PHY202L Human Physiology Lab – Syllabus & Core Study Notes

Course Overview

Introduction to Human Physiology Lab

The PHY202L Human Physiology Lab is a foundational course for nursing students, focusing on the dynamic nature of life processes in the human body. The course emphasizes cellular physiology, organ function, and the integration of physiological systems, with laboratory experiences that reinforce scientific reasoning and clinical application.

• Course Credit: 3 units (48 hours)

• Placement: First Semester of Nursing Program

• Co-Requisite: Completion of Anatomy Lab and Lecture

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, Case Studies, Simulations, Group Discussions, Written & Oral Activities, Concept Maps

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Application of Evidence-Based Practice

Nursing students are expected to apply evidence-based practice in patient care, integrating knowledge from the Nursing Process and QSEN (Quality and Safety Education for Nurses) competencies. This includes patient-centered care, teamwork, safety, and informatics.

• Patient-Centered Care: Recognize and respect patient preferences, values, and needs.

• Safety: Minimize risk of harm to patients and providers.

• Informatics: Use information technology to communicate and manage patient care.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Core Competencies in Human Physiology

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Differentiation of Cellular Components: Identify and describe the various cellular components and their functions.

2. Organ System Functions: Explain the characteristics and functions of the major organ systems.

3. Energy Production: Describe how the body produces and utilizes ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

4. Membrane Potentials: Explain how membrane potentials are generated and their physiological significance.

5. Homeostasis: Describe the mechanisms of homeostasis, including feedback systems and regulation.

6. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance: Explain the movement and function of fluids and electrolytes in the body.

7. Renal Physiology: Summarize the functions of the kidneys, including filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.

8. Endocrine System: Describe the role of hormones and their effects on metabolism.

9. Neurophysiology: Identify the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

10. Cardiovascular System: Explain the anatomy and physiology of the heart and blood vessels, including blood pressure regulation.

11. Respiratory System: Demonstrate understanding of respiratory anatomy and the physiology of ventilation and gas exchange.

12. Integration of Systems: Discuss how organ systems interact to maintain homeostasis.

Key Topics and Expanded Explanations

Cellular Physiology

Cellular physiology explores the structure and function of cells, the basic unit of life. Understanding cellular components is essential for grasping how tissues and organs operate.

• Cell Membrane: Semi-permeable barrier controlling substance movement.

• Organelles: Specialized structures (e.g., mitochondria, nucleus) with distinct functions.

• ATP Production: Cellular respiration in mitochondria produces ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

Formula:

$\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{ATP}$

Example: Muscle contraction requires ATP generated by cellular respiration.

Membrane Potentials and Nerve Impulses

Membrane potentials are electrical gradients across cell membranes, crucial for nerve impulse transmission.

• Resting Membrane Potential: Typically -70 mV in neurons, maintained by ion gradients.

• Action Potential: Rapid change in membrane potential allowing signal transmission.

Formula:

$\text{Nernst Equation:} \quad E = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \frac{[\text{ion outside}]}{[\text{ion inside}]}$

Example: Sensory neurons transmit pain signals via action potentials.

Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms

Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment. Feedback mechanisms regulate physiological variables.

• Negative Feedback: Counteracts changes (e.g., blood glucose regulation).

• Positive Feedback: Amplifies changes (e.g., childbirth contractions).

Example: Insulin lowers blood glucose after a meal (negative feedback).

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

Body fluids are distributed among compartments and regulated by electrolytes.

• Intracellular Fluid (ICF): Fluid within cells.

• Extracellular Fluid (ECF): Fluid outside cells, including plasma and interstitial fluid.

• Electrolytes: Ions such as Na+, K+, Cl- essential for physiological functions.

Example: Dehydration affects electrolyte balance and can impair muscle function.

Renal Physiology

The kidneys filter blood, remove waste, and regulate fluid and electrolyte balance.

• Filtration: Blood plasma filtered in the glomerulus.

• Reabsorption: Essential substances returned to blood.

• Secretion: Additional wastes secreted into urine.

Example: Diuretics increase urine output by affecting kidney function.

Endocrine System

The endocrine system uses hormones to regulate metabolism, growth, and homeostasis.

• Hormones: Chemical messengers (e.g., insulin, cortisol).

• Glands: Organs such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.

Example: Thyroid hormone regulates metabolic rate.

Neurophysiology

The nervous system coordinates body functions through electrical and chemical signals.

• CNS: Central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

• PNS: Peripheral nervous system (nerves outside CNS).

Example: Reflex actions are mediated by the spinal cord.

Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system transports nutrients, gases, and wastes via blood.

• Heart: Pumps blood through systemic and pulmonary circuits.

• Blood Vessels: Arteries, veins, and capillaries.

• Blood Pressure: Force exerted by blood on vessel walls.

Formula:

$\text{Blood Pressure} = \text{Cardiac Output} \times \text{Peripheral Resistance}$

Example: Hypertension increases risk of stroke and heart disease.

Respiratory System

The respiratory system enables gas exchange, supplying oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.

• Lungs: Main organs of gas exchange.

• Ventilation: Movement of air in and out of lungs.

• Gas Exchange: Occurs in alveoli.

Formula:

$\text{O}_2 \text{ uptake} = \text{Ventilation} \times (\text{O}_2 \text{ concentration difference})$

Example: Asthma restricts airflow and impairs gas exchange.

Course Policies and Laboratory Safety

Laboratory Safety Rules

• No eating, drinking, or cell phone use in the laboratory.

• Wash hands upon entering and before leaving the laboratory.

• Work surfaces must be disinfected before and after use.

• Closed-toed shoes are required at all times.

Attendance and Grading

• Attendance is mandatory; excessive absences may result in academic warning or dismissal.

• Make-up work is allowed only for excused absences.

• Late work is not accepted.

Academic Integrity

• Cheating, plagiarism, and academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited.

• Students must uphold the integrity of the educational system.

Required Textbooks

Title	Author/Translator	Publisher	ISBN	Year
Survival Guide for Anatomy & Physiology	Patton	Elsevier	978-0-323-11220-2
Human Anatomy & Physiology	Marieb & Smith	Pearson	978-0-1352-4382-7
Human Physiology	Marieb & Smith	Pearson	978-0-1351-3073-4

Summary Table: Major Organ Systems and Functions

Organ System	Main Function	Key Components
Nervous	Coordination and control	Brain, spinal cord, nerves
Endocrine	Regulation via hormones	Glands, hormones
Cardiovascular	Transport of substances	Heart, blood vessels
Respiratory	Gas exchange	Lungs, airways
Renal/Urinary	Waste removal, fluid balance	Kidneys, bladder

Additional info:

• Some content inferred from standard human physiology curriculum and nursing program requirements.

• Expanded explanations and formulas added for academic completeness.