Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Structure and Function: Gastrointestinal and Reproductive Systems

Structure and Function: Gastrointestinal and Reproductive Systems
6
13485
2
First semester
OB
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE HUMAN BODY
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English

Teaching staff


Doubts will be resolved before or after class.

If needed, you can contact the coordinator of the subject:

Dr. Jacobo Rodríguez Sanz (jrodriguezs@uic.es)

Introduction

The objective of this subject follows the line of the approach of the subjects of Structure and Function offered by the UIC and is based on explaining the anatomy, physiology and histology of the digestive and reproductive systems. On one side, the human reproductive function allows the perpetuation of its species and the establishment of the conditions necessary for the survival of the progeny during the first stage of life. In the first part of this subject, the anatomical bases and human reproductive function are introduced in both sexes, the maternal changes that occur as a consequence of pregnancy, the main milestones of embryological and fetal development, and the mechanisms responsible for childbirth and lactation. On the other hand, the human organism needs a diversity of nutrients to regenerate its structures and obtain energy and the second part of this course will offer the key concepts to understand the mechanisms of food intake, digestion and absorption.

Pre-course requirements

Basic knowledge of biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology.

Objectives

Understand the anatomy, histology and physiology of the reproductive and digestive systems.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
  • CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
  • CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • CE09 - To be aware of the anatomical, physiological and histological aspects of the organs and systems in the human body at different stages in life and in both sexes, with a particular focus on a comprehensive understanding of ageing.
  • CG01 - To be aware of basic biological concepts and language specific to biomedical sciences and health status.
  • CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
  • CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
  • CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
  • CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
  • CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
  • CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
  • CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
  • CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
  • CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
  • CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
  • CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
  • CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
  • CT12 - To apply scientific method.
  • CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
  • CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to a culture of peace and democratic values.

Learning outcomes of the subject

After completing the course, students will be able to:

- Microscopically recognize the main tissues involved in digestive and reproductive function.

- Understand the structure and functions of the human digestive and reproductive systems.

Syllabus

BLOCK I: PLAYER SYSTEM A) STRUCTURE OF THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - MACROSCOPIC STRUCTURE: Male reproductive system: testis and scrotal bag. Spermatic tracts, prostate, penis. Female reproductive system: ovaries, tubes and uterus, vagina. Mother. - MICROSCOPIC STRUCTURE o Male reproductive system. Testicle and epididymis. Excretory ducts, prostate and penis. o Female reproductive system Vagina, uterus, ovary and breast. o Pregnancy: breast and placenta. B) PLAYER SYSTEM FUNCTION 1. Sexual reproduction. Sex determination and differentiation. Sex determination. Male and female sexual differentiation: factors involved. Phenotype and sexual identity. Alterations of sexual differentiation. 2. Testicular and ovarian function. Testicular function: spermatogenesis. Regulation. Ovarian function: oogenesis. Regulation of the ovarian cycle. Uterine cycle. 3. Sexual response. Fertilization and implantation. Phases of the sexual response. Erection reflex. Ejaculation. Neurological bases of sexual behavior. 4. Function of sex hormones. Types of steroid hormones. Action mechanisms. Chronology of sexual development: puberty and pausias. 5. Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Fertilization and implantation. Functions of the placenta. Maternal changes associated with pregnancy. BLOCK II: DIGESTIVE SYSTEM A) STRUCTURE OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM - MACROSCOPIC STRUCTURE: Abdomen and pelvis. Mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum. Liver. Pancreas. - MICROSCOPIC STRUCTURE: Mouth and salivary glands. Esophagus and stomach. Small intestine and large intestine. Liver and pancreas. B) PHYSIOLOGY OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 1. Motor activities of the digestive tract. Functions of the digestive tract. Chewing, swallowing and esophageal transit. Motor activity of the stomach. Motor activity of the small intestine. Motor activity of the colon. Threw up. 2. Secretory activities of the digestive tract. Salivary discharge Gastric secretion Pancreatic secretion. Biliary secretion Intestinal secretion 3. Digestion and absorption. Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Protein digestion and absorption of peptides and amino acids. Digestion and absorption of lipids. Water and electrolyte absorption. 4. Liver functions. Functions of hepatocytes. Hepatic storage functions. Functions of endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, stellate cells, and cholangiocytes.

