Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Structure and Function: Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Renal Systems
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Whenever necessary, the teaching team is available to help you (either in person or online). We would appreciate it if you could contact us in advance for an appointment by email.
Dra. Sara Ortiz sortiz@uic.es
Dr. Carlos Soto carlossotomedico@hotmail.com, csoto@uic.es
Dr. Albert Pérez-Bellmunt (Head instructor) aperez@uic.cat
Introduction
This course offers an integrated view of the morphology and function of the cardiocirculatory, respiratory and renal systems. Knowing the function of these systems is essential to understand the diseases that affect a large part of the population. Our goal is that learning is not based solely on the acquisition of information. In this course, students will learn to define the determining variables of the different functions of the cardiocirculatory, respiratory and renal systems and will learn to establish cause-effect relationships between these variables. In this way we intend to strengthen the causal reasoning and scientific thinking of our students.
Pre-course requirements
As an optimal background for this subject, it is recommended that the student has obtained the credits of the biology and biochemistry subjects in the previous years.
Objectives
To understand the role of the cardiocirculatory system in maintaining the organism's homeostasis and its implications in the pathophysiology.
– To know the anatomy of the cardiocirculatory system.
- The intrinsic, neural and endocrine mechanisms that regulate cardiac activity.
- The mechanisms that regulate blood pressure.
- The mechanisms that regulate angiogenesis and vasculogenesis.
- The mechanisms that regulate minute volumes in the different tissues of the body.
To understand the role of the respiratory system in maintaining the organism's homeostasis and its implications for the pathophysiology.
– To know the anatomy of the respiratory system.
– To know the main ventilation control mechanisms.
– To know the main mechanisms that regulate the transport of gases and the pH of plasma.
To understand the function of the renal system in maintaining the organism's homeostasis and its implications in the pathophysiology.
– To know the anatomy of the renal system.
- To know the main mechanisms of regulation of the glomerular filtration rate.
– To know the main systems that regulate the hydroelectrolytic balance through kidney function.
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
At the end of the course, the student: Has acquired an integrated vision, from the structural and functional point of view, of the cardiocirculatory, respiratory and renal systems. Knows how to define precisely the determining variables of the different functions of the cardiocirculatory, respiratory and renal systems. Knows how to establish cause-effect relationships between these variables. Knows the bases of the most prevalent human pathologies in relation to these systems.
Syllabus
TOPIC 1. INTERNAL MEDIA AND HOMEOSTASIS.
1.1- Contribution of the cardiocirculatory, respiratory and renal systems to the maintenance of homeostasis.
TOPIC 2. CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM.
2.1.- The heart
2.1.2- Anatomy of the heart. Location. Pericardium. Structure of the cardiac wall (epicardium, myocardium and endocardium). Cardiac cavities (atria, ventricles). Heart valves (pulmonary, aortic, mitral, and tricuspid). Coronary circulation. Myocardial histology.
2.1.3- Physiology of the heart.
Introduction to the circulatory system.
Electrical activity of the heart. Cardiac automation. Sinus node. Action potentials of fast fibers. Electrocardiogram.
Mechanical activity of the heart. Mechanism of contraction. Relaxation mechanism. Relationship between cytosolic calcium concentration and intensity of cardiac contraction. Relationship between oxygen supply, ATP production and intensity of contraction.
Regulation of cardiac activity. Regulation of electrical activity. Regulation of mechanical activity. Cardiac minute volume. Frank-Starling law. Preload, afterload and inotropism. Regulation of the cardiac minute volume. Cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis of the cardiomyocytes.
Cardiac cycle. Phases of the cardiac cycle. Diastole. Systole. Variations of ventricular volume during the cardiac cycle. Ventricular pressure variations during the cardiac cycle. Blood pressure variations during the cardiac cycle. Atrial pressure variations during the cardiac cycle. Heart sounds. Pressure-volume diagram of the heart.
2.1.4- Related clinical cases.
2.2.- Vascular system
2.2.1- Anatomy. Basic structure of blood vessels. Arteries, arterioles, capillaries, veins. Anastomosis. Main branches of the aorta. Main veins of the circulatory system. Main components of the lymphatic system.
2.2.2- Physiology of the vascular system.
Distribution system. Function of the distribution system. Aortic pressure wave. Determining factors of blood pressure. Mechanisms involved in the contraction of the smooth muscle of the vessels. Mechanisms involved in the relaxation of the smooth muscle of the vessels. Regulation of blood pressure.
Exchange system. Function of the exchange system. Exchange mechanisms. Regulation of exchange by controlling blood flow to tissues.
Lymphatic and venous return systems. Functions of return systems. Function of the lymphatic system. Venous system function. Determinants of venous return.
Angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis.
Local circulations. Coronary circulation. Brain circulation. Circulation in the skeletal musculature. Splanchnic circulation. Skin circulation.
2.2.3- Related clinical cases.
TOPIC 3. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
3.1- Anatomy and histology of the respiratory system. Nose and nostrils. Paranasal sinuses Pharynx. Larynx. Windpipe. Lungs Pleura. Bronchi. Alveoli Breathing muscles.
