1ST BHMS PHYSIOLOGY AND BIO-CHEMISTRY NEW SYLLABUS: A DETAILED GUIDE FOR STUDENTS (2022-2023 ONWARDS)

Hey future homeopaths! 🎓 Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of Physiology and Biochemistry? This post is your ultimate guide to the 1st BHMS syllabus for these subjects.

Whether you’re just starting or revising for exams, this guide will help you understand the key topics, learning objectives, and practical applications in a simple and interactive way.

Let’s get started!

The 1st BHMS course includes 7 subjects other subjects are,

Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology
Homoeopathic Pharmacy
Homoeopathic Materia Medica
Organon of Medicine and Philosophy
Homoeopathic Repertory and Case Taking
Yoga

1ST BHMS PHYSIOLOGY & BIO-CHEMISTRY EXAM GUIDE: IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR PAPER 1 & PAPER 2 (2022-2023)

Why Study Physiology and Biochemistry?

Physiology is all about understanding how the human body functions—from cells to organ systems. It’s the science of life! Biochemistry, on the other hand, explores the chemical processes that keep us alive. Together, these subjects help you:

Understand the normal functioning of the body.
Correlate structure (Anatomy) with function (Physiology).
Apply this knowledge to diagnose and treat diseases using homoeopathic principles.

Key Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

Explain how the body maintains homeostasis(balance).
Understand the integrated responses of organ systems to stress and disease.
Perform basic haematology, clinical physiology, and biochemistry experiments.
Correlate physiological knowledge with homoeopathic Materia Medica and Organon of Medicine.
Develop skills for clinical diagnosis and patient care.

PHYSIOLOGY THEORY

1. GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY

Introduction to Cellular Physiology: Overview of cell structure, cell organelles, and their functions.
Cell Junctions: Types – Tight junctions, Gap junctions, Adherens junctions, Desmosomes, Hemidesmosomes, and their physiological significance.
Transport Mechanisms through Cell Membrane: Passive diffusion, Facilitated diffusion, Active transport, Endocytosis, Exocytosis.
Resting Membrane Potential: Definition, Origin, and its role in cellular excitability.
Body Fluid Compartments: Intracellular and extracellular fluids, their composition and significance.
Homeostasis: Definition, mechanisms, and physiological importance.

2. BIO-PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Filtration & Ultrafiltration: Mechanisms and physiological applications.
Osmosis & Diffusion: Laws governing movement of molecules, importance in body fluids.
Adsorption & Hydrotropy: Basics and physiological significance.
Colloids & Donnan Equilibrium: Concept and role in body fluids.
Tracer Elements & Their Importance: Radioactive isotopes and their application in physiology.
Dialysis & Its Applications: Principle and importance in renal physiology.
Absorption & Assimilation: Processes and physiological mechanisms.
Surface Tension in Biological Systems: Role in alveolar function and surfactant action.

3. SKIN & INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

Structure of Skin: Layers – Epidermis, Dermis, and Subcutaneous tissue.
Functions of Skin: Protection, Sensation, Thermoregulation, Excretion, Vitamin D synthesis.
Sweat & Its Regulation: Role of sweat glands in thermoregulation and electrolyte balance.
Mechanism of Body Temperature Regulation: Thermoregulatory center, Heat loss, and Heat gain mechanisms.

4. BODY FLUIDS & IMMUNE MECHANISM

Blood Composition & Function
Plasma Proteins: Types, functions, and clinical significance.
Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Structure, function, Erythropoiesis, Haemoglobin structure and metabolism, ESR, PCV, Blood indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC), Haemolysis & RBC fragility.
White Blood Cells (WBCs) & Their Types: Functions and importance in immunity.
Platelets & Their Role in Blood Clotting: Clotting factors and mechanisms.
Immunity & Immune Mechanism: Innate and adaptive immunity, Types of antibodies.
Haemostasis & Coagulation of Blood: Mechanism of clotting, Coagulation disorders.
Blood Groups & Blood Transfusion: ABO and Rh systems, Blood transfusion reactions.
Blood Volume & Its Regulation: Factors influencing blood volume.
Reticuloendothelial System & Tissue Macrophages: Function in immunity and phagocytosis.
Lymphatic System & Lymph Circulation: Lymph formation and flow.
Tissue Fluid & Causes of Oedema: Mechanisms and clinical significance.

5. NERVE & MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY

Physiological Properties of Nerve Fibers: Excitability, Conductivity.
Types & Classification of Nerve Fibers: Afferent and Efferent fibers, Myelinated vs. Unmyelinated.
Degeneration & Regeneration of Peripheral Nerves: Wallerian degeneration, Axonal regeneration.
Neuro-Muscular Junction & Its Function: Synaptic transmission and neurotransmitters.
Physiology of Different Muscle Types: Skeletal, Cardiac, and Smooth muscle contraction mechanisms.
Electromyography (EMG): Clinical significance.

6. CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Properties of Cardiac Muscle: Automaticity, Rhythmicity, Conductivity.
Cardiac Cycle & Its Phases: Systole, Diastole, Pressure-volume changes.
Heart Sounds & Their Significance: Normal and abnormal heart sounds.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Interpretation, Abnormal variations.
Cardiac Output & Its Regulation: Factors affecting cardiac output.
Arterial Blood Pressure & Its Regulation: Short-term and long-term mechanisms.
Regional Circulation: Cerebral, Splanchnic, Coronary, Cutaneous.
Cardiovascular Adjustments During Exercise: Changes in heart rate, stroke volume.

7. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM & ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY

Physiological Anatomy of the Respiratory Tract

Structural organization: Upper respiratory tract (nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx) and lower respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi, lungs).
Microscopic anatomy: Alveoli, surfactant production, respiratory membrane.
Blood supply and innervation: Pulmonary circulation and neural control of respiration.

Mechanism of Respiration

Ventilation: Inspiration and expiration, respiratory muscles, lung compliance, airway resistance.
Diffusion of gases: Partial pressures, gas exchange at alveoli, factors affecting diffusion.

Transport of Respiratory Gases

Oxygen transport: Role of haemoglobin, oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve.
Carbon dioxide transport: Bicarbonate buffering system, carbamino compounds.

Regulation of Respiration

Neural control: Medullary and pontine respiratory centers.
Chemical control: Role of chemoreceptors in oxygen and carbon dioxide regulation.
Reflexes: Hering-Breuer reflex, voluntary control.

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)

Spirometry: Lung volumes and capacities.
Diffusion capacity measurement.
Blood gas analysis.

High Altitude and Space Physiology

Hypoxia, acclimatization, polycythaemia.
Effects of reduced atmospheric pressure on gas exchange.
Space physiology: Microgravity, fluid redistribution.

Deep Sea Physiology

Hyperbaric environment, nitrogen narcosis, decompression sickness.
Oxygen toxicity and high-pressure nervous syndrome.

Artificial Respiration

Mechanisms: Positive pressure ventilation, mechanical ventilators.
CPR techniques.

Effects of Exercise on Respiration

Increased oxygen demand, ventilatory threshold.
Adaptations in trained individuals.

8. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Introduction to the Nervous System

Organization: Central and peripheral nervous system.
Functional divisions: Somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

Neuron

Structure and types of neurons.
Neuronal conduction and synaptic transmission.

Receptors

Classification: Mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, nociceptors, chemoreceptors.

Synapse and Neurotransmitters

Types of synapses, synaptic transmission.
Major neurotransmitters: Acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, GABA, glutamate.

Reflex

Reflex arc, types of reflexes.

Spinal Cord

Anatomy, ascending and descending tracts, reflex activity.

Somato-sensory and Somato-motor Systems

Pathways, sensory processing.

Physiology of Pain

Pain receptors, pain modulation.

Brain Stem and Vestibular Apparatus

Role in autonomic functions, balance and posture.

Cerebral Cortex, Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Internal Capsule

Higher functions, sensory relay, homeostasis.

Basal Ganglia and Limbic System

Motor control, emotion, memory.

Cerebellum – Posture and Equilibrium

Role in movement coordination.

Reticular Formation and Proprioceptors

Regulation of consciousness and movement control.

Higher Intellectual Functions

Learning, memory, speech.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Physiology of Sleep

Brain wave patterns, sleep cycles.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) and Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Production, circulation, function.

