General physiology [MMEDB222]

Learning outcomes

At the end of the theoretical and practical teaching activities, the student will have acquired the different notions that will allow him/her to : • to establish the general scheme of a homeostasis regulation system and to apply it to concrete cases of internal equilibrium, by mastering the morpho-functional specificities of the different actors involved. • to integrate the different processes of cellular communication based on a thorough knowledge of membrane dynamics and extracellular message transduction systems • explain the specific functioning of the cell types involved in the control and adaptation of force and movement (muscle cells and neurons) • to consider the compartmentalisation of body fluids and the coordination of their exchange of matter • master the cellular bases and general principles that play a key role in the major systems (nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory)

Objectives

The aim of general physiology is to introduce the functional properties common to all living beings. The mastery of the subject is indispensable for the understanding of the specific and integrated functioning of human organs. General physiology can thus be identified with a discipline located at the crossroads of other disciplines, which aims to integrate knowledge by identifying general mechanisms. The general objectives of this course are to • Understand the importance of homeostasis regulations and associated feedback controls, as well as the concepts of dynamic equilibrium • To understand the mechanisms that govern the transfer of matter between the different compartments of the body • Understand the processes of cellular communication, integrating the effects of extracellular mediators and the electrical activity of excitable cells • Apply the previous notions to the integration of the mechanisms of muscular contraction and relaxation • Apply what has been learned to examples of integrated physiology

Content

In particular, this teaching favours an integrated approach to physiology with the constant concern to lead the student to establish links between the different parts of the course, as well as with other subjects taught (in particular biology, histology, biochemistry). The different parts of the course cover the following topics: • homeostasis and internal environment - regulations • membrane dynamics - material transport • cell communication - receptors, mediators, transduction • neurons and autonomic nervous system • muscle contraction - striated/smooth muscle • blood and haemostasis • thermoregulation • cellular bases and general principles applying to the major systems (nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory)