Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Structure and Function: Gastrointestinal and Reproductive Systems

Structure and Function: Gastrointestinal and Reproductive Systems
6
13485
2
First semester
OB
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE HUMAN BODY
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English

Teaching staff


Mrs. ARMENGOL ALSINA, Mireia - marmengol@uic.es

Questions will be addressed before or after class to the professor.

If necessary, contact the course coordinator: Mireia Armengol Alsina – marmengol@uic.es

 

Introduction

The objective of this course follows the structure and approach of the “Structure and Function” subjects offered by UIC. It is based on an integrated explanation of the anatomy, physiology, and histology of the digestive and reproductive systems. On one hand, human reproductive function ensures the perpetuation of the species and establishes the necessary conditions for the survival of offspring during the early stages of life. The first part of the course introduces the anatomical foundations and reproductive function in both sexes, maternal changes that occur as a result of pregnancy, key milestones in embryonic and fetal development, and the mechanisms responsible for childbirth and lactation. On the other hand, the human body requires a variety of nutrients to regenerate its structures and obtain energy. The second part of the course will present the key concepts needed to understand the mechanisms of food intake, digestion, and nutrient absorption.

This course contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, particularly SDGs 3, 9, 10, 12, and 17, by promoting health, individual well-being, biomedical innovation, social equity, transparency in outcomes, and strategic partnerships for scientific and social progress.

Pre-course requirements

Basic knowledge of biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology.

Objectives

Understand the anatomy, histology and physiology of the reproductive and digestive systems.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CN06 - Describe the anatomical, physiological and histological aspects of the organs and systems in the human body at different stages in life, in both sexes.
  • CN07 - Identify the structure, function and action mechanisms of the components of the immune system, both when healthy or when experiencing a pathology.
  • CP02 - Apply scientific methodology to interpret practical or theoretical data by evaluating situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
  • CP05 - Apply biological foundations in the search for practical solutions to health problems, following ethical standards and scientific rigour and respecting fundamental equal rights between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values inherent in a peaceful society of democratic values that includes inclusive, non-discriminatory language without stereotypes.

Learning outcomes of the subject

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  • Microscopically recognize the main tissues involved in digestive and reproductive functions.

  • Distinguish the shape, structure, and functions of the human digestive and reproductive systems.

  • Relate the macroscopic and microscopic structure of the digestive and reproductive systems to their respective physiological functions.

  • Identify the main physiological processes involved in digestion, nutrient absorption, and human reproduction.

  • Analyze the role of hormones in regulating digestive and reproductive functions, as well as in sexual development.

  • Interpret the functional and structural changes that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation, and their relationship to reproductive physiology.

Syllabus

BLOCK I: REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

A) STRUCTURE OF THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

  • Macroscopic structure:

    • Male reproductive system: testicles and scrotal sac. Spermatic ducts, prostate, penis.

    • Female reproductive system: ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina. Breast.

  • Microscopic structure:

    • Male reproductive system: testicle and epididymis. Excretory ducts, prostate, and penis.

    • Female reproductive system: vagina, uterus, ovary, and breast.

    • Pregnancy: breast and placenta.

B) FUNCTION OF THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

  1. Sexual determination and differentiation in males and females: involved factors. Phenotype and sexual identity. Disorders of sexual differentiation.

  2. Gonadal function and its regulation.

  3. Physiology of the sexual response.

  4. Sex hormones: function of sex hormones. Types of steroid hormones. Mechanisms of action.

  5. Pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation. Fertilization and implantation. Functions of the placenta. Maternal changes associated with pregnancy.

BLOCK II: DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

A) STRUCTURE OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

  • Macroscopic structure: abdomen and pelvis. Mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum. Liver. Pancreas.

  • Microscopic structure: mouth and salivary glands. Esophagus and stomach. Small and large intestine. Liver and pancreas.

B) PHYSIOLOGY OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

  1. Motor activities of the digestive tract. Functions of the digestive tract. Chewing, swallowing, and esophageal transit. Motor activity of the stomach. Motor activity of the small intestine. Motor activity of the colon. Vomiting.

  2. Secretory activities of the digestive tract. Salivary secretion. Gastric secretion. Pancreatic secretion. Bile secretion. Intestinal secretion.

