Department of Physiology

1.1. Theory

The course is designed to enable the student to:

• Describe the structure of the spinal motor neuron and uncover how neurons in the CNS and PNS are myelinated.
• Explain how defects in myelin can have adverse neurological consequences - Clinical attachment.
• Describe the gross and microscopic structure of skeletal muscles.
• Illustrate motor units, and explain the significance of recruitment of motor units.
• Understand the molecular basis of contraction.
• Explore the principle of Electromyography and its application in clinical diseases.
• Realize how the myocardium act almost as if it is a single cell; a syncytium.
• Discuss the concept of "volume conduction" in the way of recording the electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Explore the cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms.
• Review the extrinsic regulation of cardiac rate and contractility.
• Clarify the relationship between stroke volume and venous return.
• Review the structures and functions of the conducting and respiratory zones of the lungs.
• Elucidate the lung volumes and capacities, their measurements and how pulmonary function tests relate to clinical disorders.
• Explain how lung compliance, elasticity, and surface tension affect breathing.
• Expose the Neural and chemical control of breathing with relevant clinical conditions.
• Describe the gross and microscopic structure of the kidneys.
• Define glomerular filtration rate, describe how it can be measured, and list the major factors affecting it.
• Discuss tubular reabsorption and secretion of various electrolytes and nutrients.
• Describe how the countercurrent mechanism in the kidney operates to produce hypertonic or hypotonic urine.
• List the major classes of diuretics; understand how each operates to increase urine flow.

1.2. Practical

• Learn how to apply experimentally factual information presented in lectures and textbook.
• Gain experience in use of scientific method to design experiments, acquire data, and interpret that data meaningfully.
• Acquire knowledge in working with live animals and tissue preparations that simulate human anatomy and physiology.
• Perform several clinical tests, involving both fresh and preserved blood samples which will describe some important physiologic aspects of this fluid.
• Prepare the students to solve any problem that they might face during their future practical profession.

The syllabus is given to the students through lectures, with quizzes (arranged and not arranged).

The lectures are given as power point slides and teaching videos with some illustration on white board.

Regarding laboratory experiments, the students are divided into 20 groups, 4-5 students per each, who work on as team for each experiment and they are responsible for doing the experiment, discussing their own results with the teaching staff.

3.1. Theory

AL-Nahrain University / College of Medicine / Department of Physiology - First semester / 2nd year Medical students - Syllabus of theoretical lectures 2023 - 2024

3.2. Practical

AL-Nahrain University / College of Medicine / Department of Physiology - First semester / 2nd year Medical students - List of Experiments in Practical Physiology 2023 - 2024

The following faculty members and laboratory assistants participate in the practical teaching:

• Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Abdullah Mahmoud / Head of Department
• Prof. Dr. Abbas Fadhel Abdul Wahhab
• Prof. Dr. Zainab Hassan Hashem
• Dr. Majid Hamid Ahmed
• Dr. Hussein Ghi Qaddouri
• Dr. Jumana Mahdi Karim
• Biologist Anssam Hassan Jawad
• Lab Technician Sarah Diaa Ibrahim

Under the direct supervision of the Head and Rapporteur of the Department.

The minimum passing grade is 50% of the total marks allocated to the course.

Reference materials are not available at this time.