Physiology Mastery
16 weeks · 0 milestones
Demonstrate functional understanding of human physiology across major body systems. Proof requires: (a) system-by-system concept maps created independently (not copied or AI-generated) covering at least 6 systems — each map must show inputs, outputs, regulatory mechanisms, and the consequence of dysfunction; and (b) 20 reasoning responses per system explaining the physiological mechanism behind a scenario — the reasoning is the proof of understanding, not just the answer. A medical professional or physiology faculty member reviews at least one system's concept map and responses, provides written feedback, and may ask 'what happens if this regulatory mechanism fails in the context of your patient scenario?' The proof documents learning progression, not clinical conclusions.
Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Produce a comprehensive physiology knowledge map covering the core systems required for clinical practice: cardiovascular (cardiac cycle, blood pressure regulation, Frank-Starling law), respiratory (gas exchange, ventilation-perfusion matching, hypoxic drive, oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve), renal (glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, acid-base balance, RAAS), neurological (action potential, synaptic transmission, autonomic nervous system), and endocrine (HPA axis, thyroid axis, insulin/glucagon regulation). For each system, your map must capture: the key mechanism, the regulation feedback loop, and a clinical consequence of failure (e.g. what happens when the mechanism fails).
Proof required
Submit your physiology knowledge map (table, concept map, or annotated diagram) covering all five systems with all three dimensions (mechanism, feedback loop, clinical consequence of failure). Present to a qualified examiner for recall testing.
What gets checked
- All five systems are covered — omitting renal or endocrine because they are less intuitive is a common failure.
- Feedback loops are specific — 'negative feedback controls blood pressure' is not a feedback loop; 'increased arterial pressure → baroreceptor stretch → glossopharyngeal/vagal afferents → NTS → decreased sympathetic outflow and increased vagal tone → decreased HR and SVR → reduced CO and BP' is.
- Clinical consequence of failure is specific — 'respiratory failure' is a consequence category, not a specific failure state.