3.2- Physiology of the respiratory system.
Respiratory function.
Ventilation. Spirometry Elastic properties of the lung. Elastic properties of the chest wall. Respiratory tract resistance. Perfusion. Characteristics of the pulmonary circulation. Ventilation-perfusion relationship.
Transport of gases through the blood. O2 transport in the lungs and CO2 transfer. CO2 uptake in the tissues and O2 transfer. CO2 and O2 transport curves. PH regulation.
Regulation of respiratory function. General characteristics of the regulation of respiratory function. Regulation by the decrease of PaO2. Regulation by increasing PaCO2. Regulation by the decrease of the pH of the plasma and of the cerebral extracellular fluid. Regulation of breathing during exercise. Nervous regulation of breathing.
3.3- Related clinical cases.
TOPIC 4. RENAL SYSTEM 4.1- Anatomy and histology of the renal system. Macroscopic and microscopic structure of the kidneys. Ureters. Urinary bladder. Urethra. 4.2- Physiology of the renal system. Functions carried out by the kidneys. Glomerular function. Glomerular filtration rate. Determining factors of glomerular filtration. Regulation of renal blood flow. Measurement of the glomerular filtration rate. Tubular function. Tubular reabsorption mechanisms. Tubular secretion mechanisms. Excretion and urination. Renal regulation of the hydroelectrolytic balance. 4.3- Related clinical cases.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Lectures: presentation of a topic by the teacher. Participation of students solving questions related to the topics discussed in previous classes. Updates: students present scientific articles in class that represent updates on the topics covered. Clinical cases or case methods (CM): Approach to a real or imaginary situation. Students work on the questions formulated in small groups or in active interaction with the teacher and the answers are discussed. The teacher intervenes actively and, if necessary, contributes new knowledge. Virtual education (VE): Self-evaluations and other types of online material that the student can consult from any computer, at any time and that will contribute to the self-learning of concepts related to the subject. Workshops: At the dissection laboratory, review of the concepts studied in the theoretical classes.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1st, 3rd and 5th year students.
The final grade of the subject will be made up of the following percentages:
50% final exam.
20% partial exam.
30% continuous assessment.
People who have completed the CPR course will get +0.5 in the final grade. As long as you have passed the final exam.
To approve the subject in these calls you must:
- That the final mark of the subject is equal to or higher than 5 (regardless of the marks obtained in each of the parts).
- That the final exam has been passed (grade equal to or higher than 5). The student who has not passed the final exam will be suspended (he will not be averaged with the other grades).
- Regardless of the reason why a student fails the subject (subject average, final exam, etc.), the student must make up the subject through a make-up exam.
2nd, 4th and 6th year students.
The recovery grade will be obtained from a single exam (recovery exam) that will be worth 100% of the final grade of the subject. To pass this exam, the grade obtained must be equal to or higher than 5.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EVALUATION:
Final exam.
- test type 5 options and only one correct answer.
- 50 to 70 questions.
- Content taught during classes, practices, case methods or appearing in the recommended bibliography or documents provided.
Partial exam.
- test type 5 options and only one correct answer.
- 20 to 40 questions.
- Content taught during classes, practices, case methods or appearing in the recommended bibliography or documents provided.
The continuous assessment:
- It consists of multiple notes obtained without prior notice during classes, case methods, practices, outside school hours...
- They can be exercises, oral questions, small tests or exams...
- If the student does not complete one of these exercises (regardless of the reason), the grade obtained for this exercise will be "0".
Remedial exam.
- test type 5 options and only one correct answer.
- 50 to 70 questions.
- Content taught during classes, practices, case methods or appearing in the recommended bibliography or documents provided.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:
-. To pass the subject, it is essential that the student attends a minimum of 8 methods of the case (out of the 12 that are assigned).
-. To pass the subject, it is essential that the student attends a minimum of 3 practicals (out of the 5 that are assigned).
-. The student can change groups (either for the MCs or for PRACTICES), if a colleague is located to make the change (you must bring a document signed by both parties).
-. Recording in audio or video the teachers or their presentations during the practices, classes or methods of the case causes the subject to be suspended.
-. Improper use of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, computers, smart watches... during the exam will result in the subject being suspended.
Bibliography and resources
Tortora and Derrickson. Principios de anatomía y fisiología.15 ed. Ed. Panamericana (2018).
Guyton, A. (2011). Fisiologia Médica. Buenos Aires: Panamericana.
Mezquita. Fisiología Médica, 2ª ed. Panamericana (2018).
Stephanie McCann and Eric Wise. Anatomy Coloring Book, 5th ed. Kaplan (2014).
Vander’s Renal Physiology. 9th ed. McGraw-Hill Education (2018).
West's Respiratory Physiology: The Essentials.10th ed. Ed. Wolters Kluwer (2016).
Evaluation period
- E1 10/01/2025 A21 18:00h
- R1 28/01/2025 09:00h
- E2 16/06/2025 A04 09:00h