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Stephen Anderson,
Bradley Launikonis,
and
Kenneth Lopez-Loo
The human body is an amalgamation of specialised and complex systems. Normal, healthy body functions rely on a symphony of these systems, dynamically working in concert to keep us in a stable homeostatic state.
This course begins by examining the unconscious regulation of body systems by the autonomic nervous system, helping us respond when homeostasis is challenged.
Read more
The human body is an amalgamation of specialised and complex systems. Normal, healthy body functions rely on a symphony of these systems, dynamically working in concert to keep us in a stable homeostatic state.
This course begins by examining the unconscious regulation of body systems by the autonomic nervous system, helping us respond when homeostasis is challenged.
Read more
The human body is an amalgamation of specialised and complex systems. Normal, healthy body functions rely on a symphony of these systems, dynamically working in concert to keep us in a stable homeostatic state.
This course begins by examining the unconscious regulation of body systems by the autonomic nervous system, helping us respond when homeostasis is challenged.
We then explore the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in depth, providing an integrative perspective. We investigate the contractility of the heart, how the circulatory system distributes blood to tissues and organs, the key roles of the respiratory system in gas exchange and maintaining acid-base equilibrium, and the importance of the lymphatic system in maintaining fluid balance. The course aims to provide you with an appreciation of how homeostasis is regulated by close interactions between these body systems.
This interactive course incorporates videos, insights from experts in human physiology, and assessment to test your new understanding of systems physiology.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/9nptn2/cardiovascular
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Gain a functional understanding of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
- Appreciate how the heart functions as an autonomous biological pump.
- Understand the consequences of innappropriate blood pressure.
- Comprehend physiological mechanisms involved in breathing and gas exchange.
- Gain a functional understanding of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
- Appreciate how the heart functions as an autonomous biological pump.
- Understand the consequences of innappropriate blood pressure.
- Comprehend physiological mechanisms involved in breathing and gas exchange.
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Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Reinforces foundational knowledge of physiology, which is helpful for those looking to understand physiological concepts in greater depth
Provides a comprehensive examination of cardiovascular and respiratory system, exploring their interrelated roles in maintaining homeostasis
Suitable for learners with diverse backgrounds, including those without extensive prior knowledge in physiology
Provides an engaging experience through videos and expert insights, fostering deeper understanding of physiology
Explores advanced physiological concepts, such as inappropriate blood pressure and the intricate mechanisms of gas exchange
Emphasizes the interconnectedness of physiological systems, providing a holistic perspective
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Reviews summary
Comprehensive human cardiovascular & respiratory physiology
According to learners, this course provides an incredibly comprehensive and well-structured exploration of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Many highlight the exceptional clarity of explanations and the effectiveness of visual aids and animated videos, which significantly aid understanding. Students frequently commend the instructor's ability to break down complex topics, building a solid foundation for those in health sciences or medical fields. However, some learners caution that the course assumes a certain level of prior biology knowledge, making it challenging for absolute beginners. A few also found some quiz questions overly detailed and noted a focus on academic theory over practical application, which may require supplemental clinical study.
Leans heavily on theoretical concepts, with less emphasis on clinical application.
"I struggled with this course. While the information is theoretically important, it felt very dry and academic. Not enough real-world examples or clinical correlations."
"It might be good for pure academics, but I was hoping for something more applicable to practical situations."
High-quality animated videos and interactive elements enhance learning.
"I especially appreciated the animated videos that demonstrated blood flow and gas exchange, making it much easier to visualize."
"The visual aids are top-notch. I finally understood the nuances of acid-base balance."
"The interactive elements truly helped reinforce learning."
Provides a comprehensive and robust understanding of human physiology.
"This course was incredibly comprehensive and well-structured."
"A very solid course covering the core systems."
"As a nursing student, this course provided an incredibly solid foundation for understanding cardio and respiratory physiology."
Excellent instruction and clear explanations make complex topics accessible.
"The lecturer, Professor Smith, explained complex topics with such clarity."
"Absolutely brilliant! The explanations are crystal clear, and the visual aids are top-notch."
"The lecturer breaks down complex concepts into digestible pieces."
Some quizzes felt overly detailed or tricky, requiring external study.
"Some of the quiz questions felt a bit tricky or overly detailed for the level of explanation provided in the lectures."
"I had to do some external reading to ace them."
May be challenging for beginners, assuming some existing biology background.
"The content is good, but it's quite challenging for someone without a strong prior biology background."
"It assumes a certain level of foundational knowledge. The professor is good, but maybe a 'pre-req' module would be helpful."
"Too difficult and fast-paced. I felt lost within the first week. It assumes too much prior knowledge. This is definitely not for beginners..."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems with these
activities:
Review concepts of autonomic nervous system
Show steps
By reviewing the fundamental principles of the autonomic nervous system, you will build a foundation for the material that follows.
Browse courses on
Autonomic Nervous System
Show steps
-
Revisit your notes or textbook chapters on the autonomic nervous system.
-
Go over the different divisions of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic).
-
Review the functions of the autonomic nervous system in regulating body systems.
-
Consider how the autonomic nervous system helps maintain homeostasis.
Watch video tutorials on respiratory system physiology
Show steps
Watching video tutorials will help you visualize the concepts of respiratory physiology and reinforce your understanding.
Browse courses on
Respiratory System
Show steps
-
Search for video tutorials on respiratory system physiology on YouTube or other platforms.
-
Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key concepts.
-
Review your notes and test your understanding by answering questions or completing practice problems.
Read Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
Show steps
Reading this book will provide you with a deeper understanding of the cardiovascular system, including the heart's function, blood pressure regulation, and the distribution of blood to tissues and organs.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read Chapter 1: Introduction to the Cardiovascular System.
-
Read Chapter 2: The Heart as a Pump.
-
Read Chapter 3: Blood Pressure and Its Regulation.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Discuss the lymphatic system with classmates
Show steps
Discussing the material with classmates will help you clarify your understanding and identify areas where you need further study.
Browse courses on
Lymphatic System
Show steps
-
Form a study group with classmates.
-
Choose a topic related to the lymphatic system to discuss.
-
Prepare for the discussion by reading the relevant material and gathering your thoughts.
-
Meet with your study group and discuss the topic, sharing your insights and questions.
Practice solving cardiovascular physiology problems
Show steps
Solving practice problems will help you apply the concepts you learn in the course and improve your problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on
Cardiovascular System
Show steps
-
Find practice problems online or in a textbook.
-
Solve the problems and check your answers.
-
Review the solutions to understand where you make mistakes.
Create a diagram of the cardiovascular system
Show steps
Creating a diagram will help you visualize the cardiovascular system and understand its components and their interconnections.
Browse courses on
Cardiovascular System
Show steps
-
Gather information about the cardiovascular system from your notes, textbooks, or online resources.
-
Choose a format for your diagram, such as a flowchart, a sketch, or a concept map.
-
Create your diagram, including the major components of the cardiovascular system and their relationships.
-
Review your diagram and make any necessary revisions.
Build a model of the respiratory system
Show steps
Building a model will provide you with a hands-on experience that will help you understand the structure and function of the respiratory system.
Browse courses on
Respiratory System
Show steps
-
Gather materials such as cardboard, straws, balloons, and tape.
-
Design your model, considering the major components of the respiratory system.
-
Build your model, paying attention to the relationships between the different components.
-
Test your model by demonstrating how air flows through the respiratory system.
Volunteer at a hospital or clinic
Show steps
Volunteering will give you practical experience in a healthcare setting and expose you to different aspects of human physiology.
Browse courses on
Physiology
Show steps
-
Research volunteer opportunities at local hospitals or clinics.
-
Apply for a volunteer position that aligns with your interests and skills.
-
Complete any necessary training or orientation.
-
Volunteer regularly and actively participate in activities.
Review concepts of autonomic nervous system
Show steps
By reviewing the fundamental principles of the autonomic nervous system, you will build a foundation for the material that follows.
Browse courses on
Autonomic Nervous System
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Revisit your notes or textbook chapters on the autonomic nervous system.
- Go over the different divisions of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic).
- Review the functions of the autonomic nervous system in regulating body systems.
- Consider how the autonomic nervous system helps maintain homeostasis.
Watch video tutorials on respiratory system physiology
Show steps
Watching video tutorials will help you visualize the concepts of respiratory physiology and reinforce your understanding.
Browse courses on
Respiratory System
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for video tutorials on respiratory system physiology on YouTube or other platforms.
- Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key concepts.
- Review your notes and test your understanding by answering questions or completing practice problems.
Read Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
Show steps
Reading this book will provide you with a deeper understanding of the cardiovascular system, including the heart's function, blood pressure regulation, and the distribution of blood to tissues and organs.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read Chapter 1: Introduction to the Cardiovascular System.
- Read Chapter 2: The Heart as a Pump.
- Read Chapter 3: Blood Pressure and Its Regulation.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Discuss the lymphatic system with classmates
Show steps
Discussing the material with classmates will help you clarify your understanding and identify areas where you need further study.
Browse courses on
Lymphatic System
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a study group with classmates.
- Choose a topic related to the lymphatic system to discuss.
- Prepare for the discussion by reading the relevant material and gathering your thoughts.
- Meet with your study group and discuss the topic, sharing your insights and questions.
Practice solving cardiovascular physiology problems
Show steps
Solving practice problems will help you apply the concepts you learn in the course and improve your problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on
Cardiovascular System
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems online or in a textbook.
- Solve the problems and check your answers.
- Review the solutions to understand where you make mistakes.
Create a diagram of the cardiovascular system
Show steps
Creating a diagram will help you visualize the cardiovascular system and understand its components and their interconnections.
Browse courses on
Cardiovascular System
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information about the cardiovascular system from your notes, textbooks, or online resources.
- Choose a format for your diagram, such as a flowchart, a sketch, or a concept map.
- Create your diagram, including the major components of the cardiovascular system and their relationships.
- Review your diagram and make any necessary revisions.
