Upon completion, the student is expected to have a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms controlling cellular function, the mechanical and electrical activity of the heart, factors that control the heart and circulation, and be able to integrate this information to determine the effects of pathological conditions on cardiovascular function. The Heart Cardiac Cycle, Rhythmic excitation of the heart, The normal electrocardiogram, Canine and feline Cardiac Arrhythmias, Heart sounds. The Circulation Overview of the circulation and medical physics of pressure, flow and resistance, Vascular distensibility and function of the arterial and venous systems, The microcirculation and the lymphatic system, Local control of blood flow by the tissues and humoral regulation, Nervous regulation of the circulation and rapid control of arterial pressure, Role of the kidneys in long term control of arterial pressure, Cardiac output, venous return and their regulation, Cardiac failure, Circulatory shock. This is required reading.
All students are to come to class prepared and ready to discuss the days lecture.
Exams and quizzes may be comprised of multiple choice, short answer and short discussion questions. Questions will be taken from lectures, class discussion and reading assignments. These quizzes will cover the material from that week. This point distribution does not reflect surprise quizzes that may be administered at the discretion of the Instructor. F Retest will be given only in cases of excused absences.