WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY -PHILIPPINES

Mabini Extension, Cabanatuan City

Philippines 3100
COLLEGE OF NURSING AND ALLIED MEDICAL SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICAL THERAPY
2ND Semester, AY 2014 -2015
I.

Course Code: Physiology

II.

Course Title: Human Physiology

III.

Course Description:

The purpose of this course is for physical therapy students to learn the fundamentals of
human physiology. This will provide a foundation for subsequent courses in the physical
therapy curriculum. Accordingly, the intent is for students to gain a basic understanding
of physiology and pathophysiology of different organs systems. Lectures will provide an
overview of the various physiological systems (e.g. respiratory, renal, etc.). In general,
the lectures will follow the textbook chapters both in content and order of presentation.
Please see the next page of the syllabus for a detailed list of lecture topics.
IV. Credit Units: 5 Units Laboratory (4 Units Lecture & 1 Unit Laboratory
V. Contact Hours: 4 Lecture Hours/Week and 3 Laboratory Hours/Week
VI. Pre-requisites: Chem 1, Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology
TIMETA
BLE

SESSION TOPICS
OBJECTIVES
Introduction/presentation/orientation of the course (that
includes the syllabus,grading system, textbooks and
references).
1. Identify the prominent cellular organelles and
state their functions in cells.

WEEK 1
Cell Physiology

WEEK 2

Functional
Organization of
the Human Body

2. Identify the building blocks of the cellular

cytoskeleton and state their contributions to cell
structure and function.
3. Define the functional system of
cells,processes of exocytosis and endocytosis,
and describe the contribution of each to normal
cell function.
4. Define proteins that contribute to membrane
permeability and carrier-mediated transport.
5. Describe the specialized types of cell
membrane transport, diffusion, osmosis and
filtration across the capillary wall.
6. Discuss the genetic control of protein
synthesis, cell function, and cell Reproduction
7. Define cellular homeostasis
1. Identify the different fluid compartments in
the human body.
2. Define moles, equivalents, and osmoles.
3. Define pH and buffering.
4. Understand electrolytes and define diffusion,
osmosis, and tonicity.

5. Define and explain the resting membrane

potential.
6. Understand in general terms the basic
building blocks of the cell: nucleotides, amino
acids, carbohydrates, and fatty acids.
7. Understand higher-order structures of the
basic building blocks: DNA, RNA, proteins and
lipids.
8. Understand the basic contributions of these
building blocks to cell structure,function, and
energy balance.
9. Understand the basic contributions of these
building blocks to cell structure, function, and
energy balance.

Nerve :Membrane
Potential and
Action Potential

1. Identify the parts of a neuron and their

functions.
2. Idenify the various types of glial cells and
their functions.
3. Describe the chemical nature of myelin, and
differentiate how unmyelinated and myelinated
neurons conduct impulses
4. Define orthograde and retrograde axonal
transport and the molecular motors involved
5. Describe the changes in ionic channels that
underlie electrotonic potentials, the
action potential, and repolarization.

WEEK 3

6. List the various nerve fiber types found in the

mammalian nervous system.

Muscle Physiology

WEEK 4

Neurotransmitters
&
Neuromodulators

Neuromuscular
Junction

1. Differentiate the major classes of muscle in

the body and its functions.
2. Describe the molecular and electrical makeup
of muscle cell excitationcontraction coupling.
3. Define thick and thick filaments and discuss
the steps on how they slide to create
contraction (Sliding Filament theory).
4. Differentiate the role of Ca2+ in skeletal,
cardiac, and smooth muscle contraction.
1. List neurotransmitters and the principal sites
in the nervous system at which they are
released.
2. Describe the receptors for catecholamines,
acetylcholine, 5-HT, amino acids, and opioids.
3. Summarize the steps involved in the
biosynthesis, release, action, and removal from
the synaptic cleft of the various synaptic
transmitters.
4. Define opioid peptide, list the principal opioid
peptides in the body, and name the precursor
molecules from which they originate.
5. Explain the molecular biology of Ach
formation and release
1. Describe the main morphologic features of
synapses.

