ASC2716

Physiological communication

Mr Peter Freeman

4 points - First semester - Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial plus an average of one hour of practical work per week - Distance only - Pre-requisite: ASC1637 or GAS1186 or BIO1637 - Prohibition: PHY2022, PHY2062 - Note: DE students complete lab component at home.

Objectives On completion of this subject students will be able to describe how the nervous and endocrine systems act as communication systems within the body; explain how basic life processes are integrated though nervous and endocrine activity; demonstrate an understanding of nervous system and endocrine system physiology, in particular their effects on the muscular and reproductive systems; describe the functions and physiology of neurotransmitters and nervous impulses; discuss the events elicited when a hormone binds to its receptor; explain the molecular basis of muscle contraction and the communication processes between the nervous and muscular systems; explain the physiology of the male and female reproductive systems, in particular, how reproduction is regulated by endocrine mechanisms; demonstrate understanding of the fact that the nervous and endocrine systems often work together in order for different areas of the body to communicate with each other.

Synopsis ASC2716 (Physiological communication) relies on foundation studies in ASC1637, which provided an overview of the normal physiology of some of the systems of the body. ASC2716 will emphasise the mechanisms of communication between body systems and the importance of these mechanisms in maintaining homeostasis and correct functioning of other body systems. To this end, the two major communication systems of the body, the nervous system and the endocrine system, will be considered in detail. The effect of these communication systems at various levels of organisation, (including tissue, organ, system and whole organism) is considered in detailed studies of the muscular system and the reproductive system.

Assessment Final examination: 70% - Practical reports and assignments: 30%

Prescribed texts

Sherwood L Fundamentals of physiology 2nd edn, West, 1995

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook