This section presents the basic structure, biochemistry, and physiology of cells and tissues. It provides the foundation for the material presented in the context of the organ systems sections, and gives students a framework upon which to build their knowledge of the basic medical sciences as the year progresses. The section begins with an introduction to the general principles of biochemistry and molecular biology as the foundations of the biological sciences. The principles of human genetics are also presented. This is followed by study of the histology of the major types of tissues, including the fundamentals of the immune response.
Students also begin dissection of the human body, starting with the upper and lower extremities.
The primary focus of this section is the structure and function of the central nervous system. The gross anatomy of the head and neck is also presented. This section presents an integrated view of the organs of homeostasis including the heart, lungs and kidneys. The gross anatomy of the thorax is presented, as is an introduction to biostatistics and epidemiology. The structure and function of the gastrointestinal track, the endocrine organs, and the reproductive organs is the primary focus of this section.