
TRESGUERRES JAF. Fisiología Humana (5ª ed.). Mc Graw Hill-Interamericana, 2020.
JOHNSON, LR. Gastrointestinal Physiology (9º ed.). Mosby – Physiology Mongraphs, 2019.
References in digital format:
Several of the proposed texts are available in digital version through the UAB Library Service. It is recommended to follow the following guide for the location of digital texts: https://ddd.uab.cat/pub/guibib/224929/bibrecdigitals.pdf
Software
This subject does not use any specific software.
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TE) Theory | 52 | Spanish | second semester | afternoon |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 521 | Catalan | second semester | morning-mixed |
| (SEM) Seminars | 521 | Catalan/Spanish | second semester | afternoon |
| (PLABs) Suport a les pràctiques de laboratori | 521 | Catalan | second semester | morning-mixed |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 522 | Catalan | second semester | morning-mixed |
| (SEM) Seminars | 522 | Catalan/Spanish | second semester | afternoon |
| (PLABs) Suport a les pràctiques de laboratori | 522 | Catalan | second semester | morning-mixed |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 523 | Catalan | second semester | morning-mixed |
| (PLABs) Suport a les pràctiques de laboratori | 523 | Catalan | second semester | morning-mixed |