  3. Digestion and absorption. Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Digestion of proteins and absorption of peptides and amino acids. Digestion and absorption of lipids. Absorption of water and electrolytes.

  4. Liver functions. Functions of hepatocytes. Liver storage functions. Functions of endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, stellate cells, and cholangiocytes.

Teaching and learning activities

In person



  • Lectures CM (28 teaching hours): presentation of theoretical topics by the teaching staff.

  • Clinical-scientific cases or case method MC (20 teaching hours): presentation of a real or hypothetical situation. Students work on the proposed questions in small groups or through active interaction with the instructor, and the answers are discussed. The instructor actively participates and, if necessary, provides additional knowledge.

  • Anatomy and histology labs (12 teaching hours): study of micro- and macroscopic anatomy using histological sample slides of various tissues and virtual or simulated models. The instructor distributes visual materials and explains their structure and relationships.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



First Call:

  • 15% reproductive system partial exam

  • 15% digestive system partial exam

  • 60% final theoretical exam

  • 10% continuous assessment

Partial Exams:

  • Date: see course schedule

  • Format: 15–30 multiple-choice questions (4 answer options)

  • Each course block (reproductive or digestive) will include a partial exam covering all material taught in that block, including lectures, case methods, and lab sessions.

  • These two partial exams together will account for 30% of the final grade (15% each).

  • Incorrect answers deduct 0.33 points. Unanswered questions do not deduct points.

Final Exam:

  • Date: see course schedule

  • Format: 40–60 multiple-choice questions (4 answer options)

  • Covers all content taught in lectures, practicals, and case methods, as well as material from the recommended bibliography.

  • Passing this exam is mandatory to pass the course.

  • The result of this exam will account for 60% of the final grade.

Remarks:

  • Passing the final exam with a score of 5 or higher is required to pass the course.

  • If the final exam is passed but the overall course grade is below 5, the course will not be considered passed, and the student must retake the final exam.

  • To pass the course, the overall grade must be 5 or higher (in addition to passing the final exam).

  • Students who pass the final theoretical exam but whose average grade is below 5 must retake the final exam and achieve a score of 5 or higher.

Second Call:

Consists of a multiple-choice test similar to the final exam in the first call, accounting for 60% of the final grade. Scores from partial exams and continuous assessment from the first call will be considered, with the same weight distribution.

Third and Fourth Calls:

Follow the same structure as the first and second calls. Attendance to practical sessions is not required if the student attended them during the first call.

  • Partial Exams: Each block will include a partial exam identical to those in the first call, with the same weight (15%). Grades from partial exams in the first call will not be retained.
  • Final Exam: A final exam covering both blocks will be administered, with the same format and weight (60%) as in the first call.
  • Continuous Assessment: The continuous assessment grade (10% of the total course grade) from the first call will be retained.
Fifth and Sixth Calls:

Follow the same structure as the third and fourth calls.

Additional Considerations:

1) Class Attendance:

  • Regular attendance to lectures, practicals, and case method sessions is recommended.

  • Attendance to lectures is not mandatory, but attendees must follow the rules set by instructors. Expulsion from any session may negatively affect continuous assessment.

  • Attendance to case method sessions is optional, but their content will be evaluated in the aforementioned exams.

  • Attendance to practical sessions is mandatory. Students arriving more than 5 minutes late may be denied entry by the instructor.

2) Improper Use of Electronic Devices: Improper use of mobile phones, tablets, or laptops may result in expulsion from class. Improper use includes recording or distributing content involving students or instructors during sessions, or using devices for non-educational purposes. If a student enters the lab with a phone, the instructor has the authority to fail them in the course.


Bibliography and resources

  • Silverthorn. Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach, 8th ed. Panamericana (2019)

  • G. Tortora. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 11th ed. Panamericana (2006)

  • Drake, R.L. et al. Gray’s Anatomy for Students, 2nd ed. Elsevier (2010)

  • A. Stevens. Human Histology, 3rd ed. Elsevier (2006)

  • A.L. Kierszenbaum. Histology and Cell Biology, 2nd ed. Elsevier (2008)

  • Mezquita. Medical Physiology, 1st ed. Panamericana (2011)

  • Guyton & Hall. Textbook of Medical Physiology, 13th ed. Elsevier (2016)

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 19/01/2026 A16 18:00h
  • E2 18/06/2026 A16 11:00h
Print version