Study Programmes

Applied Physiology3

Fisiologia Aplicada

Curse code:9554216

Véronique Claire Marie Ferret Nunes Harrington Sena

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:

The curricular unit of Applied Physiology has as main objective the study of function of the organs and systems and their regulatory mechanisms (neural and hormonal) to provide student an overview of the body function. At the end of the semester, this knowledge will be integrated with the mechanisms involved in the regulation of feeding behavior, that are of extreme importance for the future nutritionist.

After the Curricular Unit, students should be able to:

  • Know and understand the terminology used.
  • Apply the basic knowledge taught in the previous semester.
  • Have an overview of the normal functioning of the human body.
  • Understand the interrelationships between the various systems of the body.
  • Know and describe the structure and mechanisms of regulation of the digestive system.
  • Know and understand the mechanisms involved in the regulation of appetite and satiety.
  • Synthesize information rather than simply memorize facts.
  • Develop critical-thinking skills.
Syllabus:

Lectures:

  1. CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY
    Heart: Characteristics of cardiac cells, cardiac cycle
    Intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of cardiac output regulation; blood repartition in physiological and stress situations
    Vascular system: Characteristics of the vessels and functions, mechanisms of venous return regulation
    Definition of medium blood pressure (BPM) and determinants of the arterial blood pressure, mechanism of short and long-term control of blood pressure
    Intrinsic and extrinsic control of peripheral blood flow, circulation through special regions: characteristics of each circulatory system
    Lymphatic system: organization, production and function of the lymph
  2. RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY
    Organization of the respiratory system, determinants of pulmonary ventilation, exchange of O2 and CO2
    Transport of O2 and CO2 in blood
    Regulation of respiration
    Importance of this system in regulating the basic acid balance
    Others functions
  3. URINARY SYSTEM
    Organization of the nephron, mechanism of regulation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), tubular reabsorption and secretion
    Formation of dilute or concentrated urine, clearance concept, micturition reflex
    Regulation of acid-base balance by the kidney, others functions
  4. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
    Overview of digestive system, salivary secretion and regulation, swallowing and vomiting reflex
    Organization, functions and regulation mechanisms of motility and secretion of the stomach
    Functions of liver and pancreas in digestion and regulation
    Organization, functions and regulation of the motility of the small intestine
    Organization, functions and mechanisms of regulation of the colon, defecation reflex
  5. SENSORY SYSTEMS
    Overview of sensory systems
    Organization and function of taste system
    Organization and function of smell system
  6. INGESTIVE BEHAVIOUR
    Regulatory mechanisms of appetite and short and long-term satiety, function of peripheral mediators in energetic homeostasis
    Central mediators involved in energetic homeostasis
    Organization and functions of the reward system
    Others regulatory systems such as microbiota
Theoretical / practical classes:
 
Cardiovascular system.
        Assessment of the heart: Echocardiogram, Electrocardiogram, Heart auscultation
        Blood pressure measurement and interpretation
        Compensatory mechanisms in a hypovolemic shock episode
Respiratory system.
        Pulmonary function assessment (spirometry)
        Pulmonary auscultation
Urinary tract
        Renal function assessment methods
        Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of urine
        Clearance concept
        Mechanisms involved in the regulation of acid base balance
Digestive tract
        Methods of assessment of gastrointestinal motility
        Stool Analysis
Sensory systems and homeostasis
        Role of the visual system in appetite regulation
        Auditory system.
        Mechanisms involved in temperature regulation
        Influence of circadian rhythms in eating behaviour
 
Suggested Bibliography:
  • Costanzo LS (2017) Physiology, 5th ed., Saunders, Elsevier. ISBN: 9780323478816
  • Hall JE (2016) Guyton & Hall, Textbook of Medical Physiology, 13 ed., Saunders, Elsevier. ISBN: 978-1-4557-7005
  • Peggy M (2017) Medical Neurobiology, 2nd ed., Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780190237493
  • Sena A (2016) Cérebro, Saúde e Sociedade, Lidel- Edições Técnicas Lda. ISBN: 978-972-757-818-4
  • Barrett KE, Barman SM, Boitano S & Brooks HL (2012) Gannong's. Review of Medical Physiology, 24th ed., Mc-Graw Hill Companies. ISBN: 978-1-259-00962-4
 

Additional Info

  • Institution/School: Institution/School

Related items