What you will learn Explain the basic principles governing normal body functions. Understand homeostasis and negative and positive feedback. Differentiate diffusion, facilitated diffusion and active transport. Describe body fluid compartments and their importance. Explain resting membrane potential and action potential.

What you will learn Explain the generation and propagation of nerve impulses. Describe synaptic transmission and neuromuscular transmission. Explain skeletal muscle contraction using the sliding filament theory. Differentiate skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles. Understand muscle tone, summation, tetanus and fatigue.

What you will learn Explain the events of the cardiac cycle. Describe the conduction system and regulation of heart rate. Interpret the basic waves and intervals of an ECG. Calculate and explain cardiac output. Describe the regulation of arterial blood pressure. Understand coronary circulation, shock and cardiovascular responses to exercise.

What you will learn Describe the composition, functions and regulation of saliva. Explain the physiological mechanisms of mastication and swallowing. Understand gastric, pancreatic and biliary secretions. Explain digestion and absorption of nutrients. Describe gastrointestinal motility and the role of digestive hormones.

What you will learn Describe nephron structure and kidney functions. Explain glomerular filtration and the regulation of GFR. Understand tubular reabsorption and secretion. Explain urine formation and concentration. Describe the regulation of fluid balance, electrolytes and acid–base balance. Understand the physiological principles underlying renal function tests.

What you will learn Classify hormones and explain their mechanisms of action. Describe the functions of the pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands. Explain calcium homeostasis and the role of parathyroid hormone. Understand insulin, glucagon and blood glucose regulation. Explain endocrine feedback mechanisms and common physiological disturbances.

What you will learn Explain the organisation and functions of the nervous system. Describe reflex actions and the physiological basis of reflex testing. Understand sensory and motor pathways. Explain the functions of the cerebellum, basal ganglia and cerebral cortex. Differentiate sympathetic and parasympathetic effects. Understand the physiology of sleep, memory and higher cortical functions.

What you will learn Explain phototransduction and the basic physiology of vision. Describe visual reflexes and accommodation. Understand sound transmission and auditory perception. Explain the role of the vestibular apparatus in balance. Describe taste and smell pathways and sensory transduction.

What you will learn Explain how the body maintains its core temperature. Describe the mechanisms of heat production and heat loss. Explain the role of the hypothalamus in temperature regulation. Differentiate fever, hyperthermia and normal physiological temperature variation.

What you will learn Describe cardiovascular and respiratory adjustments during exercise. Explain the changes in oxygen consumption and energy requirements. Understand muscle fatigue and recovery. Explain the benefits of regular physical activity on body systems.

What you will learn Apply physiological concepts to common clinical scenarios. Understand the significance of vital signs. Interpret basic physiological measurements. Explain the physiological basis of pain, stress and autonomic responses. Relate saliva, blood pressure, respiration and systemic health to dental patient management.