Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A detailed examination of the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiac, vascular and respiratory systems. The course focuses on integration of physiological mechanisms at the molecular, cellular and systems levels.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an advanced course in cardiovascular and respiratory physiology. The information learned in BPK205 is the starting point for discussions about these systems. Students are encouraged to review their BPK205 notes and text (Human Physiology by Silverthorn) prior to the start of the BPK305 lectures.

DETAILED LECTURE SCHEDULE

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• define the basic constituents of blood and explain the functional role of the main classes of blood components
• define the basic constituents of blood and explain the functional role of the main classes of blood components
• define the molecular and structural determinants responsible for the contractile properties of cardiac muscle
• explain how cardiac muscle function is physiologically regulated
• explain the role of ion channels in the initiation and propagation of cardiac action potentials and their modulation by the autonomic nervous system
• relate features of the electrocardiogram to physiological propagation of action potentials across the heart
• demonstrate an understanding of the integrated regulation of cardiac output, stroke volume and heart rate at the molecular, cellular and system level through neuronal, humoral and mechanical mechanisms
• explain the principle of / recognize the core parameters of common cardiovascular tests
• describe how cardiac muscle is suited to the metabolism of fat as an energy source and how this dictates the need for tight regulation of coronary blood flow
• define the cellular and molecular properties and function of the various vessel within the vascular tree
• explain the neural, metabolic, myogenic and humoral regulation of vascular tone by smooth muscle and endothelial cells at the molecular, cellular and system levels
• distinguish the concepts of auto-regulation, capacitance, resistance and compliance as control mechanisms that regulate blood flow at the systemic and regional level
• use vascular- and cardiac-function curves to illustrate the intrinsic matching of venous return and cardiac output
• explain how venous return and cardiac output are maintained at steady state levels
• apply Ohm's and Poiseuille's Laws to the regulation of mean arterial pressure
• explain the acute and chronic regulation of blood pressure through neural, paracrine, humoral and renal mechanisms
• apply Fick’s Law to explain the exchange of fluids, metabolites and gases across capillary and alveolar membranes
• consider special circulatory adaptations including those of skin, muscle, brain, fetus and neonate, and kidney
• explain how the circulatory system adapts to acute and repeated exercise
• explain the etiology and cellular and molecular pathology of atherosclerosis and its consequences in terms of myocardial ischemia and infarct
• describe mechanisms of pathophysiological perturbations of blood pressure control, their consequences and treatment
• describe the structure and function of respiratory system components at moelcular, cellular and systems levels
• explain how the mechanical properties of the lungs influence respiration
• explain the principle of / recognize the core parameters of common respiratory tests
• discuss the regulation of ventilation and perfusion, how they are matched, and the consequences of a mismatch
• explain the exchange and transport of blood gases at the lung and tissue interfaces
• understand the concept of acid-base balance and how this is achieved
• describe central and peripheral ventilatory control mechanisms
• discuss the pathological basis for common respiratory disorders

Grading

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING: