Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to the major concepts and homeostatic mechanisms necessary for a fundamental understanding of normal human physiology. Topics include cellular membrane function, feedback mechanisms, and the properties and interrelationships of major organ systems. The course also covers laboratory work and emphasizes critical thinking and scientific reasoning.

• Credits: 4

• Prerequisites: "C" in BIOL 201

• Recommended: "C" or better in BIOL 99, BIOL 110, or CHEM 100

Course Learning Outcomes

General Mechanisms of Homeostasis

Students will learn to summarize the mechanisms by which body structures interact to maintain homeostasis, including the regulation of physiological variables and responses to environmental changes.

• Key Point 1: Describe the general mechanisms that maintain homeostasis among fluid compartments of the body.

• Key Point 2: Summarize the mechanisms by which homeostasis of specific variables is maintained.

• Key Point 3: Evaluate the response of physiological systems to changes in internal and external environments.

Student Learning Objectives

Homeostasis and Fluid Compartments

Understanding the distribution and regulation of body fluids is essential for maintaining homeostasis. This includes the study of extracellular fluid (ECF), intracellular fluid (ICF), interstitial fluid, and plasma.

• Definition: Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment.

• Fluid Compartments: ECF, ICF, interstitial fluid, plasma.

• Barrier Function: Cell membranes separate fluid compartments.

• Osmolarity: The concentration of solutes in body fluids, measured in osmoles per liter.

• Major Ions: Sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), chloride (Cl-).

• Negative Feedback: Mechanism that opposes changes to maintain stability. Components include stimulus, sensor, effector, and response.

• Example: Regulation of blood glucose by insulin and glucagon.

Additional info: Homeostatic imbalances can lead to conditions such as dehydration, edema, or electrolyte disorders.

Membrane Transport Mechanisms

Transport across cell membranes is vital for nutrient uptake, waste removal, and signal transduction. Mechanisms include passive and active transport.

• Passive Transport: Movement of substances down their concentration gradient without energy input (e.g., diffusion, osmosis).

• Active Transport: Movement against a concentration gradient, requiring energy (e.g., Na+/K+ ATPase pump).

• Facilitated Diffusion: Transport via membrane proteins.

• Osmosis: Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane.

• Example: Glucose transport into cells via GLUT transporters.

Equation:

Where J is the flux, D is the diffusion coefficient, and is the concentration gradient.

Cellular Signaling Mechanisms

Signal transduction is the process by which cells respond to external signals via receptors and intracellular pathways.

• Receptor Types: Cell surface receptors (for peptide hormones), intracellular receptors (for steroid hormones).

• Second Messengers: Molecules such as cAMP, Ca2+, and IP3 that relay signals inside the cell.

• Up-regulation/Down-regulation: Changes in receptor number or sensitivity in response to stimuli.

• Example: Epinephrine binding to adrenergic receptors to stimulate glycogen breakdown.

Nervous System Outcomes

The nervous system controls rapid communication and response to stimuli through electrical and chemical signaling.

• Resting Membrane Potential: The voltage difference across the cell membrane at rest, typically -70 mV.

• Action Potential: Rapid change in membrane potential that propagates along neurons.

• Phases of Action Potential: Depolarization, repolarization, hyperpolarization.

• Ion Channels: Voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels are critical for action potential generation.

• Example: Transmission of nerve impulses in motor neurons.

Equation:

Where is membrane potential, is resting potential, and is the change due to ion movement.

Grading Information

The course uses a standard grading scale to assess student performance.

Additional Grades: X (Audit), I (Incomplete), W (Withdrawal), P (Pass, grade of C or higher), N (No Credit)

Textbooks

• Main Text: Mastering A&P with Pearson eText for Human Anatomy & Physiology (Amerman, 3rd edition)

• ISBN-13: 9780134982781

Academic Policies and Support

• Academic Integrity: Students must adhere to ethical standards and avoid academic misconduct.

• Disability Services: Accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities.

• Attendance: Regular participation is required for success.

• Support Services: Center for Student Success, tutoring, and online resources are available.

Critical Thinking and Communication Outcomes

Students will develop skills in effective communication, critical thinking, and personal/cultural engagement.

• Communication: Demonstrate effective interpersonal and written communication.

• Critical Thinking: Analyze arguments, evaluate evidence, and solve problems.

• Personal & Cultural Engagement: Explore social, cultural, and ethical issues in health and science.

Summary Table: Key Course Components

Additional info: For more detailed study, refer to the assigned textbook and online resources provided by the instructor.