Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Cellular Physiology
Cellular Physiology
A.iv · Cell Membrane Transport
Explain the mechanisms of transport of substances across cell membranes,
Written examination
SAQ history
Cell Transport — Capillary Exchange
1 exam appearance
Discuss the important factors in exchange of gases and substrates between capillaries and tissue cells.
40%
Cell Transport — Membrane Transport
1 exam appearance
Cell Transport — Na/K Pump
1 exam appearance
Explain the mechanisms of transport of substances across cell membranes including appropriate examples (75% marks). Outline the structure and function of the Na+/K+-ATPase pump (25% marks).
61%
Cell Transport — RMP & Donnan
3 exam appearances
a) Explain the mechanisms responsible for the resting membrane potential of a neuronal cell (60% of marks). b) Describe the Gibbs-Donnan effect (40% of marks).
54.2%
(a) Explain the mechanisms responsible for the cell resting membrane potential (70% of marks). (b) Describe the Gibbs Donnan effect (30% of marks).
57%
Explain the mechanisms responsible for the cell resting membrane potential (60% of marks) and describe the Gibbs Donnan effect (40% of marks)
35%
Oral examination
VIVA history
-
2016A · Day 2 · VIVA 5
This viva tested knowledge of electrophysiology and neuromuscular blocking drugs. It discussed ion concentrations across cell membranes, Action potentials, pharmacology of atracurium and assessing neuromuscular blockade.
-
2014A · VIVA 5
This Viva tested knowledge on the measurement of temperature, physical principles of flow and ionic changes across membranes.
-
2009A · VIVA 8
In this viva you will be asked to discuss cell membrane physiology and electrolyte disturbances. Draw a cell membrane. A detailed syllabus has been developed and forms the foundation for the knowledge base for the JFIC Primary Examination. All questions are sourced directly from that syllabus and candidates should have a sound understanding of those topics, and confidence to express their understanding of the subject material in both written and oral form. The candidates should be able to integrate and express basic physiological and pharmacological principles as to how the relate to various scenarios relevant to Intensive Care practice. Candidates would find it valuable to develop strategies and standard formats to answer typical questions, eg compare and contrast the pharmacology of Drugs X and Y. Candidates are also strongly encouraged to use accurate and labelled figures and tables wherever possible to help display their knowledge and to describe basic principles. Dr Gill Bishop Chair Primary Examination Committee Circulation: Board of Joint faculty Panel of Examiners Supervisors of Intensive Care Training Course Supervisors Regional Education Offices Registered Trainees
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.