Physiology

Basic biochemistry

  • Cells and cell membranes
  • pH and acid base balance
  • Cellular metabolism
  • Enzymes
  • Capillary dynamics
  • Osmolarity
  • Special fluids (CSF/pleural)
  • Cellular transport mechanisms

Haematology and immunology

  • Red cells and blood groups
  • Haemostasis
  • White blood cells
  • Inflammation
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Allergy
  • Immunodeficiency

Muscle physiology

  • Action potentials
  • Neuromuscular junction
  • Excitation-contraction coupling
  • Skeletal muscle
  • Smooth muscle

Heart and circulation

  • Cardiac muscle contraction
  • Cardiac cycle
  • Cardiac impulse generation
  • Cardiac output
  • Shock
  • Blood pressures
  • Special circulations

Kidney

Respiration

  • Gas exchange
  • Pulmonary ventilation
  • VQ abnormalities
  • Control of breathing
  • Effect of altitude
  • Non respiratory functions of the lungs

Nervous system

  • Neuronal structure and function
  • Membrane potentials
  • Brain divisions
  • Brainstem
  • Intracranial pressure
  • Autonomic nervous system
  • Reflexes
  • Motor function
  • Sensory function
  • Pain
  • Spinal cord
  • Nausea and vomiting

GI + liver

  • Liver anatomy and blood supply and functions
  • Liver metabolism
  • Gastric function
  • Gut motility
  • Digestive functions of the gut
  • Nutrition
  • Energy homeostasis
  • Body temperature regulation
  • Starvation and obesity

Endocrine + pregnancy

  • Hypothalamus and pituitary
  • Adrenocortical hormones
  • Adrenal medulla
  • Pancreas
  • Thyroid
  • Parathyroid
  • Pregnancy
  • Fetal physiology
  • Placenta
  • Lactation

Books to use: