NST IB Physiology: Easter Term lectures 2011-12
Muscle in Exercise: Dr. J. Jenner (1 lecture)
This lecture is given by Dr. John Jenner, a consultant in Rheumatology and Rehabilitation at Addenbrooke's Hospital and an expert in sport and exercise medicine. Dr. Jenner will consider the physiological differences between different muscle types and how they adapt physiologically to different training regiemes.
Circulation and Exercise; Limits of Performance: Dr. Richard Barnes (1 lecture)
This lecture will look at the way in which the central and peripheral mechanisms of circulation and respiration are linked to ensure that exercising tissues receive the oxygen and metabolites they require to meet the extreme challenge of exercise. We will use the Fick Principle as a basis to explore the factors which limit performance. The lecture will link to a series of practical classes on exercise.
Physiological Adaptations to Training: Dr. Dan Gordon (1 lecture)
This lecture will explore the principles behind the training response and how the application of a stimulus of sufficient magnitude can create a biological disruption which leads to a process of super-compensation. This concept will then be applied to an understanding of how the human responds to both endurance and strength-based training. We will examine the time-course of the physiological adaptations and how these can be both beneficial and at times detrimental to athletic performance.
Detraining: Dr. Andrew Murray (1 lecture)
Following Dr Gordon's lecture, we will look at the process of detraining, which is defined as the partial or complete loss of training-induced adaptations in response to an insufficient training stimulus. In this lecture we will examine the striking magnitude and timecourse of the detrimental changes in cardiovascular function and metabolism upon cessation of exercise in both strength and endurance-trained athletes. We will compare these effects with those that occur during the ageing process, and with reference to some classic bedrest studies we will examine the wisdom of "taking to bed" as a treatment for life's ills.
Exercise in Stressful Environments: Dr. Dan Gordon (1 lecture)
This lecture will explore the physiological and metabolic responses to two environmental conditions which confront athletes on a regular basis; altitude and heat. In relation to altitude we will make use of the Fick principle to address how a decrease in barometric pressure can result in significant cardiovascular adjustments. We will then explore the acute and chronic responses to altitude exposure with a particular emphasis on the haemodynamic responses. In relation to heat we will consider the human body as a vessel capable of both storing and dissipating heat. We will consider what the primary 'heat-based' limitations to performance are and you will challenged in your thinking in relation to the role of dehydration in exercise performance.
Man and other Vertebrates in Arctic and Desert: Dr. Matt Mason (4 lectures)
Lecture 1: Man in the Arctic
The effect of extreme cold temperatures on human beings. To what extent is
human physiology able to cope with Arctic conditions? What happens when the
limits are pushed too far? These lectures will review the basic physiology of
thermoregulation before expanding into new areas, including looking at the
basis of clinical problems such as hypothermia and frostbite.
Lecture 2: Other vertebrates in the Arctic
Although humans are not 'designed' for an Arctic environment, many
other species possess sophisticated adaptations to allow them to survive
sub-zero temperatures. In this lecture, we shall consider topics including fish
with antifreeze, frogs which can freeze solid, and the costs and benefits of
hibernation in mammals.
Lecture 3: Man in the desert
Here, we shall turn back to humans and consider how sweating alone helps to
maintain homeostasis in very hot conditions. We will examine the mechanism and
acclimation of the sweating response, before going on to consider the problems
that occur if water and salt is not being replaced, and the physiology of heat
exhaustion and heatstroke.
Lecture 4: Other vertebrates in the desert
We will consider thermo- and osmoregulatory strategies in desert fish,
amphibians, reptiles and birds. We will then turn to mammals, consider the
relative merits of sweating and panting, and then look at some intriguing
adaptations seen in larger species, such as adaptive hyperthermia and selective
brain cooling.
Man in Space: Dr. Mike Mason (1 lecture)
Through the ages, man has demonstrated his remarkable level of adaptation. Our relatively recent move into the zero-gravity environment of space has exposed the mammalian system to a new stressor. This lecture will introduce some of the key physiological effects of short and long term exposure to the zero-gravity environment.