Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Structure and Function of the Human Body II
Teaching staff
For best performance, make an appointment via e-mail (bmezquita@uic.es)
Introduction
Structure and Function of the Human Body II is taught in the second semester of the first year of Nursing.
It allows the student to go into depth in the study of the human body in the scientific fields of Anatomy and Physiology. The human body and its systems are studied as a whole.
Transversely, along with other subjects, this course emphasizes the importance Health Sciences, the scientific methodology and the need to use bibliographic sources as well as verified references.
The course is oriented in a practical way, intended to prioritize, in each subject, concepts and situations that are better adapted to the understanding of phenomena associated with the Nursing and in the fields of Health Sciences.
This course is divided into seven topics, which are studied from the Anatomy and Physiology points of view: circulatory and immune systems, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, digestive system, metabolism and reproductive system.
Pre-course requirements
No prerequisites are required
The Department of Nursing in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences has agreed that it is compulsory for all students taking a Bachelor's degree in Nursing, when participating in online classes, to turn on their camera and remain visible to lecturers and professors at all times.
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Objectives
At the end of the course, students must:
- Be capable of knowing the human body on a global basis and understanding the interrelationships between the different organs and systems to maintain homeostasis.
- Be capable of dominating the terminology used in the fields of Anatomy and Physiology.
- Be capable of knowing how the cardiovascular, blood and immunity, respiratory, digestive, urogenital systems function as well as normal human body metabolism.
- Have acquired the skills for the identification of anatomical structures studied in different tests commonly used in the clinic.
- Have acquired the skills in the clinical application of the acquired knowledge.
- Be familiar with the scientific method. Promote reasoning and discussion of problems.
- Have learned about the primary sources of information.
- Have acquired one’s own attitude for their future professional career.
- Have curiosity for the world that surrounds him and wanting to know more.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- 1. G - Ability to provide technical and professional health care appropriate to the health needs of the people they treat, with full technical and scientific autonomy, according to current and available scientific knowledge and to the quality standards and safety requirements set forth in the applicable legal standards and code of ethics.
- 20. B - Multidisciplinary teamwork
- 21. B - Oral and written communication.
- 22. G - Use and management of information and research
- 23. B - Ability to analyze and synthesize.
- 25. E - Knowledge of the field of study
- 6. E - Base nursing care on scientific evidence and available resources.
Learning outcomes of the subject
After completing the course the student will know the structural characteristics and the function of the organs and systems that constitute the human body and its development throughout the different stages of life,and will be able to establish relationships between them. Also, students will learn about the basic functional exploration of these systems in relation to the nursing profession.
Syllabus
UNIT 1: BLOOD AND IMMUNE SYSTEM
1.1- Circulatory System
Definition: blood, plasma, serum. Blood composition. Red blood cells. Leukocytes. Platelets. Coagulation. Blood type. Hematopoiesis.
1.2- Immune System
Definition. Classification: non-specific and specific immunity, inherited, acquired (natural, artificial). Inflammatory response. Cells of the immune system: phagocytes, lymphocytes (B, T). Molecules of the immune system: antibodies, complements. • Allergic reactions. • Allergens. •
1.3 - Lymphatic System
Lymph. The lymphatic vessels. Lymph ducts: thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct. Lymphatic organs: thymus, spleen, tonsils (Palatine, lingual, pharyngeal and tubal).
UNIT 2: CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM.
2.1.- Cardiac System: The Heart
Basic Concepts. External configuration. Internal configuration: Heart cavities (Atria, ventricles), cardiac valves (lung, aortic, mitral and tricuspid), septums (Atrial Septum Defect and Ventricular septum defect). Pericardium. Heart structure (epicardial, endocardial and myocardial). Mechanical and electrical activity of the heart. Regulation of the activity of the heart. Cardiac cycle.
2.2 - Vascular System
Basic Concepts. Coronary, pulmonary and systemic circulation (General, blood circulation, venous circulation, hepatic portal circulation), lymphatic circulation. Blood pressure: overview, factors that influence blood pressure, blood pressure fluctuations.
