Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Structure and Function of the Human Body
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
If the student is enrolled for the English track then classes for that subject will be taught in the same language.
Teaching staff
Dr. Pau Mezquita (english group) Dr. Héctor Parellada (spanish and catalan group)
Contact by email: pmezquita@uic.es / hparellada@uic.es
Introduction
Structure and Function of the Human Body covers all major elements of the human body, from the basic anatomy and histology to the integration, organization, and control of all the body systems. While completing this course, you will acquire an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology, of physiological adaptations to special conditions, and of some of the physiological factors in disease processes.
Pre-course requirements
A basic knowledge of the structures and functions of the human body is necessary: the transmission of the nerve impulse and muscle contraction, the reflex responses or the integration of functions at the level of the brain will help the student to deepen in all the functions the human body.
Objectives
To develop a vocabulary of appropriate terminology to effectively communicate information related to anatomy and physiology. To recognize and explain the principle of homeostasis and the use of feedback loops to control physiological systems in the human body. To recognize and explain the interrelationships within and between anatomical and physiological systems of the human body.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- 32 - Knowing the biomedical science on which Dentistry is based in order to ensure adequate oral and dental care. This science must include material on: (a). Embryology, anatomy, histology and the physiology of the human body (b). Genetics, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology and (c). Microbiology and immunology.
Learning outcomes of the subject
As a result of the learning on the course, the student will acquire the competencies required to provide reasoned responses to the specific objectives in the corresponding study guide.
- 1.07 - Know the structure and function of support and movement systems; skeletal and muscular system, different bones and muscle groups that form the axial and appendicular skeleton.
- 1.08 - Identify and describe the morphological and functional characteristics of the different joints of the human body
- 1.09 - - Know the structure and function of communication and control systems, nervous system and endocrine
- 1.10 - Know the structure and function of the organs and systems involved in maintaining the homeostasis of the human body. Circulatory, respiratory, digestive and urinary apparatus.
- 1.11 - Identify in the corpse the different structures, organs, apparatus and systems in of the human body
- 1.12 - Solve clinical problems from deductions made with the basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body
Syllabus
1.Organization of the Human Body: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology.
1.1 The field of Anatomy: levels of structural organization.
1.2 The field of Physiology: functions of life.
1.3 The language of anatomy: directions and planes. Regions, cavities and membranes.
1.4 The language of Physiology: homeostasis and regulation.
2.Tissue Structure and Function.
2.1 Preparation of human tissues for microscope analysis.
2.2 Epithelial tissue: components and types. Endocrine and exocrine glands.
2.3 Connective tissue
2.4 Nerve tissue.
2.5 Muscle tissue.
2.6 Coating surfaces: cutaneous, mucous and synovial membrane.
2.7 Development and tissue repair.
3.The Integumentary System
3.1 Skin: components of the epidermis and dermis.
3.2 Factors determining skin colouring.
3.3 The skin appendages: sweat and sebaceous glands, hair follicles and nails.
3.4 Functions of the skin.
3.5. Aspects of the development of the skin.
4.Bone and Skeletal Tissues.
4.1 Skeletal Cartilage: Types, functions and growth.
4.2 Bone: classification, macroscopic structure and functions.
4.3 Microscopic anatomy and bone composition.
4.4 Bone development: formation and postnatal bone growth.
4.5 Remodeling and bone metabolism.
5.The Human Skeleton.
5.1 The axial skeleton: skull, spine and rib cage.
5.2 The appendicular skeleton: shoulder girdle, upper limbs, pelvis and lower limbs.
6.The joints.
6.1 Structural and functional classification of joints.
6.2 Fibrous and cartilaginous joints.
6.3 The synovial joint: structure and elements that determine its stability.
6.4 Movements and functional classification of synovial joints.
7.Skeletal Muscle tissue.
7.1 Muscle: types and functions.
7.2 Macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of skeletal muscle.
7.3 The Physiology of skeletal muscle fibre: contraction model.
7.4 Contraction of skeletal muscle: types, stages and conditioning factors.
7.5 Muscular Metabolism and adaptation to exercise.
8. Muscular System.
8.1 Muscle groups from the functional point of view.
8.2 Nomenclature of muscles by location, structure and function.
8.3 Aspects of muscle mechanics.
8.4 Overview of the body's main skeletal muscles.
9.The basics of the Nervous System.
9.1 Structural and functional organization of the nerve tissue.
9.2 Histology of nerve tissue: neurons and glial cells.
9.3 Resting strength, progressive strength and action strength.
9.4 Neural Synapses, neurotransmitters and strength integration.
9.5:Neural Integration circuits.
10.The Central Nervous System(CNS).