2. Distinguish between chemical and electrical

transmission at synapses.
3. Define convergence and divergence in neural
networks, and discuss their implications.
4. Describe fast and slow excitatory and
inhibitory post-synaptic potentials, outline the
ionic fluxes that underlie them, and explain how
the potentials interact to generate action
potentials.
5. Define and give examples of direct inhibition,
indirect inhibition, presynaptic inhibition, and
post-synaptic inhibition.
6. Describe the neuromuscular junction, and
explain how action potentials in the motor
neuron at the junction lead to contraction of the
skeletal muscle.
7. Define and explain Myasthenia gravis and
drugs that enhance or block transmission at the
neuromuscular junction.
1. Understand the significance of immunity,
particularly with respect to defending the body
against microbial invaders.
2. Define the circulating and tissue cell types
that contribute to immune and inflammatory
3. Define the circulating and tissue cell types
that contribute to immune and inflammatory
responses.
WEEK 5

4. Describe how phagocytes are able to kill

internalized bacteria.

Immunology

5. Identify the functions of hematopoietic

growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines.
6. Delineate the roles and mechanisms of
innate, acquired, humoral, and cellular
immunity.

PRELIM EXAMINATION

WEEK 7

Cardiovascular
Physiology : The
Heart

1. Describe how the sequential pattern of

contraction and relaxation of the cardiac
muscles in the heart results in a normal pattern
of blood flow.
2. Explain the physiology of the cardiac
muscles, heart valves and the cardiac cycle.
3. Describe the relationship of heart sounds to
heart pumping and cardiac cycle.
4. Understand the pressure, volume, and flow
changes that occur during the cardiac cycle.
5. Explain the basis of the arterial pulse, heart
sounds, and murmurs.

WEEK 8

Cardiovascular
Physiology : The
Rhythmical
Excitation of the
Heart

6. Explain the regulation of heart function intrinsic and extrinsic

7. Expain Frank-Starling's Law and its
signification in cardiac function
8. Delineate the ways by which cardiac output
can be up-regulated in the setting of specific
physiologic demands for increased oxygen
supply to the tissues, such as exercise.
9. Describe how the pumping action of the
heart can be compromised in the presence of
disease states.
1. Describe the structure and function of the
conduction system of the heart and compare
the action potentials in each part.
2. Explain the mechanism behind cardiac
muscle automaticity and rhythmicity including
the control of excitation and conduction in the
heart .
3. Explain the methods for recording the
electrocardiograms (ECG), the normal ECG,
placement of ECG leads and the relationship of
the ECG to the electrical axis of the heart.
4. Discuss the common cardiac arrhythmias and
describe the processes that produce them.
5. List the principal early and late ECG
manifestations of myocardial infarction and
explain the early changes in terms of the
underlying ionic events that produce them.
6. Describe the ECG changes and the changes
in cardiac function produced by alterations in
the ionic composition of the body fluids.

WEEK 9

Cardiovascular
Physiology: The
Circulation (Fluid
and
Hemodynamics)

1. Discuss the functional parts of the circulation

including the pressures and volume of blood at
different parts of the circulation
2. Understand the basis of methods used to
measure blood flow and blood pressure in
various vascular segments of the human body.
3. Discuss the interrelationships of pressure,
flow and resistance
4. Describe how physical principles dictate the
flow of blood and lymph around the human
body
5. Discuss the neural mechanisms that control
arterial blood pressure and heart rate,
including the receptors, afferent and efferent
pathways, central integrating pathways,
and effector mechanisms involved
6. Describe the direct effects of CO2 and
hypoxia on the vasomotor areas in the
medulla oblongata
7. Describe how the process of autoregulation
contributes to control of vascular caliber.

