Physiology

Physiology is one of my favourite subjects because it is a subject that explains and elaborates on how our body works. For example, during the Cardiovascular (CVS) block, I was able to appreciate on how our heart pumps blood in relation to the volume of blood that the heart pumps, strength of the heart muscle contraction, rate of heart beat and so on. Understanding the basic concept of the CVS system actually helped me a lot in my Pathology subject that deals more on the pathological aspect of the CVS system. For example, left side heart failure would lead to pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure while right side heart failure would lead to systemic hypertension. The complications that arise from both types of heart failure could only be properly explained if one has a strong understanding in the physiological mechanisms of the right and left sides of the heart and how it is related to the systemic and pulmonary circulation.

Prior to the CVS block, I have learned about different components that make up blood which are the plasma fluid, erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells) and platelets in Hematology and Immunology (H&I) block. We were also introduced to different types of blood in ABO blood group system, antigens and antibodies. The most interesting part in this block was the opportunity for my friends and I to identify our own blood types during one of the physiology lab sessions and we were able to see and learn first-hand as how the presence or absence of antigens and antibodies influence the result of our blood type. For example, during the

lab session, I was able to conclude that I have B-antigen, antibody A and D-antigen in my blood which means that I a B+ blood type person.

Meanwhile in Foundation block, we are taught about the mechanisms of the skeletal muscle contraction and relaxation, nerve conductions and many more.

Learning about the human's body in general, how different organs work and different theoretical mechanisms that maintain the homeostasis have certainly helped to continue cultivating my interest and passion for medicine and it certainly a motivating factor that I am able to share my knowledge in Physiology with my friends and family. For an instance, during the Hematology and Immunology block, my pregnant sister-in-law would always asked me to read her blood findings that was issued by the hospital based on what I have learned on the normal ranges of red blood cell count, white blood cell count and cholesterol levels just to name a few. I also helped her to determine the possible blood type of the fetus by investigating the blood types of each of our family members from her side and my side. It is truly rewarding that I am able to benefit the few people I know at such an early stage of my life as a medical student.

Please click here to view the Physiology Gallery