Course Details

1. Describe the basic functioning of the most important physiological systems in the human body
2. Describe the homeostatic mechanisms and their impact on the functions of the various organs and organ systems in humans
3. Explain the mechanisms by which the various physiological systems in the human body interact with each other
4. Explain how physiological parameters are measured in humans.
5. Explain the basic physiological processes with regard to role they play in overall health (physiological basis of illnesses)
6. Extract conclusions from data

Introduction to Physiology: Cells, tissues, organs, organ systems. The internal environment and homeostasis

Cell membranes: Transport(active and passive) across cell membranes. Endo- and exocytosis. Diffusion and osmosis

Nervous system: Organization and structure. Central and peripheral nervous system. Microscopic structure of neurons. Transmission of information

Synapses: Neuromuscular synapses. Resting membrane potential and action potentials. Synaptic transmission

General sensory system: Principles of sensory physiology– sensory receptors, coding of information (type and positioning of sensation)

Special senses– optical system: Structure of the eye and normal vision. Vision impairment

Autonomic nervous system: Sympathetic and parasympathetic system. Autonomic functions and the hypothalamus

Muscles: Muscle structure. Cross-bridge cycle. Isometric and isotonic contractions. Regulation of contraction and relaxation. Skeletal and smooth muscle

Motor units and motor neurons: Neuromuscular synapses and generation of action potentials

Blood and its constituents: Red blood cells, white blood cells and lymphocytes. Haemostasis – blood vessel constriction and coagulation

Circulation and the cardiovascular system: Electrical activity of the heart  and its propagation through the heart. Electrocardiogram

The cardiac pump: Cardiac muscle, chambers of the heart, valves. Cardiac sounds and cardiac cycle. Measuring cardiac output. Regulation of heart beat.

Arterial system: Arterial compliance. Factors that determine arterial pressure.

Respiratory system: Respiratory movements. Ventilation and perfusion. Transport of gases in the blood and exchange at the tissues

Kidney function and anatomy: Reabsorption and secretion of various solutes.

Digestive system: Structure and innervation. Control of gastrenteric movement. Gastrenteric smooth muscle

Endocrine system: Synthesis, storage and secretion of hormones.

Reproductive physiology

• Guyton and Hall, Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function (Greek edition), Parisianos Editions
• R.M. Berne and M.N. Levy, Physiology Principles (Greek edition), Crete Editions

The course is delivered to the students by means of lectures, conducted with the help of computer-based presentations. Lecture notes and presentations are made available for students to use in combination with the recommended textbooks.