Welcome to the physiology Department at CUHAS

The basic physiology course aims to provide the student with knowledge on the:

  • Homeostatic control mechanism, the internal environment and composition of body fluid compartments
  • Composition and functions of blood, as well as the characteristic, formation, destruction and functions of red and white blood cells.
  • Origins of cell trans-membrane potentials and how this contributes to the excitability of cells and on the structure and mechanisms of muscle contraction.
  • Organization, function and control/regulation of the cardiovascular system.
  • Normal functions and control of the digestive, respiratory and renal systems.
  • Hormones produced by the body, the mechanisms of hormone action and the various control mechanisms for hormone production and functions.
  • Normal functioning of the nervous system.

The department also teaches clinical physiology to first year students in various Masters of Medicine (MMed) and Master of Science (MSc) programmes. This course enables students learn clinical physiology with relation to normal and disordered physiological functions of organs and body systems. The students also learn the physiological basis underlying diagnostic procedures as well as the physiological basis underlying diseases management and treatment.