First-Year Medicine

Block 9: Endocrine & Reproductive Systems

The stucture and function of the endocrine and reproductive organs is introduced, using a combination of lectures and small group case-based learning sessions.

The role of receptors and second messenger systems in controlling intracelluar actions of hormones including:
- hypothalamus and pituitary
- thyroid
- parathyroids
- endocrine pancreas
- adrenals
- ovary and testis
- adipose tissue
The whole body effects of hormones.
Embryonic development of the genitourinary system.
Female and male organ function.
Conception and pregnancy.

Both basic science and clinical faculty contribute, to give students fundamental information with a clinical perspective. Laboratory sessions are used to introduce students to the histology of the endocrine and reproductive system organs.