Physiology

Physiology is the scientific study of function in living systems where it focuses on how organisms, organ systems, cells and bio-molecules interact with each other by carrying out chemical or physical functions to co-exist in a living system. Therefore, Physiology covers a vast field of knowledge starting from the very basic bio-molecular level of life until the formation of a complex organism that is a human being, animal or plants through interactions involving various mechanisms such as negative feedback, compensatory and many more in maintaining a normal homeostasis in life.

FOUNDATION BLOCK

To be a future practicing doctor, studying physiology is essential because it allows me to study in depth about how the body actually functions in maintaining homeostasis especially in cases like the attack of fever, shock, dehydration and many more. In the foundation block, we were first exposed to the very basic cellular level of physiology in which we learn about the basic cell structure and also the importance of the plasma membrane as a form of barrier and transport of substances across the cell. We were first exposed to intercellular communications such as active and passive transport because it provides the basis to understanding how cells interact with each other to carry out their processes. After that, we moved on to the next phase involving the study of the autonomic nervous system which involves the conduction of nerve impulses along the body. We were exposed into depth on the study of how different kind of action potentials are conducted in our muscles which then elicits muscle contractions as a form of response to the nerve impulses. It was quite easy for me to understand Physiology because even though it is not something that we can observe with our naked eyes, the physiology of all the mechanisms and processes occurring in our body makes a lot of sense to me. It is especially important to correlate the mechanisms that were taught with applications in real life as well because it better helps me picture the processes that are occurring in our body. Also, we were given practical classes after the theory classes had been conducted to ensure further reinforcement and emphasis on the subject matter. I write notes on physiology usually by drawing charts and diagrams especially on various mechanisms to better help me grasp and memorize the subject fully. Since the lecture notes given by the lecturers are summarized, I would refer to my textbook to study further on a particular topic that I find difficult to grasp.

HEMATOLOGY BLOCK

Blood Typing

In the hematology block, I was able to learn the function of blood and its constituents as well as the formation of each kind of blood cells which is termed Hemopoiesis. We are also taught about the importance of various types of white blood cells such as their functions to help us understand how they fight off infections as well as cause hypersensitivity reactions within our body. We also had a practical where we learned blood typing which is on the basis of blood coagulation. There are typically four different kind of blood groups which are A,B,AB and O and each blood group could either be Rhesus positive or negative. Besides blood typing, we also learned on platelet function and how it interacts to cause blood coagulation in the case of bleeding. We had a practical as well to carry out tests on our coagulation time because it forms a basis of diagnosis for patients with blood clotting disorders such as those who are lacking of certain clotting factors in which they will take a longer time for their blood to clot after an injury occurs. I find this block particularly interesting because it has provided me with an opportunity to go into depth on how the blood cells actually function. Besides that, I was able to learn how each cell is synthesized within the bone marrow and it is a truly fascinating process as each cell originates from a single, undifferentiated cell but later undergoes transformation and differentiation to form specific cells with their respective functions. As usual, I wrote notes to help me remember the mechanisms of blood clotting in our body and also drew charts and diagrams regarding the synthesis of blood cells to better visualize their formation.

CARDIOVASCULAR BLOCK

In the cardiovascular block, the physiology of how the heart works was learned in depth starting from how nerve impulses are conducted within the myocardial cells. We learned about cardiac output and also various compensatory mechanisms either long term or short term in cases of hypovolemic shock where the patient encounters a huge loss in blood volume. Haemodynamics and microcirculation within capillaries and arterioles were also taught to give us a better understanding on how the blood is propelled within our pulmonary and systemic circulation after being pumped out of the heart. The CVS Block is equipped with several interesting practical classes as well where we learned how to take an echocardiogram (ECG) by placement of 12 different leads on the body to specifically measure the electrical activity of the heart. It is very interesting because by placing different leads, it will measure the heart’s electrical activity via different perspectives allowing physicians to view the activity of the heart from all proportions. Negative and positive waves will be produced based on the placement of positive or negative electrodes on the limbs. Besides ECG, we were also taught on how to take blood pressure.

Taking blood pressure

In blood pressure measurement, we mastered the ability to palpate for radial and brachial pulses while measuring the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The positioning of the cuff is important and it is essential that the practice is carried out in less than 2 minutes to ensure that the pressure applied upon the patient doesn't affect them. After the initial palpation, a stethoscope is used to listen to the brachial pulse called as Korotkoff sounds to determine the beginning of systole and diastole which will then help us determine the patient's total blood pressure. Deep concentration is therefore required in measuring blood pressure because the ability to feel for the slightest pulse and measuring the volume of blood pressure at the same time is required.