Course

UNIT I

• Introduction to the human body
  • Definition and scope of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Homeostasis and basic anatomical terminology (1hr).
  • Transport across cell membranes, cell division, and cell junctions (1hr).
  • General principles of cell communication, forms of intracellular signaling—a) contact-dependent, b) paracrine, c) synaptic, d) endocrine (2hrs).
  • The classification of tissues includes the structure, location, and functions of epithelial, muscular, nervous, and connective tissues (2hrs).
• Basic principles of cell injury and adaptation
  • Components and types of feedback systems; causes of cellular injury (1hr)
  • pathogenesis (cell membrane damage, mitochondrial damage, ribosome damage, and nuclear damage) (2hrs)
  • morphology of cell injury—adaptive changes (atrophy, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, metaplasia, and dysplasia); cell swelling; intracellular accumulation; and cell death (2hrs)
  • Definitions of commonly used relevant medical terminologies (1hr)

UNIT II: Integumentary system and wound healing

• Structure and functions of skin (1hr).
• Skin disorders: Psoriasis and dermatitis and pathophysiology of leprosy (1hr).
• Basic principles of wound healing (1hr).
• Skeletal system and joints: Divisions of the skeletal system, types of bones, salient features (2hrs),
• functions of bones of axial and appendicular skeletal systems (2hrs).
• Organization of skeletal muscle (1hr),
• physiology of muscle contraction, neuromuscular junction (hr1).
• Structural and functional classification of joints (1hr).
• Diseases of bones and joints Pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and gout (3hrs).

UNIT III: Body fluids, blood, and lymphatic system

• Body fluids, composition and functions of blood (1hr)
• hemopoiesis, formation of hemoglobin (1hr),
• mechanisms of coagulation (1hr),
• blood grouping, Rh factors, and transfusion (1hr).
• Lymphatic organs and tissues, lymphatic vessels, lymph formation, circulation, and functions of the lymphatic system (2hrs).
• Basic mechanism of inflammation and repair, classification, and pathophysiology of inflammation and its mediators (2hrs).
• Hematological diseases: Pathophysiology of iron deficiency, megaloblastic anemia (Vit. B12 and folic acid) (2hrs)
• sickle cell anemia, thalassemia (1hr)
• hereditary acquired anemia, and hemophilia (1hr)

UNIT IV: Peripheral nervous system & special senses

• Classification of the peripheral nervous system: structure and functions of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems (2hrs).
• Origin and functions of spinal and cranial nerves (1hr).
• Structure and functions of the eye, ear , nose, and tongue (4hrs).
• Pathophysiology of special sense disorders: glaucoma, cataract, myopia, otitis externa, otitis media, vertigo, and anosmia (4hrs).

UNIT V: Cardiovascular system

• Anatomy of the heart (1hr)
• blood circulation (1hr)
• blood vessels, structure and functions of arteries, veins, and capillaries (1hr)
• elements of the conduction system of the heart and heartbeat, its regulation by the autonomic nervous system, cardiac output, and cardiac cycle (2hrs)
• Regulation of blood pressure, pulse, and electrocardiogram (1hr)
• Pathophysiology of hypertension (1hr)
• cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, and ischemic heart disease (angina, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease). (5hrs)

The primary goal of this course is to learn how the different bodily systems work together to maintain homeostasis. By understanding the interconnected mechanisms involved in homeostasis, students can appreciate how various processes are controlled and balanced within the body. This knowledge provides the foundation necessary to comprehend pathophysiology and pharmacology, helping students develop the skills to determine various body parameters that offer insight into an individual’s health status. These skills are important for healthcare professionals to diagnose, monitor, and treat patients effectively. Furthermore, a solid understanding of this subject empowers individuals to support the healthcare system and educate the public about various aspects of health.

The course also imparts basic knowledge of the physiological changes and mechanisms underlying disease processes, focusing on how normal physiological functions are disrupted or altered in various disease states. It emphasizes the mechanisms and processes involved in the development, progression, and outcomes of different diseases, covering a wide range including infectious diseases, genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. The course examines the causative and risk factors that contribute to disease development, analyzing the influence of genetics, environmental elements, lifestyle decisions, infections, and other triggers in the initiation and progression of diseases. It also addresses how disease processes can lead to altered vital signs, organ dysfunction, pain, and other clinical presentations.

Upon successful completion of the subject, the student shall be able to

• K1: Define anatomical, physiological, and pathophysiological terminologies.
• K2: Describe the physiological processes and interlinked mechanisms.
• K3: Classify diseases of various body systems and describe their clinical manifestations.
• S1: Distinguish normal versus abnormal tissue/organ structure and inflammatory responses.
• S2: Propose disorders based on pathophysiological mechanisms and differentiate structural vs. functional abnormalities.
• A1: Exhibit systematic, evidence-based reasoning by incorporating multifactorial risk factors in the analysis of disease development and progression.

• Pathophysiology of common skin disorders and their causes in daily life
• Pathophysiology of various types of anemia.
• Pathophysiology of common ear and eye disorders encountered in day-to-day life
• Influence of lifestyle habits on cardiovascular health and heart diseases

1. Sembulingam, K. and Sembulingam, P., Essentials of Medical Physiology. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers, New Delhi.
2. Guyton, A.C. and Hall, J.E., Textbook of Medical Physiology. Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia, USA.
3. Tortora, G.J. and Grabowski, S.R., Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. Wiley, Palmetto, GA, USA.
4. Kumar, V., Cotran, R.S. and Robbins, S.L., Basic Pathology. W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia.

1. Susan Standring. (Eds.). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice.42nd edn, UK: Elsevier. London.2020.
2. Barrett KE, Barman SM, Brooks HL, Yuan JJ, (Eds.). Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edn. McGraw Hill.2019
3. Tortora GJ, Derrickson B. Principles of anatomy & physiology. 15th edn. Inc. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.2017
4. David E. Golan, Ehrin J. Armstrong, April W. Armstrong. Principles of pharmacology: The pathophysiologic basis of drug therapy: 4th edn, Wolters Kluwer India; 2016
5. Gary D. Hammer, Stephen J. McPhee. Pathophysiology of Disease: An Introduction to Clinical Medicine, 8th edn McGraw-Hill Education, New York; 2019.
6. Kathryn L, McCance & Sue E Huether, Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children, 8th edn, Elsevier Health Sciences; 2018.