Integrated Pathophysiology and Physiology

This unit synthesizes core physiological principles and pathophysiological processes across body systems—respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, musculoskeletal, urinary, reproductive, and immune—while integrating foundational chemistry and fluid mechanics that underlie clinical signs. Students apply mechanistic reasoning to common clinical scenarios (e.g., respiratory failure, hypertension, infection, edema, appendicitis, pregnancy-related changes) and prepare for further study or entry-level healthcare roles.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the pathophysiology of major body systems (respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, musculoskeletal, urinary, reproductive, and immune) by linking signs and symptoms to underlying cellular, tissue, and organ-level mechanisms
• Apply principles of fluid balance, gas exchange, pressure dynamics, polarity, and redox chemistry to explain clinical conditions such as edema, hypertension, acid–base disturbances, respiratory compromise, and the transition to neonatal breathing
• Demonstrate immune system mechanisms—including innate and adaptive responses, host–microbe interactions, and pregnancy-related immunologic changes—and interpret their implications for infection control, vaccination, and common clinical presentations
• Evaluate diagnostic indicators and propose evidence-informed interventions or preventative strategies for common conditions studied in the unit (e.g., appendicitis, joint injuries, cardiovascular events, infections, and reproductive system disorders)