Preface
In the evolving landscape of medical education, the need for clarity, compassion, and clinical relevance has never been greater. Physiology Unlocked was born from a simple yet profound question: How can we help students not just memorize physiology, but truly understand and apply it?
This book is a response to that question-a modular, chapter-wise MCQ bank meticulously aligned with Guyton & Hall, Ganong, and Sembulingam, the cornerstone texts of human physiology. Each question is crafted with care, not only to test knowledge but to deepen it. Explanations are concise yet illuminating, mnemonics are woven in to aid retention, and every item is ethically referenced to its source.
As an author and clinician, I have witnessed the transformative power of student-centered learning. This resource is designed to empower learners-whether preparing for exams, revising core concepts, or integrating physiology into clinical reasoning. It is also a tribute to the resilience and curiosity of Sri Lankan medical students, whose pursuit of excellence continues to inspire.
I extend my gratitude to the giants of physiology whose texts guide us, and to every student and teacher who believes that learning can be both rigorous and humane. May this book serve not only as a tool for success, but as a companion in your journey toward becoming a thoughtful, compassionate healer.
Content List1. General Physiology1.1 Cell & General Organization of the Human Body
- 1.1.1 Homeostasis
- 1.1.2 Structure and functions of cell organelles
- 1.1.3 Transport across cell membranes
- 1.1.4 Membrane potentials and resting membrane potential
- 1.1.5 Action potentials and properties
1.2 Body Fluids & Blood
- 1.2.1 Composition and functions of plasma
- 1.2.2 Red blood cells (structure, function, life cycle)
- 1.2.3 White blood cells and immunity
- 1.2.4 Platelets and hemostasis
- 1.2.5 Blood groups and transfusion
- 1.2.6 Lymph and reticuloendothelial system
2. Nerve, Muscle & Synapse2.1 Nerve Physiology
- 2.1.1 Properties of nerve fibers
- 2.1.2 Conduction of impulses
- 2.1.3 Synaptic transmission
- 2.1.4 Neuromuscular junction
- 2.1.5 Neurotransmitters
2.2 Muscle Physiology
- 2.2.1 Skeletal muscle contraction
- 2.2.2 Smooth muscle contraction
- 2.2.3 Cardiac muscle properties
3. Gastrointestinal Physiology- 3.1 Salivary secretion and swallowing
- 3.2 Gastric secretion and motility
- 3.3 Pancreatic secretion
- 3.4 Bile and liver functions
- 3.5 Small intestine secretion and absorption
- 3.6 Large intestine functions
- 3.7 Gastrointestinal hormones and regulation
4. Cardiovascular Physiology- 4.1 Properties of cardiac muscle
- 4.2 Cardiac cycle
- 4.3 Heart sounds and murmurs
- 4.4 Electrocardiogram (ECG): principles and interpretation
- 4.5 Cardiac output and its regulation
- 4.6 Blood pressure and its regulation
- 4.7 Microcirculation and capillary exchange
- 4.8 Venous return and circulation
5. Respiratory Physiology6. Renal Physiology & Body Fluid Regulation7. Endocrine Physiology8. Reproductive Physiology9. Nervous System9.1 Organization of the nervous system
9.2 Sensory System
9.3 Motor System
9.4 Autonomic Nervous System
9.5 Special Senses
9.6 Higher Functions of the Brain
10. Environmental & Applied Physiology11. Special Topics (Clinical Integration)