10.1 The Brain: embryological development and organization. Structure and function of its components.
10.2 Higher mental functions: mapping EEG, consciousness, sleep-wake cycle, language and memory.
10.3 Functional anatomy of the spinal cord.
10.4 Protection of the CNS: meninges, cerebrospinal fluid, blood-brain barrier.
11. Peripheral Nervous system(SNP).
11.1 Nerves: structure and regeneration.
11.2 Spinal nerves: plexus and dermatomes.
11.3 Sensory Receptors and Sensory Integration: from feeling to perception.
11.4 Neuromuscular bonds and motor integration: from intention to effect.
11.5 The reflex arc and spinal reflexes.
12. The Autonomous Nervous system(ANS).
12.1 Function, sections and comparison with the somatic nervous system.
12.2 Basic Anatomy of the sympathetic and parasympathetic ANS.
12.3 Physiology of the ANS: neurotransmitters, receptors and interactions between sections.
12.4 Control of the ANS.
13. Sense Organs.
13.1 Sight: structure of the eye, retinal transduction, visual integration.
13.2 Hearing and balance: ear components. Auditory and vestibular function.
13.3 Taste and smell: location of receptors, signal transduction, perception.
14. Endocrine system.
14.1 The mechanism hormone action.
14.2 Control of hormone secretion.
14.3 Structure and function of the pituitary, thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal, pancreas, gonads and pineal gland.
14.5 Other hormone-producing organs.
15. Blood.
15.1 Components and functions of the bood.
15.2 Plasma and formed elements: erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets.
15.3 The mechanism of hemostasia.
16. The Cardiovascular system: The Heart.
16.1 Location and structure of the heart.
16.2 The systemic and pulmonary circuits.
16.3 Properties of cardiac muscle fibres.
16.4 Electrical phenomena of the heart.
16.5 Phases of the cardiac cycle.
16.6 The minute volume concept and its regulation.
17.The Cardiovascular system: Blood Vessels.
17.1 Structure of the vascular wall. Vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
17.2 Structure and function of the arterial, capillary and venous system.
17.3 Physiology of circulation: the concept of flow and pressure resistance.
17.4 The concept of blood pressure and regulation in the short and long term.
17.5 Local Circulation and its regulation.
17.6 Circulation in special territories.
18.The Lymphatic system.
18.1 Structure of the lymphatics.
18.2 Transportation and distribution of lymph.
18.3 Cells and lymphoid tissues: the lymph node.
18.4 Other lymphoid organs: the spleen, thymus, tonsil, aggregates of lymphoid follicles.
19. The Respiratory system.
19.1 Functional anatomy of the respiratory system.
19.2 Mechanical ventilation: the relationship between pressures in the chest cavity. Pulmonary ventilation: inspiration and expiration. Respiratory volumes and functional tests.
19.3 Alveolar exchange and the transportaion of gases in blood.
19.4 Control of breathing.
19.5 Adaptation of breathing during exercise and at altitude.
20. The Digestive system.
20.1 Structure and function of the digestive tract.
20.2 Functional anatomy of the digestive system: mouth, pharynx and oesophagus. The stomach. The small intestine and associated organs. The large intestine.
20.3 Physiology of chemical digestion and absorption.
21.Nutrition, Metabolism and Temperature Regulation.
21.1 Nutrition: the concept of nutrients and kilocalories. The pyramid of nutritional categories. Essential nutrients: sources, use and requirements.
21.2 Metabolism: the concept and types of metabolic processes.Metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Balance and metabolic control during intake and fasting. The metabolic role of the liver.
Intake regulation.
21.3 Temperature regulation.
22. The Urinary system.
22.1 Macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the kidney.
22.2 The kidney function: glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption and tubular secretion. Regulation of the volume and concentration of urine.
22.3 The physical characteristics and composition of urine.
22.4 Structure and function of the ureters, bladder and urethra.
22.5 Urination.
23. Electrolyte and Acid-Base balance .
23.1 Contents and distribution of water in the body.
23.2 Water balance and its regulation. the influence of the ADH hormone. Disorders of water balance.
23.3 Electrolyte balance: regulation of Na +, K +, Ca2 + and HPO42-
23.4 Acid-Base Balance: respiratory and renal regulation. Alterations in acid-base balance.
24. The Reproductive System.
24.1 Anatomy of the male reproductive system.
24.2 Male sexual response. Spermatogenesis.
24.3 Hormonal regulation of the male reproductive function.
24.4 Anatomy of the female reproductive system.
24.5 Female sexual response. Oogenesis.
24.6 The ovarian cycle and hormonal regulation of the ovarian cycle.
24.7 Chronology of sexual development.
25. Pregnancy and Human Development.
25.1 Fertilization: from egg to zygote.
25.2 Embryo development: i) from the zygote to blastocyst implantation. ii) from the gastrula to the fetus.
25.3 Effects of pregnancy on the mother: anatomical and physiological changes.
25.4 Delivery and neonatal adaptation to extrauterine life.
25.5 Breastfeeding.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Two lectures per week (Monday and Wednesday, 10:00 - 12:00 am)
One session per week working on tasks related to the ongoing lessons (Friday, 10:00 - 12:00)
Bibliography and resources
G. Tortora. Principis d'Anatomia i fisiologia, 15th ed. Panamericana (2018).
E.N. Marieb. Human Anatomy and Physiology, 9th ed. Pearson Int Ed (2012) [link]
W.F.Boron. Medical Physiology, 3nd ed. Sauders (2017).
L. S. Costanzo. Physiology, 6th ed. Elsevier (2018) [link]
Evaluation period
- E1 08/01/2025 A03 12:00h
- E1 08/01/2025 A01 12:00h
- E1 08/01/2025 A02 12:00h