Human Physiology

Data

Official data in SubjectManager for the following academic year: 2023-2024

Topic

The most important mission of the Physiology Course in medical education is to familiarize students with the basics of the complex network of human physiology, based on prior knowledge of biology, physics, chemistry, and biochemistry. In this way, they can understand the basic anatomy and functions of each organ and organ system. The students can understand how they interact to adapt to the environment and the factors that influence them. During the practicals, students learn the main procedures to study the function of human organs and organ systems. Using the knowledge of complex human physiological processes, the biotechnology students will also learn the interconnections and mutual influences of physiological systems. Students will be enabled at a basic level to apply their knowledge in the design process of experiments and the analysis and interpretation of experimental results of pharmaceutical tests.

Lectures

• 1. Introduction to Physiology. Body fluid compartments and blood components. Principles of homeostatic regulation - Dr. Lengyel Ferenc
• 2. Functions of blood cellular elements. Blood clotting. - Dr. Lengyel Ferenc
• 3. Cellular transport of substances - Dr. Tóth Attila
• 4. Basics of cellular excitability: Membrane Potentials and Action Potentials - Dr. Kecskés Miklós
• 5. General properties of neurons. Synapses and neurotransmitters - Dr. Kecskés Miklós
• 6. Physiology of Muscle: Basic anatomy; Mechanism and energetics of muscle contraction - Dr. Barabás Klaudia
• 7. Regulation of mucle contraction in skeletal muscle. Smooth muscle - Dr. Barabás Klaudia
• 8. Physiology of heart: Basic anatomy. Cardiac cycle. Pacemaker and conductive system. Fundamentals of ECG - Dr. László Bettina Réka
• 9. Overview of circulation in the human body (pressure, flow, resistance). Functions of the arterial, venous and lymph systems - Dr. László Bettina Réka
• 10. Local, humoral and neural control of circulation.    - Dr. László Bettina Réka
• 11. Respiration: Basic anatomy. Pulmonary ventilation, circulation, and gas exchange   - Dr. Petykó Zoltán
• 12. Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood and tissue fluids. Regulation of respiration - Dr. Petykó Zoltán
• 13. General principles of gastrointestinal function: anatomy, motility, nervous and humoral control - Dr. Kövesdi Erzsébet
• 14. Secretory functions, digestion and absorption in the alimentary tract - Dr. Kövesdi Erzsébet
• 15. Energy balance, metabolic rate and temperature regulation - Dr. Kövesdi Erzsébet
• 16. General principles of kidney function: Functional anatomy of the urinary tract and urine formation by kidneys -
• 17. Tubular transport mechanisms of the kidney. Regulation of water and electrolyte excretion -
• 18. Endocrinology. Pituitary hormones. Hypothalamo-hypophyseal control of hormonal secretion. - Dr. Barabás Klaudia
• 19. Hormonal regulation of carbohydrate and intermediary metabolism. - Dr. Barabás Klaudia
• 20. Adrenocortical hormones, endocrinology of stress - Dr. Barabás Klaudia
• 21. Structure, function and hormonal control of reproductive organs. - Dr. Ernszt Dávid
• 22. Endocrinology of thyroid gland.  Regulation of calcium and phosphate homeostasis. - Dr. Kövesdi Erzsébet
• 23. The somatic and autonomic nervous system, anatomy, basic physiology - Dr. Szabó István
• 24. Sensory receptors. Neural circuits for information processing. Somatosensory system. Pain - Dr. Ernszt Dávid
• 25. The special senses: Vision - Sziládiné Dr. Fusz Katalin
• 26. The special senses: Hearing. Chemical senses. - Dr. Szabó István
• 27. Motor and integrative functions - Dr. Szabó István
• 28. Higher order cortical functions - Dr. Pál József

