Human Physiology - Introduction Lecture

Instructor Introduction

• Instructor's image available in the recording
• Opportunity to meet in person during labs
• Encouragement for students to interact and discuss career goals

Course Context

• Human physiology often taught as the last course in past educational systems
• Importance of prior knowledge in physics, chemistry, and engineering
• Physiology studies the function of living organisms and their parts

Course Objectives

• Understand how body systems work through physical, chemical, and biological processes
• Use foundational knowledge from prerequisite courses (e.g., chemistry)

Course Structure

• Begin with understanding cells, including basic concepts and review of cell structures
• Expansion on concepts to comprehend how cells form tissues
• Study of different tissue types: muscle (smooth, skeletal, cardiac), epithelial, CNS tissue, etc.
• Building understanding from cells to tissues to organs to systems

Key Concepts

• Cellular Basis: Understanding cells is foundational for understanding body systems
• Systems Interdependence: Changes in one part affect the whole body
• Syncytium: Concept that many parts work as one, relevant to both the heart and the entire body

Vocabulary and Principles

• Syncytium: Many parts working as one unit
• Regulatory mechanisms in cells: genes, operons, repressor proteins, transcription factors, membrane transport
• Communication within tissues and organs: autocoids, paracrine secretions, endocrine, neurotransmitters

Conclusion

• Introduction to major principles that will be explored in depth
• Next lecture will discuss body compartments

Note: Ensure to review these notes regularly to understand how foundational concepts in cells translate to larger physiological systems.