9.ENDOCRINOLOGY

Introduction to Endocrinology and PNEI Axis

Interaction between nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.

Hormones and Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal Axis

Regulation and feedback mechanisms.

Glands and Hormones

Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal cortex and medulla.
Endocrine functions of other organs.

10. REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Male Reproductive System

Testis, spermatogenesis, testosterone.
Seminal vesicles, prostate gland, semen composition.

Female Reproductive System

Oogenesis, menstrual cycle, ovulation, menopause.
Infertility causes and treatments.
Pregnancy, parturition, placenta, fetal circulation.
Mammary glands, lactation.

11. SPECIAL SENSES

Eye

Visual pathway, photochemistry, pupillary reflexes, errors of refraction.

Ear

Auditory pathway, mechanism of hearing, auditory defects.

Taste and Smell

Taste receptors, olfactory system.

Touch Sensation

Mechanisms of tactile sensation.

12. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM & NUTRITION

Digestive Juices

Saliva, gastric juice, bile, pancreatic juice, intestinal secretions.

Physiological Anatomy

Structure and function of stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, intestines.

Gastrointestinal Motility and Hormones

Peristalsis, segmentation, secretion regulation.

Digestion and Absorption

Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids.

13. RENAL PHYSIOLOGY

Kidney and Urinary Tract

Structure, nephron function.

Fluid, Electrolyte, Acid-Base Balance

Homeostasis, pH regulation.

Urine Formation

Glomerular filtration, tubular processing.

Renal Function Tests and Micturition

Assessment of kidney function.

14. BIOCHEMISTRY THEORY

Carbohydrates

Glycolysis, TCA cycle, glycogen metabolism, blood glucose regulation.

Lipids

Fat metabolism, beta-oxidation, fatty acid synthesis.

Proteins

Digestion, metabolism, urea cycle.

Enzymes

Functions, classification, inhibition.

Vitamins and Minerals

Sources, physiological roles, disorders.

Organ Function Tests

Liver, kidney, thyroid assessments.

PRACTICAL & CLINICAL PHYSIOLOGY

1. HAEMATOLOGY

This section involves the study of blood, its components, and laboratory techniques used for its analysis.

Study of the Compound Microscope

Understanding the structure and function of the microscope.
Handling and maintenance of the microscope.
Adjusting magnification and focus for blood smear examination.

Collection of Blood Samples

Methods of venous and capillary blood collection.
Precautions to prevent contamination and errors.
Use of anticoagulants in blood collection.

Estimation of Haemoglobin Concentration

Methods: Sahli’s method, Cyanmethemoglobin method.
Interpretation of results and clinical significance.

Determination of Haematocrit (Packed Cell Volume – PCV)

Microhematocrit and macrohematocrit methods.
Calculation and normal reference values.

Hemocytometry

Principles of counting cells using a hemacytometer.
Identification of errors in manual counting.

Total RBC Count

Dilution and counting technique using Neubauer’s chamber.
Calculation and interpretation of RBC count.

Determination of RBC Indices

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC).
Their significance in diagnosing anemia and other blood disorders.

Total Leucocytes Count (TLC)

Manual and automated counting techniques.
Clinical importance of increased or decreased TLC.

Preparation and Examination of Blood Smear

Techniques of making a peripheral blood smear.
Staining methods (Leishman, Giemsa).
Morphological examination of blood cells.

Differential Leucocyte Count (DLC)

Identification of different types of WBCs and their normal percentages.
Clinical significance in infections and blood disorders.

Absolute Eosinophil Count

Counting method and clinical importance in allergies and parasitic infections.

Determination of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

Westergren and Wintrobe methods.
Interpretation of results in infections, inflammatory diseases, and malignancies.

Determination of Blood Groups

ABO and Rh typing.
Significance in blood transfusion and haemolytic disease of the newborn.

Determination of Bleeding Time and Coagulation Time

Duke’s and Ivy’s methods for bleeding time.
Capillary tube and Lee-White method for coagulation time.
Clinical relevance in bleeding disorders like haemophilia and thrombocytopenia.

2. BIO-CHEMISTRY

This section involves laboratory techniques for analyzing biochemical parameters relevant to physiological and pathological conditions.