Practices

• 1. Introduction to physiology and general histology
• 2. Introduction to physiology and general histology
• 3. Blood: Hematokrit, the morphology of cell types using stained blood film, blood groups
• 4. Blood: Hematokrit, the morphology of cell types using stained blood film, blood groups
• 5. The neuron. Compound and single fiber action potential, conduction velocity
• 6. The neuron. Compound and single fiber action potential, conduction velocity
• 7. Muscle physiology: Summation, superposition, incomplete and complete tetanus. Electromyography  
• 8. Muscle physiology: Summation, superposition, incomplete and complete tetanus. Electromyography  
• 9. Heart: Isolated vertebrate heart preparation. Cardiac cycle. The extrasystole  
• 10. Heart: Isolated vertebrate heart preparation. Cardiac cycle. The extrasystole 
• 11. Circulation: Arterial blood pressure and pulse. Effects of adrenaline and acetylcholine
• 12. Circulation: Arterial blood pressure and pulse. Effects of adrenaline and acetylcholine
• 13. Respiration: Lung volumes, capacities and dynamic parameters
• 14. Respiration: Lung volumes, capacities and dynamic parameters
• 15. Measurement of metabolic rate. Basal and actual metabolic rate   
• 16. Measurement of metabolic rate. Basal and actual metabolic rate   
• 17. Seminare: Acide - base regulation
• 18. Seminare: Acide - base regulation
• 19. Carbohydrate metabolism: detection of blood glucose, glucose tolerance test   
• 20. Carbohydrate metabolism: detection of blood glucose, glucose tolerance test   
• 21. Reproductive physiology: Estrous cycle, menstrual cycle. Pregnancy tests 
• 22. Reproductive physiology: Estrous cycle, menstrual cycle. Pregnancy tests 
• 23. Methods for study central nervous system function: Imaging of neuronal elements
• 24. Methods for study central nervous system function: Imaging of neuronal elements
• 25. Methods for study central nervous system function: Electroencephalography, evoked potential   
• 26. Methods for study central nervous system function: Electroencephalography, evoked potential   
• 27. Oral report   
• 28. Oral report   

Seminars

Reading material

Obligatory literature

John E. Hall PhD, Michael E. Hall MD MSc.: Pocket Companion to Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, Guyton Physiology, 14th edition, 2020

Literature developed by the Department

Find and read the relevant chapters in:
Homepage of PTE ÁOK Institute of Physiology: Physiology Lab Practices, and Physiology Lab Practice Worksheets, internet study material, printable notebook

Notes

Find and read the relevant chapters in:
Homepage of PTE ÁOK Institute of Physiology: Physiology Lab Practices, and Physiology Lab Practice Worksheets, internet study material, printable notebook

Recommended literature

Lisa M.J. Lee PhD: Lippincott's Pocket Histology (Lippincott's Pocket Series) Illustrated Edition (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)
M. Réthelyi – J. Szentágothai: Functional Anatomy, First Edition, 2018, ISBN: 978 963 226 685 5 (Medicina)
Thomas M. Jessell Steven A. Siegelbaum: Principles of Neural Science, Sixth Edition, 2021, ISBN 1259642232 (McGraw-Hill)
John E. Hall & Michael E. Hall: Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology (Elsevier), 14th Edition, 2020, ISBN: 0323597122 (Elsevier)

Conditions for acceptance of the semester

Maximum of 15 % absence allowed

Mid-term exams

To have the semester signed, students must pass the oral lab report on the 14th week at the time of their scheduled lab practice.

Making up for missed classes

The missed lab practice is advised to be covered by joining another group while the same topic is on schedule.

