513-211 Cardiorespiratory Systems

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Subject Description

The objectives of this subject are to enable the student to gain an understanding of the integrated function of the cardiorespiratory system, the mechanisms and control of gas exchange and acid based metabolism, cardiorespiratory homeostatic and adaptive mechanisms in humans and the mechanisms of pathological processes leading to disease of the cardiorespiratory system and cardiorespiratory responses to exercise.

Content includes normal anatomy and development of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, electrophysiology of the heart, measurement and assessment of cardiac and respiratory function, the principles of physics relating to blood flow, respiration and cardiorespiratory investigations, the mechanisms of ventilation, gas exchange and oxygen carriage in the lungs, at the periphery and at 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.

Assessment

Written assignment and practical exam (30%). Problem based learning tutor assessment (10%). End of semester exams up to 6 hours (60%).

Prescribed Texts

• S K Powers and E T Howley, Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance. 2nd edition, WC Brown and Benchmark, 1994.