Build a model of the respiratory system
Show steps
Building a model will provide you with a hands-on experience that will help you understand the structure and function of the respiratory system.
Browse courses on
Respiratory System
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather materials such as cardboard, straws, balloons, and tape.
- Design your model, considering the major components of the respiratory system.
- Build your model, paying attention to the relationships between the different components.
- Test your model by demonstrating how air flows through the respiratory system.
Volunteer at a hospital or clinic
Show steps
Volunteering will give you practical experience in a healthcare setting and expose you to different aspects of human physiology.
Browse courses on
Physiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research volunteer opportunities at local hospitals or clinics.
- Apply for a volunteer position that aligns with your interests and skills.
- Complete any necessary training or orientation.
- Volunteer regularly and actively participate in activities.
Career center
Learners who complete Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Medicine
Medicine
Physicians, including doctors and surgeons, use their knowledge of human physiology, anatomy, and pharmacology to prevent and treat diseases. Doctors rely upon coursework in cardiovascular and respiratory systems to understand the functioning of the heart, vascular system, lungs, and lymphatic system, and to make diagnoses and develop treatment plans for patients with medical conditions including heart failure, hypertension, stroke, and pulmonary embolism.
Nursing
Nursing
Nurses use their knowledge of human physiology and medicine to administer patient care, and are often the first point of contact between a person and the medical system. An understanding of normal and abnormal physiology, such as the function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, is essential to the work of nurses.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants provide patient care under the supervision of a physician, and in many states can practice independently. A solid understanding of cardiovascular and respiratory physiology is crucial to treating patients, making diagnoses, and administering care.
Athletic Trainer
Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers may need to understand the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to evaluate and treat injuries within the body.
Physiologist
Physiologist
Physiologists study the function of the human body, including the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, often in the context of health and disease. This course will help a physiologist understand the heart's function, circulatory flow, gas exchange, and acid-base equilibrium.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists are allied health professionals who are trained to provide care to patients with lung or respiratory diseases. The course can be particularly useful for respiratory therapists interested in becoming certified in advanced cardiac life support, as it provides knowledge of heart function and circulation.
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise physiologists study the responses and adaptations of the human body to exercise. They use principles from systems physiology, including the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, to understand how diet and exercise impact human health.
Nutritionist or Dietician
Nutritionist or Dietician
Understanding the cardiovascular and respiratory systems of the human body may be useful for dietitians and nutritionists, especially when making dietary recommendations for patients with diabetes, heart disease, or lung conditions.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists may find this course useful, as understanding how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems work can help in the treatment of speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
Medical Researcher
Medical Researcher
Physiology is a foundational course of study for medical researchers, and understanding the cardiovascular and respiratory systems is essential.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers working on devices related to monitoring the cardiovascular or respiratory systems may find this course helpful, as it may provide insights into the design and function of such devices.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health educators teach about disease prevention and healthy lifestyles.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists' knowledge of human systems, including cardiovascular and respiratory systems, is necessary for them to understand how drugs impact the body and to advise people about their medications.
Public Health Official
Public Health Official
While not a healthcare provider, a Public Health Official would likely benefit from a course in cardiovascular and respiratory systems in order to better understand the health of a community and design public health interventions.
Forensic Pathologist
Forensic Pathologist
Forensic pathologists must understand the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to interpret findings from autopsies.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9nptn2/cardiovascular
Reading list
We've selected 12 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems.
This textbook comprehensive and authoritative overview of human physiology. It provides a detailed and well-organized exploration of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, covering their structure, function, and regulation.
This textbook classic in the field of medical physiology. It provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, with a focus on their clinical relevance.
This textbook well-respected and widely used resource in the field of physiology. It provides a clear and concise overview of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, with a focus on their integrated function.
Save
This textbook popular choice for undergraduate physiology courses. It provides a clear and accessible overview of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, with a focus on their interrelationships.
This textbook comprehensive and authoritative reference in the field of medical physiology. It provides a detailed and in-depth exploration of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, with a focus on their clinical relevance.
This textbook specialized resource that focuses on the cardiovascular system. It provides a detailed and in-depth exploration of the structure, function, and regulation of the cardiovascular system.
This textbook specialized resource that focuses on the respiratory system. It provides a detailed and in-depth exploration of the structure, function, and regulation of the respiratory system.
Popular choice for undergraduate physiology courses. It provides a clear and accessible overview of the cardiovascular system, with a focus on its integrated function.
Popular choice for undergraduate physiology courses. It provides a clear and accessible overview of the respiratory system, with a focus on its integrated function.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the enteric nervous system, including its structure, function, and clinical relevance. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this important system.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the endocrine system, including its structure, function, and clinical relevance. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this important system.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the immune system, including its structure, function, and clinical relevance. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this important system.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9nptn2/cardiovascular
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Rating
5.0
Effort
3 to 5 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
The University of Queensland
Instructors
Stephen Anderson
Bradley Launikonis
Kenneth Lopez-Loo
Language
English
Transcript
English
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