MED2011 unit 2

Respiratory medicine

(MED)

Dr R Rajan (Physiology) and Dr C Hunter (Anatomy)

Synopsis: The structure, function and basic pharmacology of the respiratory system. Topics include anatomy, embryology and histology of the thoracic wall and diaphragm, upper and lower airways, lungs and associated structures; gas laws and the physical principles of gas flow; lung volumes and mechanics; airflow and work of breathing; gas exchange and transport; ventilation-perfusion relationships; regulation of ventilation; changes in respiration during sleep, exercise and hypobaric and hyperbaric environments; acid-base balance and alterations in ventilation; transition from fetal to neonatal life; and introduction to the clinical identification of common respiratory diseases and the basic pharmacology of agents used in these diseases.

Assessment: Examinations (held in conjunction with cardiovascular medicine) 3 hours: 80% + Viva voce in anatomy: 20%