Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, and pathology foundations underpinning clinical medicine.
Acid-base physiology governs the regulation of hydrogen ion concentration in body fluids. Disorders are classified as metabolic or respiratory acidosis/alkalosis.
Autoimmune diseases result from loss of immunological self-tolerance, leading to immune-mediated attack on self-antigens. They can be organ-specific or systemic.
Cardiovascular physiology encompasses cardiac electrophysiology, the cardiac cycle, regulation of cardiac output, and vascular haemodynamics essential for understanding heart disease.
Understanding cellular biology and the cell cycle is fundamental to comprehending cancer biology, pharmacology of cytotoxic drugs, and mechanisms of disease at the molecular level.
Clinical trials are structured research studies evaluating interventions in humans. Evidence-based medicine integrates best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values.
Embryology covers human development from fertilisation to birth, providing the basis for understanding congenital malformations and developmental anomalies relevant to clinical practice.
Endocrine physiology covers hormone synthesis, secretion, and regulation via feedback loops. The hypothalamic-pituitary axis coordinates most endocrine glands.
Epidemiology and statistics encompass study design, measures of disease frequency and association, diagnostic test properties, and interpretation of clinical research evidence.
GI physiology encompasses motility, secretion, digestion, and absorption throughout the alimentary tract, along with hepatobiliary and pancreatic function.
Knowledge of inheritance patterns is essential for understanding genetic diseases, genetic counselling, and risk assessment for conditions including cystic fibrosis, Huntington's, and haemophilia.
Haemostasis is the physiological process that stops bleeding through vascular, platelet, and coagulation cascade mechanisms. Disorders cause bleeding or thrombosis.
Hypersensitivity reactions are exaggerated or inappropriate immune responses causing tissue damage. The Gell and Coombs classification describes four types based on mechanism.
Immunodeficiency disorders result from defects in innate or adaptive immunity, predisposing to recurrent, severe, or unusual infections. They may be primary (genetic) or secondary (acquired).
The immune system provides defence against infection and malignancy through innate and adaptive mechanisms. Understanding immunology underpins management of infection, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiency.
Inflammation is the body's protective response to tissue injury, involving vascular and cellular events. Repair occurs through regeneration or fibrosis depending on tissue capacity.
Innate immunity provides rapid, non-specific defence, while adaptive immunity develops specific responses with immunological memory. Both systems are integrated and interdependent.
Microbiology basics cover the classification, identification, and pathogenicity of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites relevant to clinical infection and antimicrobial therapy.
Musculoskeletal physiology encompasses skeletal muscle contraction, bone metabolism, and joint structure, underpinning understanding of orthopaedic and rheumatological disease.
Renal physiology encompasses glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption and secretion, acid-base regulation, and hormonal functions of the kidney.
Respiratory physiology covers ventilation, gas exchange, oxygen transport, and respiratory control mechanisms. Understanding these principles is essential for managing respiratory disease.