Introduction to Human Physiology (4) Study of normal body function at the organ level; emphasizes basic physiological principles. No chemistry background required. Lectures, laboratory.

Human physiology is simply the study of “what makes us tick.” In studying this fascinating and ever-expanding area together, we will rely upon the central-linking theme of homeostasis (balance in the fluid outside of cells) and work to maximize practical application to real-life settings. We will explore the relationships and uniquenesses of structure (anatomy) and function (physiology), and will participate in anatomy & physiology and histology (microscopic anatomy) laboratories. We’ll study some basics of cell structure, function and genetics, and examine a special section on nutrition and digestion, which includes a unique dietary analysis lab and discussion of recently popular low-carbohydrate diets. Other areas we’ll study and questions we’ll attempt to answer include how does the heart beat and how is it regulated?, what’s the difference between a heart attack and a stroke?, what dietary and exercise modifications can we make to improve our health and fitness for a lifetime?, how do the lungs work?, what happens in a gunshot chest injury?, what’s sudden infant death syndrome and what are potential causes?, what’s the petri dish effect?, what are some of the chemicals in cigarettes?, what’s fight or flight? what are endocrines and how do they work?, how do nerves send rapid signals?, how do muscles shorten and adapt to different exercise stresses? Grades are based on tests, and lab participation and notebooks.