Applied physiology

MRCS candidates should:

• Have a working knowledge of general physiological principles that maintain homeostasis
• Understand the principles of all types of shock and autoregulation
• Understand the physiological changes of sepsis, SIRS and septic shock
• Have a knowledge of the physiology of specific organ systems
• Understand applied clinical respiratory physiology relevant to the peri-operative period
• Have knowledge of the function of each part of the nephron
• Understand metabolic pathways relevant to energy and lactate production, shock and blood sugar control

General physiology

• Homeostasis
  • Autonomic nervous system
• Thermoregulation
• Metabolic pathways
• Shock
• Sepsis and septic shock
• Fluid balance and fluid replacement therapy
• Metabolic abnormalities

System specific physiology

• Respiratory system
  • Respiratory physiology
  • Oxygen and carbon dioxide transport
• Cardiovascular system
• Gastrointestinal system
  • Salivary glands
  • Stomach
• Renal system
  • Renal physiology
• Endocrine system
  • Endocrine physiology
  • Hypothalamus and pituitary
• Central nervous system
  • Nerves and action potentials
  • Pain
• Thyroid and parathyroid
  • Thyroid and parathyroid
• Glucose homeostasis
  • Carbohydrate metabolism
• Musculoskeletal system
  • Muscle mechanics