Exam topics/questions

1. Describe the body fluid compartments and explain the methods used for measurement of body fluid volumes
2. Describe the major plasma proteins and the other non-electrolytic constituents of blood and explain their function in the body
3. Describe the intra- and extracellular ionic components and explain their physiological functions
4. The structure, function and origin of erythrocytes
5. Characterize the various leukocytes indicating their origins and functions. The role of leukocytes in the defense mechanism
6. Origin and function of blood platelets
7. The basic structure and metabolism of hemoglobin and the metabolism of iron
8. Describe the two pathways involved in the initiation of blood coagulation
9. Specific mechanism of clot formation
10. Describe the mechanism of fibrinolysis. Explain the significance of anticlotting mechanism
11. Regulation of H+ ion concentration in the blood
12. A-B-0 blood groups. The Rh blood types
13. Mechanical activity of the heart and the three-component model of heart muscle. Calcium ion movements within the cardiac muscle cell
14. Generators and conductors of impulses in the heart. Refractory periods
15. The sequence of events in the cardiac cycle. The function of valves. The heartsounds
16. Fundamentals of the electrocardiography: bipolar and unipolar leads. The human electrocardiogram (ECG)
17. Metabolism and energetics of cardiac muscle
18. Arterial blood pressure: determinants of normal arterial blood pressure
19. Circulation through the capillaries
20. The properties, production and the movement of lymph
21. Circulation in the vein. Effect of gravity on circulation
22. The pulmonary circulation. Control of lung vessels
23. The coronary circulation
24. Cerebral circulation. The concept of blood-brain barrier
25. Nervous control of the heart
26. Control mechanisms of the circulatory system: general considerations
27. Local control of the vascular smooth muscle
28. Autoregulation of blood flow in tissues and organs
29. The function and importance of baroreceptors in the regulation of circulation
30. Mechanics of respiration (functions of respiratory muscles, compliance, intrathoracic pressures, respiratory volumes)
31. Alveolar air, alveolar ventilation, dead spaces. Function of the respiratory passageways
32. Gaseous exchange in the lungs and tissues
33. O2 and CO2 transport in the body
34. Peripheral and central regulatory mechanisms of respiration. Respiratory reflexes
35. Chemical control of respiration. Acidosis, alkalosis
36. Different types of hypoxia.
37. Describe the origin, composition, function and control of salivary secretion
38. Describe the origin, nature and function of gastric secretion indicating the mechanisms of regulation
39. Mechanism and regulation of gastrointestinal movements
40. Identify the pancreatic secretions, their components, their action and the substrates on which they act. Control mechanism of pancreatic secretion
41. Describe the basic ingredients and functions of the bile indicating the origin and fate of the components and the factors controlling bile secretions and gall bladder functions
42. Identify the components and functions of the intestinal system
43. Describe how carbohydrate is digested and absorbed indicating the enzymes involved
44. Describe how fat is digested and absorbed indicating the enzymes and secretions involved
45. Describe how protein is digested and absorbed indicating the enzymes and secretions involved
46. Dynamics of glomerular filtration. Glomerular filtration rate. Plasma clearance
47. Renal blood flow. Clearance of PAH. Extraction ratio. Filtration fraction
48. Regulation of renal blood flow and pressure. Renin-angiotensin system
49. Reabsorption and secretion of different substances in the renal tubule. Methods for their investigation
50. Concentrating and diluting mechanisms of the kidney
51. Fluid volume regulation of the body
52. Regulation of concentrations of ions in the extracellular fluid. Regulation of osmolality of body fluids
53. Basal metabolic rate. Describe factors influencing the basal metabolism
54. Define metabolic rate explaining those factors influencing the total expenditure of energy by the body
55. Describe the necessary elements of normal diet
56. The normal body temperature and its physiological variations. Hyperthermia, fever, hypothermia
57. Chemical regulation of body temperature, changes of regulation at low and high environmental temperature
