Physiologic Basis of Nursing Practice Across the Lifespan: NUSC 530
NUSC 530 is an advanced physiology course that expands upon the
undergraduate knowledge in physiology. If a student has completed a physiology course
more than 5 years ago, it might be worthwhile to audit an undergraduate physiology
course at a local community college. Listed below are objectives and prerequisites
students are advised to be familiar with. In addition, it is expected that students will be
knowledgeable about the terms listed below.
Prerequisites for NUSC 530
1. Understand the structure and function of the cell
2. Understand that membranes are semi-permeable and have on their surface
membrane cell receptors
3. Have a basic understanding of protein synthesis and the transmission of genetic
information
4. Explain the differences between the intracellular compartment, extracellular
compartment, and interstitial compartment in terms of ions, water composition,
and transport mechanisms. Recognize normal ionic concentrations between
compartments
5. Explain the differences between passive and active transport
6. Explain diffusion and osmosis and how small particles move between cells
7. Define homeostasis
8. Define cellular communication and three different signal transduction
mechanisms
9. Explain the ionic basis of the resting membrane potential
10. Define the following terms: threshold, refractory period, and action potential
propagation.
11. Explain the neural pathways of sensory systems
12. Describe the association between the cortex and perceptual processing
13. Understand the connections and processing between the brain and the spinal cord
14. Identify all the hormones and their target tissue and specific tissue effect
15. Explain hormonal feedback: inhibition (negative feedback) and stimulation
16. Draw out the hypothalamic and pituitary connections
17. Explain the different phases of the cardiac cycle
18. Define excitation contraction coupling
19. Understand the importance of pressure, resistance, and diameter in relationship to
blood flow through arteries and veins
20. Explain the relationship of fiber stretch and tension development in cardiac
muscle
21. List the differences between skeletal and cardiac muscle
22. Define inspiration, expiration, and ventilation
23. List out the pulmonary capacities and volumes
24. Describe factors that regulate ventilation
25. Describe mechanisms that regulate gas exchange in the alveoli and tissues
26. List the variables that are important in the transport of oxygen
27. List the basic functions of the kidney, highlighting the basic renal processes such
as glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and renal clearance
28. Describe regulation of sodium, water, and potassium balance
29. List the important hormonal factors that regulate renal function
30. List the various gastrointestinal organs and their role in either digestion,
absorption, or elimination
31. List two transport mechanisms used by epithelial cells in the GI tract to transport
molecules
32. Briefly describe hormonal and neural regulation of GI function
33. Define a lipoprotein and list two major lipoproteins
34. Identify at least six major functions of the liver
35. Describe the phases of an early allergic response
36. Which cells types are important in mediating the allergic response
37. Which cell types are important in the body’s resistance to infection
38. List the functions of the major cell types in mediating infection
39. Define specific and nonspecific immune mechanisms
40. Describe spermatogenesis and hormonal control of male reproductive functions
41. Describe ovarian function and control of ovarian function
42. Describe the role of estrogen and progesterone in the reproductive cycle
43. Describe the steps involved in fertilization, early development, and pregnancy
Key Terms: Students should be able to define or briefly discuss the terms below.
The list is not complete or comprehensive for each system, but does reflect most of
the areas that are introduces at the undergraduate level and will be covered in more
depth in NUSC 530.
Cell membrane
Phospholipids
Receptor
Nucleus
Sarcoplasmic reticulum
Peroxisomes
Golgi apparatus
Lysomes
Filaments
Basement membrane
Cytoskeleton
Mitochondria
Nucleic acids
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
Ribosomes
Chromosome
DNA replication
Protein translation
Protein assembly
Signal transduction
Second messengers
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (CAMP)
Inositol triphosphate (IP3)
Guanylyl cyclase
G proteins
Neurotransmitters
Temporal summation
Spatial summation
Sensory system
Afferent and efferent nerve pathways
Somatosensory pathway
Central nervous system
Peripheral nervous system
Hormones
Hypothalamic-pituitary regulation
Adrenal medulla
Thyroid
Insulin and glucagons
Growth hormone
Mutation
Protein (amino acids)
Intracellular fluid
Extracellular fluid
Interstitial fluid
Enzyme
ATP and cellular energy transfer
Cell communication
Membrane potentials
Synapses
Action potential
Cardiac Cycle
Electrocardiogram
Heart sounds
Arterial Pressure
Blood flow
Baroreceptors
Oxygen transport
Glomerular filtration
Tubular reabsorption
Sodium control
HDL
Bile salt
GI hormones
Pancreatic hormones
Basal electric rhythm
Peristaltic waves
Reproductive hormones
Oogenesis
Fertilization
Parturition
Virus
Kinin
Leukotriene
Antibody
Inflammation
Coagulation
Platelet
Fibrin/fibrinogen
Clot formation
Catecholamines
Stimulating and releasing hormones
Long-loop feedback
Short-loop feedback
Sliding filament mechanism
Frank-Starling mechanism
Excitation-contraction coupling
Frequency-tension relationship
Contractile proteins
Membrane excitation
Muscle fatigue
Conducting System
Electrophysiology
Contractility
Gas exchange
Inspiration and expiration
Lung compliance
Lung volumes and capacities
Renal clearance
Water regulation
Lipoprotein
LDL
Chylomicron
Regulator of bone growth
Spermatogenesis
Gametogenesis
Ovarian function
Follicle
Ovum and sperm transport
Early Development
Lactation
Immune function
Cytokine
Prostaglandin
Antigen
Macrophage
Lymphocyte
Coagulation factors
Thrombin
Recommended review books:
A.J. Vander, J.H. Sherman, D.S. Luciano. Human Physiology. (6th Ed.) McGraw-Hill,
New York, 1994.
R.L. Malvin, M.D. Johnson, G.M. Malvin. Concepts of human physiology. Addison
Wesley Longman, Menlo Park, CA, 1997.