UNIT 3: RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Basic Concepts. Fossa or nasal cavity, sinuses. Pharynx: Nasopharynx, Oropharynx and Laryngopharynx. Larynx: vocal, laryngeal cartilage, Epiglottis. Trachea. Lungs: an overview (fissures, lobes, segments). Bronchi. Alveoli. Ventilation. Breathing muscles. Physiology of respiration: clinical assessment: respiratory functional study (forced spirometry, respiratory volumes, CO transfer capacity). Arterial blood gases. Alveolar-arterial gradient concept of oxygen. Regulation of respiration.
UNIT 4: RENAL SYSTEM
Kidneys. Macroscopic and microscopic structure. Ureters. The bladder. Urethra: male and female. Kidney's functions. Analysis of urine.
UNIT 5: DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Oral cavity: tongue (muscles, tongue brake), teeth (General, particular characteristics, both temporary and permanent dentition), salivary gland (major and minor). Pharynx: nasopharynx, Oropharynx and laryngopharynx. Esophagus: characteristics and relationships. Stomach: greater curvature, lesser curvature, Cardia, fundus, pylorus sphincter. Small intestine: duodenum, jejunum, ileum. Large intestine: cecum, colon, sigma, straight, vermiform appendix, year. Liver and biliary tract. Pancreas. Peritoneum. Digestion: mechanical and chemical.
Digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Secretion of digestive glands. Absorption: process and regulatory mechanisms. Training of feces and defecation. Vomiting.
UNIT 6: METABOLISM
Metabolism of nutrients: HC, fats, proteins. Major vitamins and minerals for our body. Vitamin deficits. Vitamin supplements: in pregnant women, certain diseases and in athletes. Metabolic cups: basal metabolic rate: factors determining total basal metabolic rates, calories. Body temperature.
UNIT 7: REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Genital tract, male reproductive system: testis, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle, ejaculatory duct, prostate glands bulbouretrals, penis.
Female genital tract: ovaries, fallopian tubes de Falopio, uterus, vagina. Explorations: colposcopy, Pap smear test. Moms.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Students will be master classes of all thematic blocks to.
Classes will be more practical and applied to the study of the anatomy and physiology of organs and systems, according to the case method.
Each week additional activities will be posted via the intranet.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
- Midterm exam: Multiple choice test and short answer questions. VALUE on the FINAL mark: 30%
- Final examination: Multiple choice test and short answer questions. VALUE on the FINAL MARK: 50%
- Continuous assessment: each week, questions will be made via the intranet and activities will be posted. Plus the participation in these activities as well as the way to solve the cases which will be proposed during the lectures and seminars. VALUE on the FINAL MARK: 20%
To pass the course it is necessary to pass the final exam with a mark equal or higher than 5, and that the calculation of the final mark is equal to or greater than 5.
The material presented by the teacher must be expanded by the student with the recommended bibliography.
No Honors will be awarded in resits
Honor Matrix Assignment Procedure (MH)
- The criterion for assigning Honorary Enrolments (MH) is based on the Excellent (9.0).
- The assignment is solely for the teacher and does not have to give it, even if the student has obtained a mark above 9.0.
- In case the teacher decides to award MH, he will not take into account the numerical mark and the highest, but will evaluate other factors. The HM might not match the highest numeric score.
Procedure for Non-presented Assignment (NP)
- To register an NP in the student's file, it must not have been submitted to any of the evaluation tests throughout the assignment.
- If a student has submitted to one of the evaluation tests, the corresponding percentages in the teaching guide will be applied, with a 0 in those not presented.
Procedure for plagiarism or academic fraud
Any assignment or activity (including exams) in which plagiarism, falsification or academic fraud is detected, will result in a failure of the activity and an academic sanction that will entail from the loss of enrolment rights in this subject, to the opening of a file process.
Bibliography and resources
- TORTORA-DERRICKSON Principios de anatomía y fisiología. Ed. Panamericana.
- THIBODEAU GA, PATTON KT. Anatomía y fisiología. Madrid. Harcourt Brace.
- GUYTON CG, HALL, JE. Tratado de Fisiología Médica. Elsevier.
- ROHEN JW, YOKOCHI. Atlas fotográfico de Anatomía Humana. Ed. Mosby.
Evaluation period
- E1 07/04/2025 10:00h
- E2 03/07/2025 10:00h