Skip to main content
nounstudy
NSC222

Human Physiology II

This course builds upon the foundational knowledge of Human Physiology I, focusing on the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. It explores the intricate mechanisms of digestion, absorption, and metabolism, as well as the physiological processes involved in respiration. The course also examines the role of hormones in regulating these systems and their impact on overall health. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how these systems function and interact to maintain homeostasis.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
208 hours
Maths
Basic
Content
Theoretical, practical
Practical work
Yes
Before you start
  • NSC 221 - Human Physiology I
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Laboratory practicals
  • Final examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

NSC222 · UNIT 2: GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY

The digestive tract includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. The histology is similar in all parts except the esophagus and the anus where serous attachment is not present.

What you should be able to do

  1. Apply knowledge of respiratory and gastrointestinal physiology to analyze health and nursing care needs.
  2. Plan care for patients with respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders.
  3. Describe the structure and function of the nervous system.
  4. Explain the role of the endocrine system in regulating bodily functions.
  5. Describe the anatomy and physiology of the urinary system.
  6. Explain the mechanisms of action of the special senses.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Registered Nurse
  • Medical Doctor
  • Physiotherapist
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist
  • Public Health Officer
Where it is applied
  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Rehabilitation Centers
  • Research Laboratories
  • Public Health Organizations
Tools
  • Microscopes
  • Physiological Recording Equipment
  • Laboratory Software

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 1: Gastrointestinal Physiology

    Unit 3: Gastrointestinal Hormones, Digestion and Absorption

    The intricate details of gastrointestinal hormones and their regulatory mechanisms require a strong understanding of biochemistry and cell signaling pathways.

  • Module 2: Nervous System

    Unit 2: Integration of Central Nervous System with Other Systems

    Understanding the complex neural pathways and integration of the central nervous system with other systems requires a solid foundation in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.

  • Module 5: The Special Senses

    Unit 3: The Ear and the Sense of Hearing

    The complex interplay of anatomical structures and physiological processes involved in hearing and balance requires a strong understanding of physics and mechanics.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 46 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Gastrointestinal Physiology
    • Unit 1: Organization and Secretions of the Gastrointestinal Tract · 3 hours

      Read about the organization of the gastrointestinal tract.. Study the different sphincters and their functions.. Understand the salivary glands and their secretions..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Gastrointestinal Physiology
    • Unit 2: Gastrointestinal Motility · 3 hours

      Explore the process of chewing and swallowing.. Study gastric motility and its regulation.. Understand the motility of the small intestine..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Gastrointestinal Physiology
    • Unit 3: Gastrointestinal Hormones, Digestion and Absorption · 4 hours

      Learn about the different gastrointestinal hormones and their functions.. Study the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.. Understand the absorption processes of nutrients..

  4. Week 4Module 2: Nervous System
    • Unit 1: Overview of the Nervous System · 3 hours

      Review the divisions of the nervous system.. Study the anatomy of the nervous tissue.. Understand the functions of the nervous system..

  5. Week 5Module 2: Nervous System
    • Unit 2: Integration of Central Nervous System with Other Systems · 3 hours

      Study the origin of the central nervous system.. Understand the structures and functions of the brain regions.. Explore how the CNS integrates with other systems..

  6. Week 6Module 3: Endocrine System and Reproductive System
    • Unit 1: The Endocrine System · 3 hours

      Learn about the components of the endocrine system.. Study the different types of hormones and their functions.. Understand the integration between the endocrine and nervous systems..

  7. Week 7Module 3: Endocrine System and Reproductive System
    • Unit 2: The Reproductive System · 3 hours

      Study the male reproductive organs and their functions.. Learn about the female reproductive organs and their functions.. Understand the hormones involved in reproduction..

  8. Week 8Module 4: Urinary System
    • Unit 1: Introduction to Urinary System · 3 hours

      Learn about the major organs of the urinary system.. Study the structure and function of the kidney.. Understand the nephron and its role in filtration..

  9. Week 9Module 4: Urinary System
    • Unit 2: The Structure of the Kidney · 3 hours

      Study the internal anatomy of the kidney.. Understand the accessory excretory structures.. Learn about urine composition and the process of urination..

  10. Week 10Module 5: The Special Senses
    • Unit 1: The Tongue and the Sense of Taste · 3 hours

      Study the functions of taste and the location of taste buds.. Learn about the histology of taste buds.. Understand taste preference and its role in diet control..

  11. Week 11Module 5: The Special Senses
    • Unit 2: The Nose and the Sense of Smell · 3 hours

      Study the olfactory epithelium and bulb.. Learn about the threshold for odor detection.. Understand the neuronal pathways for olfaction..

  12. Week 12Module 5: The Special Senses
    • Unit 3: The Ear and the Sense of Hearing · 3 hours

      Study the auditory structures of the ear.. Learn about the neuronal pathways for hearing and balance.. Understand common clinical correlates related to hearing..

    • Unit 4: The Eyes and the Sense of Vision · 3 hours

      Study the anatomy of the eye.. Learn about the functions of the eye.. Understand the visual pathway..

  13. Week 13Final Revision
    • Final Revision · 6 hours

      Review all modules and units.. Work on assignments and prepare for final examination..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create detailed concept maps linking gastrointestinal hormones to their target organs and effects (Units 1-3).
  • Practice identifying key anatomical structures of the nervous system using diagrams and models (Module 2).
  • Review the feedback loops involved in endocrine regulation, focusing on the hormones discussed in Unit 1 of Module 3.
  • Work through practice problems related to glomerular filtration rate and renal function (Module 4).
  • Use flashcards to memorize the cranial nerves and their functions, particularly those related to the special senses (Module 5).
  • Attend all laboratory sessions and review your practical reports to reinforce understanding of experimental procedures and results.
  • Form a study group to discuss challenging concepts and practice answering exam-style questions.
  • Allocate specific study time for each module, focusing on areas where you feel less confident.
  • Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any feedback received from your tutor.
  • Prioritize understanding the underlying physiological principles rather than rote memorization of facts.

Questions students ask about this course

What is NSC222 about?

This course builds upon the foundational knowledge of Human Physiology I, focusing on the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. It explores the intricate mechanisms of digestion, absorption, and metabolism, as well as the physiological processes involved in respiration. The course also examines the role of hormones in regulating these systems and their impact on overall health. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how these systems function and interact to maintain homeostasis.

How many units does NSC222 have?

NSC222, Human Physiology II, has 12 units across 5 modules, over 120 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is NSC222?

NSC222 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Health Sciences.

Is NSC222 hard?

NSC222 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work, and it has a practical component.

How long does NSC222 take to study?

About 208 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.

How is NSC222 assessed?

NSC222 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments, laboratory practicals and final examination.

What do I need before starting NSC222?

NSC 221 - Human Physiology I

What can I do with NSC222?

Registered Nurse, Medical Doctor, Physiotherapist, Medical Laboratory Scientist and Public Health Officer.

More courses in Health Sciences

EHS208

Hygiene Education & Promotion

2 credit units

Open EHS208
PHS201

Anatomy

3 credit units

Open PHS201
EHS207

General Biochemistry for Environmental Health

3 credit units

Open EHS207