This course is designed to give a broad understanding of cell biology, microanatomy, and embryology, which collectively can be thought of as the foundation for courses such as physiology, pathology and obstetrics and gynecology.Microanatomy is often referred to as histology.Histology is defined as the study of tissues and was primarily presented as a microscopic view of the body’s tissues and organs.This field has expanded greatly in recent years so that it is much more than visual recognition of tissues.In this course students will still be exposed to cellular and tissue identification as well as cellular physiology.Basic embryology will be covered along with a clinical emphasis on birth defects.An attempt has been made to have lectures in this course correspond as much as possible with those in gross anatomy to give the students both the microscopic and macroscopic views of structures that are being studied.
Physiology is the study of the function of living organisms, especially of the mechanisms that maintain homeostasis despite greatly changing environmental conditions. This course is a comprehensive study of normal human physiology. It presents material organized by system and focuses on the properties of living cells and tissues and the structure and function of organ systems, with an emphasis on integration and control. Within each section the emphasis is on normal function of the system and its normal interactions with the other systems. Nevertheless, the students are introduced to some aspects of abnormal function in terms of how these disorders may be viewed as failures of the internal regulatory systems, or of their inability to cope with an external interference. Physiology is very much a problem-solving discipline. The major class activities are lectures and case-based small group discussions. The goal of the small group discussions is to assist in developing skills at solving problems in physiological medicine that the students need to become highly qualified physicians. This course lays the groundwork for success in second year courses and beyond.