Teaching and learning activities

In person



  • Master classes: 50-minute presentation on a theoretical topic by the teacher.
  • Clinical-scientific cases or case methods: Statement of a real or imaginary situation. Students work on the questions posed in small groups or in interaction with the teacher and the answers are discussed. The teacher actively intervenes and, if necessary, contributes new knowledge.
  • Anatomy and histology laboratories: study micro and macroscopic anatomy through sheets of histological samples of different tissues and virtual or simulated models. The teacher distributes visual material and its structure and relationships are explained.
  • Virtual education: Online material that the student can access from any computer, at any time, that will contribute to the self-learning of concepts related to the subject.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



1st, 3rd and 5th call consists of: 15% reproductive partial test, 15% digestive partial test, 60% final theoretical test, 10% continuous evaluation.

 

Partial tests. 27/10/2023 and 21/12/2023

- Day: see subject planning (calendar).

- Type of test: 15-30 multiple choice questions (4 answer choices).

- This test will include all the syllabus (reproductive or digestive) taught until the day before the exam (in lectures, laboratory practices and case methods), as well as the contents included in the recommended bibliographies. In the case of the second partial in which the digestive and reproductive subjects have already been taught, only the content related to the second part will be included. For example, if the reproductive partial exam has already been taken, in the second partial exam, only the digestive content will be entered.

- The incorrect question subtracts 0.25. The unanswered question does not subtract.

 

Final exam. 17/01/2024

- Day: see subject planning.

- Type of test: 40-60 multiple choice questions (4 answer choices).

- It includes all the material explained in the classes (theoretical, practical and case methods), as well as the contents included in the recommended bibliography.

- It is essential to pass this exam in order to pass the course.

- The incorrect question subtracts 0.25. The unanswered question does not subtract.

 

Continuous evaluation:

- Questions, works and tests carried out during the classes (both oral and written). It includes moodle quizzes that can be announced or can be surprise (without prior notice in the same class) and attitude assessment by the teacher.
- Resolution of clinical cases / scientific application: evaluative activities will be carried out at the end or during the classes, and may be in test type format, oral communication, written work or whatever the teacher considers appropriate for each clinical case.

REMARKS:

- The final exam must be passed to pass the subject with a grade equal to or higher than 5.

- In order to pass the course an overall grade equal to or higher than 5 must be obtained (in addition to the above point).

- The person who has passed the final theoretical exam, but the average does not exceed 5, will have to take the final exam recovery and get a result equal to or higher than 5.

 

2nd, 4th and 6th convocatories consists of: 100% final exam.

- The final exam will have the same characteristics as the previous exams.

 

Other points to take into account:

1) Class attendance:

Regular attendance to theory, practical and case methods classes is recommended.
Attendance to the master classes is not compulsory, but attendees will have to abide by the rules indicated by the professors. The expulsion of a student from a master class, practical class or case method will have negative repercussions in the continuous evaluations.
Attendance to case methods is optional, however a percentage of the questions of the final exam will be on the content of these case methods.
Attendance to practicals is mandatory.
If a student attends class more than 5 minutes late, the professor may deny him/her entrance.
2) Misuse of electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets or laptops may result in expulsion from class. Misuse is understood as the recording and broadcasting of students or teachers during the different lessons as well as the use of these devices for recreational and non-educational purposes. In the case of accessing the laboratories with the phone, the teacher will have the power to fail the course.

Bibliography and resources

G. Tortora. Principios de Anatomía y fisiología, 11a ed. Panamericana (2006).

Drake, R.L. et a. Gray Anatomía para estudiantes, 2a ed. Elsevier (2010).

A. Stevens. Histología humana, 3a ed. Elsevier (2006).

A.L. Kierszenbaum. Histología y Biología celular, 2a ed. Elsevier (2008).

Mezquita. Fisiología médica, 1a ed. Panamericana (2011).

Guyton y Hall. Tratado de fisiología médica, 13a ed. Elsevier (2016).

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 20/01/2025 A16 14:00h
  • R1 30/01/2025 09:00h
  • E2 19/06/2025 A04 11:00h