Handbook

Physiology is the study of the normal function, control and integration of body systems. It is how animals live their daily lives. Its scope ranges from molecular, cellular, tissue and organ to whole body function and is the basis for recognition of abnormal function, which will be covered in subsequent pathology and clinical subjects. Foundations of veterinary physiology are explored by evaluation of homeostatic and control mechanisms. The workings of nerve and muscle cells, endocrine, digestive, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems and the ways that they interact to maintain homeostasis will be studied in domestic species. Practical exercises will utilise computer simulations and clinical techniques on human and animal subjects to illustrate and extend information presented in lectures. Veterinary physiology runs concurrently with Comparative Anatomy during first session of Second Year to provide parallel teaching of related content and to ensure that the interrelationships between form and function are apparent to students. Physiological processes in the different body systems, drawn from normal animal activities, will be presented to reinforce the content taught in previous, concurrent and successive subjects to reinforce understanding of integrated body functions.