14 topics with concise breakdowns: definitions, key facts, and class questions.
The «Metabolism and Energy Balance» section is the foundation for understanding how the body extracts, stores, and expends resources. Here, we analyze the continuous cycle of chemical transformations and the thermodynamics of living systems, without which homeostasis cannot be maintained.
This module covers the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids (including cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism), and proteins in detail. Special attention is given to the regulation of water balance, specific functions of brown adipose tissue, and nutrient storage depots. You will also study energy balance, methods of direct and indirect calorimetry, and the physiological basis of nutrition.
Seminars and exams most rigorously test three topics: the factors determining basal metabolic rate, the calculation of energy expenditure during physical and mental activity, and the mechanisms of lipoprotein metabolism. A solid understanding of these processes is essential for the further study of pathophysiology, endocrinology, and dietetics.
This is the process of using nutrients (primarily proteins) as "building blocks" to form and renew the body's own tissues.
What happens to cells during an isotonic excess of water?
In isotonic changes, cell function and volume are not disturbed. Only the volume of the extracellular space, such as blood plasma, increases.
What happens when the renal threshold for glucose is exceeded?
If the blood glucose concentration becomes too high and exceeds the renal reabsorption capacity, glucosuria develops—the elimination of excess sugar in the urine.
What is the difference between fats and oils from a biochemical perspective?
Fats contain saturated fatty acids and solidify at room temperature. Oils consist of unsaturated fatty acids and remain in a liquid state.
Why does brown fat have this color?
The color is due to the presence of a vast number of mitochondria containing reddish-brown pigments, cytochromes.
Where does the body get most of its cholesterol?
Most of the cholesterol (about 1000 mg/day) is synthesized endogenously within the body (500 mg of this in the liver). Only about 400 mg/day is ingested with food.
Master the entire topic in the "Physiology" course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
4,128 pages of study guides covering all topics
Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium