Medical Physiology I –
Detailed Study Guide
This guide provides a structured approach to Medical Physiology I, covering
fundamental concepts in cellular physiology, neurophysiology, cardiovascular
physiology, respiratory physiology, and related clinical correlations.
I. Introduction to Medical Physiology
Definition and Scope of Physiology
Levels of Organization: Cells, Tissues, Organs, Systems
Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms
1. Negative Feedback (e.g., Temperature Regulation)
2. Positive Feedback (e.g., Blood Clotting, Labor Contractions)
Body Fluid Compartments:
1. Intracellular Fluid (ICF) vs. Extracellular Fluid (ECF)
2. Composition of Plasma, Interstitial Fluid
II. Cell Physiology
A. Cell Membrane and Transport Mechanisms
Structure of Plasma Membrane (Lipid Bilayer, Proteins)
Types of Membrane Transport:
o Passive Transport: Diffusion, Facilitated Diffusion, Osmosis
o Active Transport: Sodium-Potassium (Na⁺/K⁺) Pump, Secondary Active Transport
o Vesicular Transport: Endocytosis, Exocytosis
B. Resting Membrane Potential (RMP)
Role of Ion Gradients (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻)
Importance of Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase in RMP
Nernst Equation and Goldman Equation
III. Neurophysiology
A. Neurons and Action Potential
Structure of Neurons (Dendrites, Axon, Synapse)
, Steps of Action Potential:
1. Resting State (-70 mV)
2. Depolarization (Na⁺ Influx)
3. Repolarization (K⁺ Efflux)
4. Hyperpolarization and Refractory Period
Propagation of Action Potentials (Saltatory vs. Continuous Conduction)
B. Synaptic Transmission
Types of Synapses: Chemical vs. Electrical
Role of Neurotransmitters (Acetylcholine, GABA, Glutamate, Dopamine)
Excitatory vs. Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials (EPSP & IPSP)
C. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Sympathetic Nervous System: “Fight or Flight” Response
o Neurotransmitters: Norepinephrine, Epinephrine
o Effects: Increased Heart Rate, Pupil Dilation, Bronchodilation
Parasympathetic Nervous System: “Rest and Digest” Response
o Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine
o Effects: Decreased Heart Rate, Pupil Constriction, Increased Digestion
IV. Cardiovascular Physiology
A. Heart Anatomy and Electrical Activity
Structure of the Heart (Atria, Ventricles, Valves)
Conduction System of the Heart:
o SA Node → AV Node → Bundle of His → Purkinje Fibers
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Interpretation:
o P Wave (Atrial Depolarization)
o QRS Complex (Ventricular Depolarization)
o T Wave (Ventricular Repolarization)
B. Cardiac Cycle and Hemodynamics
Phases of the Cardiac Cycle:
1. Atrial Systole
2. Ventricular Systole
3. Ventricular Diastole
Stroke Volume, Cardiac Output (CO = HR × SV)
Blood Pressure Regulation (Systolic vs. Diastolic Pressure)
Detailed Study Guide
This guide provides a structured approach to Medical Physiology I, covering
fundamental concepts in cellular physiology, neurophysiology, cardiovascular
physiology, respiratory physiology, and related clinical correlations.
I. Introduction to Medical Physiology
Definition and Scope of Physiology
Levels of Organization: Cells, Tissues, Organs, Systems
Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms
1. Negative Feedback (e.g., Temperature Regulation)
2. Positive Feedback (e.g., Blood Clotting, Labor Contractions)
Body Fluid Compartments:
1. Intracellular Fluid (ICF) vs. Extracellular Fluid (ECF)
2. Composition of Plasma, Interstitial Fluid
II. Cell Physiology
A. Cell Membrane and Transport Mechanisms
Structure of Plasma Membrane (Lipid Bilayer, Proteins)
Types of Membrane Transport:
o Passive Transport: Diffusion, Facilitated Diffusion, Osmosis
o Active Transport: Sodium-Potassium (Na⁺/K⁺) Pump, Secondary Active Transport
o Vesicular Transport: Endocytosis, Exocytosis
B. Resting Membrane Potential (RMP)
Role of Ion Gradients (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻)
Importance of Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase in RMP
Nernst Equation and Goldman Equation
III. Neurophysiology
A. Neurons and Action Potential
Structure of Neurons (Dendrites, Axon, Synapse)
, Steps of Action Potential:
1. Resting State (-70 mV)
2. Depolarization (Na⁺ Influx)
3. Repolarization (K⁺ Efflux)
4. Hyperpolarization and Refractory Period
Propagation of Action Potentials (Saltatory vs. Continuous Conduction)
B. Synaptic Transmission
Types of Synapses: Chemical vs. Electrical
Role of Neurotransmitters (Acetylcholine, GABA, Glutamate, Dopamine)
Excitatory vs. Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials (EPSP & IPSP)
C. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Sympathetic Nervous System: “Fight or Flight” Response
o Neurotransmitters: Norepinephrine, Epinephrine
o Effects: Increased Heart Rate, Pupil Dilation, Bronchodilation
Parasympathetic Nervous System: “Rest and Digest” Response
o Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine
o Effects: Decreased Heart Rate, Pupil Constriction, Increased Digestion
IV. Cardiovascular Physiology
A. Heart Anatomy and Electrical Activity
Structure of the Heart (Atria, Ventricles, Valves)
Conduction System of the Heart:
o SA Node → AV Node → Bundle of His → Purkinje Fibers
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Interpretation:
o P Wave (Atrial Depolarization)
o QRS Complex (Ventricular Depolarization)
o T Wave (Ventricular Repolarization)
B. Cardiac Cycle and Hemodynamics
Phases of the Cardiac Cycle:
1. Atrial Systole
2. Ventricular Systole
3. Ventricular Diastole
Stroke Volume, Cardiac Output (CO = HR × SV)
Blood Pressure Regulation (Systolic vs. Diastolic Pressure)
