Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Physiology (PHY-804): Home

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of the course II PhD Scholars should be able to:

• Analyze the complex mechanisms involved in regulation of gastrointestinal functions such as motility, secretion and absorption.
• Evaluate the role of various hormones and neurotransmitters in regulation gastrointestinal function.
• Apply the principles of gastrointestinal physiology to understand the pathophysiology of various gastrointestinal disorders.
• Relate the complex mechanisms involved in regulation of genitourinary functions with urine formation, renal reabsorption, and secretion.
• Evaluate the role of various hormones and neurotransmitters in regulation of genitourinary functions.
• Analyze the role of kidneys in regulating acid base balance.
• Understand the physiological mechanisms involved in regulation of female menstrual cycle and male reproductive system.
• Evaluate the impact of hormones, environmental factors and lifestyle choices on reproductive function and fertility.

       Course Content :

1. Overview of Gastrointestinal Function & Regulation

• Describe the functional significance of the gastrointestinal system, with reference to its roles in nutrient assimilation, excretion, and immunity
• Describe the structure of the gastrointestinal tract along with the glands, and its subdivision into functional segments
• Describe the major gastrointestinal secretions, their components, and the stimuli that regulate their production
• Describe water balance in the gastrointestinal tract that maintains the level of luminal fluidity to allow for digestion and absorption
• Describe the major hormones, peptides, and neurotransmitters of the gastrointestinal system
• Describe the special features of the enteric nervous system and the splanchnic circulation

2. Digestion, Absorption and Nutritional Principles

• Describe the mechanism of how  nutrients are delivered to the body and the chemical processes needed that convert them to a form suitable for absorption
• Describe the major dietary Carbohydrates along with the  luminal and brush border processes that produce absorbable monosaccharides along with the  transport mechanisms that provide uptake of these hydrophilic molecules
• Describe the process of Protein assimilation, and the ways it is used for carbohydrates
• Describe the stepwise processes of Lipid digestion and absorption along with the role of Bile acids in solubilizing the products of lipolysis, and the consequences of fat malabsorption
• Describe the source and functions of short-chain fatty acids in the colon
• Describe the importance and mechanisms of uptake for Vitamins and Minerals
• Discuss the basic principles of Energy metabolism and Nutrition

3. Gastrointestinal Motility

• Describe the major forms of motility in the gastrointestinal tract and their roles in digestion and excretion
• Explain the electrical basis of gastrointestinal contractions and the role of basic electrical activity in governing motility patterns
• Describe how gastrointestinal motility changes during Fasting
• Define the factors that govern Gastric emptying and the process of Vomiting
• Describe how the motility patterns of the colon sub serves its function to desiccate and evacuates the stool

4. Transport & Metabolic Functions of the Liver

• Describe the Functions of the liver with respect to metabolism, detoxification and excretion of hydrophobic substances
• Describe the functional anatomy of the liver and the relative arrangements of hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, endothelial cells, and Kupffer cells
• Describe the Plasma proteins that are synthesized by the liver
• Describe the formation of bile, its constituents, and its role in the excretion of cholesterol and bilirubin
• Describe  the mechanism by which the liver contributes to whole body ammonia homeostasis
• Describe the mechanisms that permit normal functioning of the gallbladder and the basis of gallstone disease

5. Function of the Reproductive System

• Describe the functions of hormones secreted by Leydig cells and Sertoli cells of the testes and by Graafian follicles and Corpus luteum of the ovaries
• Discuss the role of chromosomes, hormones, and related factors in sex determination and development
• Describe the hormonal changes that occur at puberty in males and females
• Describe the hormonal changes and their physiologic effects during perimenopause and menopause
• Describe the steps involved in spermatogenesis and the mechanisms that produce erection and ejaculation
• Describe the general structure of testosterone, its biosynthesis, transport, metabolism, and actions along with regulation
• Describe the physiologic changes that occur in the female reproductive organs during the menstrual cycle
• Describe general structures of Estradiol and Progesterone, along with their biosynthesis, transport, metabolism, actions and regulation
• Describe the hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy and parturition
• Describe the processes involved in lactation

6. Renal Function and Micturition

• Describe the functions of kidney that are responsible for  maintenance of  homeostasis of the body
• Relate various components of a Nephron with basic renal processes of filtration, absorption and secretion
• Define autoregulation and list the major theories advanced to explain Autoregulation in the kidneys
• Define Glomerular Filtration Rate
• Describe the major factors affecting Glomerular Filtration Rate
• Describe tubular handling of Sodium and Water
• Discuss tubular reabsorption and secretion of Glucose and Potassium
• Describe how the Countercurrent mechanism in the kidney operates to produce hypertonic or hypotonic urine
• Describe the major classes of Diuretics and how each operates to increase urine flow
• Describe the Micturition reflex along with  role of brain in facilitation or inhibition of Micturition

7. Regulation of Extracellular Fluid Composition and Volume

• Describe how the tonicity (osmolality) of the extracellular fluid is maintained by alterations in water intake and vasopressin secretion
• Discuss the effects of vasopressin along with its secretion is regulation
• Describe how the volume of the extracellular fluid is maintained by alterations in renin and aldosterone secretion

8. Acid Base Balance

• Define acidosis and alkalosis
• Describe the processes involved in the secretion of Hydrogen ion into the tubules and the significance of this process in the regulation of acid–base balance
• Describe the changes in blood chemistry that occur during the development of metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis, and the respiratory and renal compensations for these conditions
• Describe the changes in blood chemistry that occur during the development of respiratory acidosis and respiratory alkalosis, and the renal compensation for these conditions