Syllabus · Historical · V4 (2023) · Cellular Physiology

Cellular Physiology

E.ii · Cellular Physiology

Official V4 objective
Explain mechanisms of transport of substances across cell membranes, including an understanding of the Gibbs-Donnan effect.
5 SAQ topics 8 SAQ appearances 3 VIVA stations

Written examination

SAQ history

8 appearances
Discuss the important factors in exchange of gases and substrates between capillaries and tissue cells.
40%
Describe transport mechanisms across cell membranes. Give an example of each.
50%
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%
(a) Outline the structural features of the capillary membrane that facilitate the movement of water (15% marks). (b) Outline the mechanisms by which water moves across the capillary membrane (10% marks). (c) Describe the forces that influence fluid movement across the capillary membrane (75% marks).
34%
Describe the forces that result in fluid exchange across capillary membranes.
57%

Oral examination

VIVA history

3 stations

Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.