58. Physical regulation of body temperature, changes of regulation at low and high environmental temperature
59. Central regulatory mechanisms of heat production and heat loss
60. Mechanisms of hormone action (receptors, intracellular mediators, cAMP, Ca2+ and diacylglycerol, protein kinases)
61. Mechanism of hormonal regulation. Negative and positive feedback controls in the endocrine system
62. The anterior pituitary hormones. Regulation of pituitary hormone secretions. Pituitary dysfunction
63. Function of growth hormone during development and after adolescence
64. Abnormalities of thyroid secretion. Goitrogens
65. Function of the thyroid gland. Iodine metabolism in the body
66. Hormonal changes during menstrual cycle
67. Hormonal changes during pregnancy. Role of placenta in pregnancy. Foeto-placental unit
68. Hormones of lactation
69. Mechanism of erection and ejaculation. The sexual act (coitus)
70. The function of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate
71. Vasopressin and oxytocin. Function of ANH (atrionatriuretic hormone)
72. The endocrine pancreas. Function of insulin in the body.
73. Hormonal control of carbohydrate metabolism
74. Hormonal control of calcium and phosphor homeostasis
75. Hormonal function of the adrenocortical system. Hypophyseal regulation of the adrenocortical system. Stress and the adaptation syndrome
76. Function and regulation of mineralocorticoids
77. Function and regulation of glucocorticoids
78. Hormones of the adrenal medulla. Importance of the sympathoadrenal system
79. Molecular mechanism of muscle contraction. The regulatory role of calcium ion
80. Mechanical characteristics of muscle. Differentiation of fast and slow twitch muscle fibres. Role of the connective tissue in the function of muscles
81. Mechanism of fatigue
82. Electromyography (EMG)
83. The source of energy for muscle contraction (aerobe and anaerobe processes). Heat production during contraction-relaxation cycle
84. The neuromuscular junction
85. Structural and functional differences between skeletal and smooth muscles. Mechanism of smooth muscle contraction
86. Membrane potential and action potential: explain their ionic mechanisms. Membrane properties of CNS neurons
87. The compound action potential. Conductive properties of various nerve fibres
88. Neurochemistry of synapses, neurotransmitters, postsynaptic receptors and neuromodulators. EPSP, IPSP
89. The myotatic (stretch) reflex. Gamma motoneurons
90. The motor units. Central control of muscle contractions
91. Types of mechanoreceptors and their role in motor control
92. Somatosensory mechanisms of spinal cord and brain stem
93. Pain mechanisms, central and peripheral components
94. The human electroencephalogram (EEG). Evoked potential (EP) technique
95. Neural mechanisms of sleep and correlated somatic, autonomic and bioelectrical phenomena. The role of reticular formation in the sleep-wakefulness cycle
96. Functions of the autonomic nervous system. Autonomic reflexes
97. Central mechanisms of locomotion
98. Decerebration rigidity and spinal shock
99. Function of the extrapyramidal system
100. Importance of the cerebellum in coordination of movements
101. Cerebellar cortical mechanisms
102. Structure and function of the vestibular system
103. Peripheral auditory mechanisms (conductive apparatus and cochlea)
104. Central auditory pathways, acoustic cortex and related mechanisms
105. Physiological optics
106. The retina. Photoreceptors and neuronal functions in the retina
107. Central visual pathways, the visual cortex and their functions
108. Peripheral and central mechanisms of olfaction
109. Peripheral and central mechanisms of sensation of taste
110. Functions of the parietal and temporal association areas of the neocortex.
111. Functions of the frontal lobe (prefrontal intrinsic area)
112. The hemispheric dominance


Study material for the exam is the sum total of information covered in the obligatory textbook, on the homepage of the Institute, as well as knowledge given at the lectures and lab practices.
Figures of the lectures given are available on the homepage of Institute of Physiology and on the Neptun Meet Street.

Examiners

• Dr. Buzás Péter
• Dr. Gálosi Rita
• Dr. Jandó Gábor
• Dr. Kertes Erika
• Dr. Környei József László
• Dr. László Kristóf
• Dr. Lengyel Ferenc
• Dr. Péczely László Zoltán
• Dr. Varga Csaba
• Dr. Zelena Dóra Tímea

Instructor / tutor of practices and seminars

• Dr. Ernszt Dávid
• Dr. Lengyel Ferenc