Physiology is the integrative study of cellular and whole-body function and is the pivotal discipline linking other basic biomedical sciences on the one hand with the experimental and clinical medicine on the other. 

In this course we will dicuss Central Nervous System, Autonomic Nervous system, Somatic Nervous System and Body fluids & Kidney.

The central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, receives information about the external and the internal environment by means of afferent peripheral nerves. After sorting, processing, and integrating this input, the CNS sends directions, by means of efferent peripheral nerves, to bring about appropriate muscular contractions and glandular secretions. With its swift electrical signaling system, the nervous system is especially important in controlling the rapid responses of the body. Many neurally controlled muscular and glandular activities are aimed toward maintaining homeostasis.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS), composed of the afferent and efferent fibers that relay signals between the CNS and the periphery (other parts of the body). Once informed by the afferent division of the PNS that a change in the internal or the external environment is threatening homeostasis, the CNS makes appropriate adjustments to maintain homeostasis. The CNS makes these adjustments by controlling the activities of effector organs (muscles and glands), transmitting signals from the CNS to these organs through the efferent division of the PNS that is refferd as ANS.

Skeletal muscle is innervated by the somatic nervous system, the branch of the efferent division subject to voluntary control. The efferent output to skeletal muscles is also directed toward voluntarily controlled nonhomeostatic activities, such as riding a bicycle or texting a message.

Emphasis in the course will be on normal structure and function of the human body and the approach will be to develop an understanding of the integrative nature of physiological systems. The main objective of this course will be on the focus of body reponses that help to maintain the internal environment of the body within very narrow limits.

At the end of this course students will be able to understand;

(1). Nervous tissue (found in the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and special sense organs) by initiating and transmitting electrical impulses, that act as signals that relay information from one part of the body to another for communication, coordination, and control in the body.

(2). Mechanisms by which the CNS controls muscles and glands, the effector organs that carry out the intended effects or actions (typically contraction or secretion, respectively).

(3). Mechanisms by which the kidneys, maintain stable volume, electrolyte composition, and osmolarity (solute concentration) of the ECF by adjusting the quantity of water and various plasma constituents that are either conserved for the body or eliminated in the urine.

The following Books are recommended for this course;

TEXTBOOK OF MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY, GUYTON,A.C, 11TH Edition

REVIEW OF MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY ,GANONG,W.F, 22ND Edition

PHYSIOLOGY BOARD REVIEW SERIES, COSTANZO, LINDA S,6TH Edition

ESSENTIALS OF MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY, SEMBULINGHAM,K, 7TH Edition

 Assessment Criteria:

Assessment schedule: 5 tests & one send-up written examination including objective & subjective (SEQs, LEQs) type questions
Internal Assessment (based on class tests, class performance and attendance): 10 Marks
Written: 90 Marks
Practical: 00 Marks