Blood cells, blood

typing and blood
coagulation

WEEK
10

8. Identify the paracrine factors and hormones

that regulate vascular tone, their
sources, and their mechanisms of action.
9. Discuss how the oxygen needs of the
contracting myocardium are met by the
coronary arteries and the consequences of their
occlusion.
10. Define the special features of the circulation
in the brain, coronary vessels, skin, and fetus,
and how these are regulated.
11. Understand how the fetus is supplied with
oxygen and nutrients in utero, and the
circulatory events required for a transition to
independent life after birth.
1. Describe the components of blood and
lymph, their origins, and the role of hemoglobin
in transporting oxygen in red blood cells.
2. Understand the molecular basis of blood
groups and the reasons for transfusion
reactions.
3. Explain the process of hemostasis that
restricts blood loss when vessels are damaged,
and the adverse consequences of intravascular
thrombosis.
5. Identify the types of blood and lymphatic
vessels that make up the circulatory system
and the regulation and function of their primary
constituent cell types.

1. Discuss the physiologic causes of shock and

the 3 major stages of shock
2. Understand the different types of shock
including:
2a. Hypovolemic Shock
Circulatory Shock 2b. Neurogenic Shock
2.c Anaphylactic Shock
2.d Septic Shock
3. Explain the treatment protocols for
circulatory shock and the effects of circulatory
arrest on the brain.
MIDTERM EXAMINATION
WEEK
11

Respiratory
Physiology

1. Define partial pressure and calculate the

partial pressure of each of the important gases
in the atmosphere at sea level including the
mechanics of pulmonary ventilation.
2. Discuss passageways through which air
passes from the exterior to the alveoli, and
describe the cells that line each of them.
Differentiate the Conducting Zone and
Respiratory Zone.
3. List the major muscles involved in
respiration, and state the role of each.
4. Define the basic measures of lung volume
and capacities, and give approximate values for
each in a normal adult.
5. Define compliance, and give examples of
diseases in which it is abnormal.

WEEK
12

Endocrinology

6. Describe the chemical composition and

function of surfactant.
7. List the factors that determine alveolar
ventilation.
8. Define diffusion capacity, and compare the
diffusion of O2 with that of CO2 in the lungs.
9. Compare and contrast between the
pulmonary and systemic circulations.
10. Describe the reactions of O2 with
hemoglobin and the oxygenhemoglobin
dissociation curve.
11. Discuss the important factors affecting the
affinity of hemoglobin for O2 and the
physiologic significance of each.
12. the reactions that increase the amount of
CO2 in the blood, and draw the CO2 dissociation
curve for arterial and venous blood.
13. Define alkalosis and acidosis and outline
respiratory and renal compensatory
mechanisms in response to alkalosis and
acidosis.
14. Define hypoxia and describe its four
principal forms
15. Describe the effects of hypercapnia and
hypocapnia
16. Identify the structures that regulate
respiration including pre-Btzinger complex and
describe its role in producing spontaneous
respiration; the dorsal and ventral groups of
respiratory
neurons, the pneumotaxic center, and the
apneustic center in the brain stem and probable
functions.
17. Understand the specific respiratory
functions of the vagus nerves and the
respiratory receptors in the carotid body, the
aortic body, and the ventral surface of the
medulla oblongata
1. Describe the structures of the endocrine
glands and how it relates to its function.
2. Define the structure of the pituitary gland
and cell types present in the anterior pituitary
and understand how their hormones are
controlled in response to physiologic demands.
3. Define the effects of the growth hormone in
growth and metabolic function, and how insulinlike growth factor I may mediate some of its
actions in the periphery.
4. List the stimuli that regulate growth hormone
secretion and define their underlying
mechanisms.
5. Understand the basis of conditions where
pituitary function and growth hormone secretion
and function are abnormal, and how they can
be treated. Understand the basis of conditions
where pituitary function and growth hormone
secretion and function are abnormal, and how
they can be treated.

6. Describe the structure of the thyroid gland

and how it relates to its function.
7. Define the chemical nature of the thyroid
hormones (TSH, T3, T4) and how they are
synthesized.
8. Identify the role of the hypothalamus and
pituitary in regulating thyroid function.
9. Define the effects of the thyroid hormones in
homeostasis, growth and development.
10. Understand the basis of conditions where
thyroid function is abnormal and how they can
be treated
11. Understand the importance of maintaining
homeostasis of bodily calcium and phosphate
concentrations, and how this is accomplished.
12. Describe the bodily pools of calcium, their
rates of turnover, and the organs that play
central roles in regulating movement of calcium
between stores.
13. Delineate the mechanisms of calcium and
phosphate absorption and excretion.
14. Identify the major hormones and other
factors that regulate calcium and phosphate
homeostasis and their sites of synthesis as well
as targets of their action.
15. Define the basic anatomy of bone.
16. Outline how bone cells and their functions in
bone formation and resorption.
17. Name the three catecholamines secreted by
the adrenal medulla and summarize their
biosynthesis, metabolism, and function
18. List the stimuli that increase adrenal
medullary secretion.
19. Outline the steps involved in steroid
biosynthesis in the adrenal cortex.
20. Name the plasma proteins that bind
adrenocortical steroids and discuss their
physiologic role.
21. Name the major site of adrenocortical
hormone metabolism and the principal
metabolites produced from glucocorticoids,
adrenal androgens, and aldosterone.
22. Describe the mechanisms by which
glucocorticoids and aldosterone produce
changes in cellular function.
23. List and briefly describe the physiologic and
pharmacologic effects of glucocorticoids
24. Contrast the physiologic and pathologic
effects of adrenal androgens
25. Describe the mechanisms that regulate
secretion of glucocorticoids and adrenal sex
hormones.
26. List the actions of aldosterone and describe
the mechanisms that regulate aldosterone
secretion.

WEEK
12

Renal Physiology

27. Describe the main features of the diseases

caused by excess or deficiency of each of the
hormones of the adrenal gland.
28. Describe the structure of the pancreatic
islets and name the hormones secreted by each
of the cell types in the islets.
29. List the hormones that affect the plasma
glucose concentration and briefly describe the
action of each.
30. Describe insulin receptors, the way they
mediate the effects of insulin, and the way they
are regulated
31. List the major factors that affect the
secretion of insulin.
32. Describe the structure of glucagon and
other physiologically active peptides produced
from its precursor
33. Outline the mechanisms by which thyroid
hormones, adrenal glucocorticoids,
catecholamines, and growth hormone affect
carbohydrate metabolism.
34. Understand the major differences between
type 1 and type 2 diabetes
1. Describe the morphology of a typical nephron
and its blood supply.
2. Define glomerular filtration rate, describe
how it can be measured, and list the major
factors affecting it.
3. Discuss tubular handling of Na+ and water
4. Discuss tubular reabsorption and secretion of
glucose and K
5. Describe how the tonicity (osmolality) of the
extracellular fluid is maintained by alterations in
water intake and vasopressin secretion
6. Discuss the effects of vasopressin, the
receptors on which it acts, and how its secretion
is regulated
7. Describe how the volume of the extracellular
fluid is maintained by alterations in renin and
aldosterone secretion.
8. Outline the cascade of reactions that lead to
the formation of angiotensin II and its
metabolites in the circulation.
9. Understand the functions of angiotensin II
and the receptors on which it acts to carry out
these functions.
10. Describe the site and mechanism of action
of erythropoietin, and the feedback regulation
of its secretion.
11. Understand the processes involved in the
secretion of H+ into the tubules and discuss the
significance of these processes in the regulation
of acidbase balance.
12. Define acidosis and alkalosis, and give (in
mEq/L and pH) the normal mean and the range
of H+ concentrations in blood that are
compatible with health

WEEK
14

Gastrointestinal
Physiology

WEEK
15

Development
& Function of the
Reproductive
System

1. Understand the functional significance of the

gastrointestinal system, and in particular, its
roles in nutrient assimilation, excretion, and
immunity.
2. Understand how nutrients are delivered to
the body and the chemical processes needed to
convert them to a form suitable for absorption.
3. Understand basic principles of energy
metabolism and nutrition.
4. Describe the major functions of the liver with
respect to metabolism, detoxification, and
excretion of hydrophobic substances.
5. Understand the functional anatomy of the
liver and the relative arrangements of
hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, endothelial cells,
and Kupffer cells.
6. Describe the formation of bile, its
constituents, and its role in the excretion of
cholesterol and bilirubin
7. Discuss the mechanisms by which the liver
contributes to whole body ammonia
homeostasis and the consequences of the
failure of these mechanisms, particularly for
brain function.
8. Identify the mechanisms that permit normal
functioning of the gallbladder and the basis of
gallstone disease.
1. Explain the general structure of the male and
female reproductive system.
2.Discuss the nature of testosterone, and
describe its biosynthesis, transport,
metabolism, and actions.
3. Outline the steps involved in
spermatogenesis and the mechanisms that
produce erection and ejaculation.
4. Name the key hormones secreted by Leydig
cells and Sertoli cells of the testes and by
graafian follicles and corpora lutea of the
ovaries.
5. Describe the processes involved in regulation
of testosterone secretion.
6. Describe the physiologic changes that occur
in the female reproductive organs during the
menstrual cycle.
7. Outline the role of chromosomes, hormones,
and related factors in sex determination and
development.
8. Summarize the hormonal changes that occur
at puberty in males and females.
9. Outline the hormonal changes and their
physiologic effects during perimenopause and
menopause.
10. Know the general structures of 17
estradiol biosynthesis, transport, metabolism,
and actions.
11. Describe the roles of the pituitary and the
hypothalamus in the regulation of ovarian
function, and the role of feedback loops in this

process.
12. Describe the hormonal changes that
accompany pregnancy and parturition.
13. List the physiologic stimuli and the drugs
that affect prolactin secretion.
14. Outline the processes involved in lactation.
FINAL EXAMINATION

TEACHING METHODS & STRATEGIES:

1. Lecture
2. Interactive Discussion
3. Problem-based learning approach
4. Case Analysis
5. Clinical Immersion and patient evaluation (ACTUAL PATIENT and SIMULATION)
Observation & Feedback
Demonstration (Modeling)
Reflection and Integration
EVALUATION:
Recitation
Quizzes
Research work
Periodical Examinations
Textbook & References:
Hall, John E. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology 12th Edition. Saunders
(Elsevier) 2011
Ganong, William Francis. Review of Medical Physiology. Mc-Graw Hill. New York
Vanders Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function. 8th Edition. Publisher:
McGraw Hill
GRADING CRITERIA:
Class Standing (CS)

100%

Breakdown:
Attendance
=
Behavior
=
Recitation
=
Quizzes
=
Laboratory Exercises
Unit Tests
=

10%
5%
10%
40%
=
25%
10%

Class Standing Total

100%

Computation
Examination Grade
(100 X 60 + 40)

Class Standing (CS) Grade

Term Grade
3
(Prelim/Midterm/Finals)

(Raw Score/ Total exam items) X 100)

(CS raw Score / 100) X 60+40
Class Standing Grade X 2 + Examination Grade

Final Grade
Grade 3

PREPARED BY:
APPROVED BY:
Jacinto Jose P. Gapud, PTRP
Ed.D, RN
PT Coordinator

Prelim Grade + Midterm Grade + Raw Final

REVIEWED AND

Wilfredo C. Ramos,
Dean, CONAMS