510-210 Cardio-respiratory & Locomotor Systems

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Subject Description

This subject has two components, the cardio-respiratory system and the locomotor system.

The objectives of the cardio-respiratory system component are to gain an understanding of the integrated function of the cardio-respiratory system, the mechanisms and control of gas exchange and acid-base metabolism, cardio-respiratory homeostatic and adaptive mechanisms in humans and the mechanisms of pathological processes leading to disease of the cardio-respiratory system. Major topics covered are normal anatomy and development of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, anatomy of the thorax, electrophysiology of the heart, measurement and assessment of cardiac and respiratory function, the principles of physics relating to blood flow, respiration and cardio-respiratory investigations, the mechanisms of ventilation, gas exchange and oxygen carriage in the lungs, periphery and a cellular level, acid-base homeostasis, mechanisms of action of endogenous messengers and drugs on the cardiac and respiratory systems, and mechanisms of blood pressure control and its disturbance.

The objectives of the locomotor system component are to understand the structure/function relationships of bone, muscle and joints, the pathologic processes affecting these and the processes of repair and healing. Content areas include the anatomy of the limbs and back, the structure, functions and metabolism of the skeleton, muscles and related connective tissue, and pathologic processes affecting the musculoskeletal system.

Assessment

Written assignment(s) of not more than 2000 words in total and/or mid-semester test(s) (20%); PBL tutor assessment (10%); practical examination (10%); end-of-semester exams of up to six hours (60%)