Biology/Chemistry Section, Purdue University North Central Westville, IN 46391-9528. Phone 219-785-5227, Fax -5483.
CONTENTS: (For INTRODUCTION see below)
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this guide is to enable students in human anatomy and physiology or physiology courses to use QCP, to study physiology. This guide follows a commonly used order of topics endorsed by the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS):
Anatomy & Physiology I (A&P I)
A. Body Plan & Organization, B. Homeostasis, C. Chemistry & Cell Biology Review, D. Histology E. Integumentary system, F. Skeletal System, G. Muscular System, H. Special Senses, I. Nervous System, J. Endocrine System
Anatomy & Physiology II (A&P II)
AA. Cardiovascular System, BB. Lymphatic System, CC. Respiratory System, DD. Digestive System & Metabolism, EE. Urinary System, FF. Fluid/Electrolyte & Acid/Base Balance, GG. Reproductive System.
Description of the software
QCP is used in I and J of A&P I, and in AA through FF of A & P II. Although this guide is aimed at the audience just described, it should also be helpful to students taking general biology courses that include a substantial amount of human biology.
QCP uses computer simulation to teach the integrative aspects of physiology. The model includes representation of the functions of the heart, the blood circulation, the respiratory system, the kidneys, body fluids, acid-base balance, control of body temperature, muscle metabolism, and autonomic neural control (primarily of the cardiovascular system). The actions of some hormones, and a variety of drugs and other therapies, are included. The objective is to provide a realistic quantitative view of how the body maintains its vitality, in the face of varying supplies and demands.
(In addition to the main program, HUMAN (but not QCP) includes some graphics programs. Two are used, others are not (too advanced): 1. Electrophysiology demo, used in part I, Nervous system 1a. Basic Electrophysiology, in a subdirectory \tutor\, not used 2. Cardiovascular, used in AA 3. Acid-Base, can be used in FF 4. Pharmacokinetics, not used).
QCP's quantitative treatment of organ-system function complements the primarily qualitative descriptions that are found in textbooks. QCP is not intended to replace a physiology textbook, nor hands-on laboratory work. QCP provides a view of physiology which synthesizes the interactions of the organ-systems. QCP is also a means to rapidly perform virtual experiments. Three important unifying themes in anatomy and physiology are:
The complementarity of structure and function.
At any level of study, from atom and molecule, to cell, tissue, organ, and organ system, the structure and function of materials and structures in the body are co-determined. Anatomy and physiology are best studied together.
Homeostasis through control systems.
Cells are connected in chains by chemical messengers. The chains act to maintain constancy in composition of the internal environment (extracellular fluids). The neural reflex arc is one example. Chains often branch and/or merge. QCP quantifies the homeostatic actions of many organ-systems, but it only names some chemicals in the chains, it contains no anatomical maps.
Organ-systems frequently interact to support each other.
A major strength of QCP is that it shows the interdependence of organ systems. As in a real person, a homeostatic imbalance in one area may trigger changes in activity of several organ systems, as each contributes to dealing with the imbalance.
2 QCP/HUMAN: OUTLINE OF PROGRAMS, PARAMETERS and VARIABLES
QCP/HUMAN was constructed from adult human male data, and animal data where necessary. Experiments were performed on medical students and others, and changes in their variables were recorded. Other data came from hospital patients. Most data came from published literature. Some data is obtained by extrapolation beyond what any subject or patient will tolerate.
Protocols for experiments are supplied with QCP. The software and the protocols were developed at the University of Mississippi Medical School for training medical students. Some protocols may be too advanced for undergraduates in allied health programs. Some protocols in this guide are rewritten from those supplied with QCP, other protocols and tutorials are original.
Experiments supplied with HUMAN include (from download page select Jim Randall's guide):
31 Exercise 41 Anemia 32 Hemorrhage 42 Cardiovascular shunt 33 Heat Stress 43 Sympathetic blockage 34 Inspired carbon dioxide 44 Cold exposure and heat stroke 35 Transfusion 45 Nephrectomy 36 Salt restriction 46 Carbon dioxide inhalation - 2 37 Peripheral A-V fistula 47 Saline infusion and naturesis 38 Renal Artery Stenosis 47a Nephrosis 39 Pulmonary surface area 47b Dehydration 40 Alveolar ventilation 48 Reduced heart strength
An alternative approach is for students to design their own experiments. For example, if you wanted to know how hypertrophy of the heart (occurs in a marathoner) affects performance limits, you can use experiment 31 to exercise HUMAN/QCP to the limit, then increase two Parameters, basic left heart strength (LHSB is its HUMAN computer NAME) and basic right heart strength (RHSB), giving HUMAN/QCP a stronger heart, and compare how HUMAN/QCP now handles exercise.
In using HUMAN/QCP, you change a Parameter from its normal value, eg. % oxygen in the air or kidney mass, and follow the changes in HUMAN/QCP's Variables, computed by the program. Parameters are things over which you have control, while Variables are things which HUMAN/QCP determines.