Demonstration of Uses of Instruments or Equipment

Spectrophotometer, colorimeter, centrifuge, pH meter, and pipettes.
Proper handling and maintenance of equipment.

Qualitative Analysis of Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Lipids

Identification tests for glucose (Benedict’s test), starch (Iodine test).
Protein tests (Biuret, Ninhydrin, Xanthoproteic test).
Lipid tests (Sudan III, Saponification test).

Normal Characteristics of Urine

Physical characteristics: colour, odour, pH, specific gravity.
Normal urine constituents and their significance.

Abnormal Constituents of Urine

Detection of glucose, ketone bodies, protein, bilirubin, haematuria, and pus cells.
Clinical significance in diabetes, kidney diseases, liver disorders, and infections.

Quantitative Estimation of Glucose, Total Proteins, Uric Acid in Blood

Biochemical methods for measuring blood glucose (GOD-POD method).
Protein estimation by Biuret method.
Uric acid estimation and its role in gout and kidney diseases.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Estimation of serum bilirubin, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP).
Protein levels (albumin, globulin) and prothrombin time.
Clinical significance in liver diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Kidney Function Tests (KFTs)

Estimation of serum urea, creatinine, BUN.
Creatinine clearance test.
Electrolyte balance and acid-base status.

Lipid Profile

Estimation of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and VLDL.
Role in cardiovascular disease risk assessment.

Interpretation and Discussion of Results of Biochemical Tests

Understanding normal and abnormal values.
Correlation with physiological and pathological conditions.

3. CLINICAL PHYSIOLOGY & OPD

This section focuses on patient examination techniques and physiological assessment in clinical settings.

Case Taking & Approach to Patient

History taking: Chief complaints, history of present and past illnesses, family and social history.
General examination: Appearance, vitals, nutritional status.

General Concept of Examination

Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation.
Interpretation of clinical findings.

Examination of Muscles and Joints

Assessment of muscle tone, power, reflexes.
Range of motion, joint stability, and deformities.

Cardiovascular System (CVS) Examination

Blood Pressure Recording: Methods, normal values, hypertension, and hypotension.
Radial Pulse: Rate, rhythm, volume, character, and condition of arterial walls.
Electrocardiography (ECG): Basics of ECG, identification of normal and abnormal waveforms.
Clinical Examination: Inspection, palpation, auscultation of heart sounds and murmurs.

Respiratory System Examination

Clinical Examination: Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation of lung sounds.
Spirometry: Measurement of lung volumes and capacities, interpretation of results.
Stethography: Assessment of chest expansion and movement during respiration.

Nervous System Examination

Clinical Examination: Higher functions, cranial nerve examination, motor and sensory system evaluation, reflex testing.

Special Senses Examination

Vision: Visual acuity, color vision, field of vision tests.
Hearing: Rinne’s and Weber’s tests, audiometry.
Taste & Smell: Identification tests.

Reproductive System Examination

Diagnosis of Pregnancy: Clinical signs, urine pregnancy test, ultrasound correlation.

Gastrointestinal System Examination

Clinical Examination: Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation for bowel sounds, liver and spleen examination.

OPD (Applied Physiology)

Application of physiological principles in clinical practice.
Assessing disease conditions based on physiological parameters

Mastering Physiology and Biochemistry is essential for building a strong foundation in medical science, especially for BHMS students.

The 2022-2023 syllabus covers critical topics like the functioning of the human body, metabolic pathways, and biochemical processes that are vital for understanding health and disease.

By focusing on high-yield areas such as the cardiovascular system, endocrine system, nervous system, and key biochemical pathways, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in your exams and apply this knowledge in clinical practice.

Final Tips for Success:

Focus on Conceptual Clarity:Understand the mechanisms behind physiological processes and biochemical reactions rather than just memorizing facts.
Revise High-Yield Topics:Prioritize topics like the cardiac cycle, hormone regulation, glycolysis, and the TCA cycle.
Use Diagrams and Flowcharts:Visual aids can help you better understand and remember complex processes.
Practice Past Papers:Solve previous years’ questions to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and important topics.
Correlate Physiology and Biochemistry:Link physiological processes with biochemical pathways for a holistic understanding.

With consistent effort and focused preparation, you can master the Physiology and Biochemistry syllabus and achieve excellent results.

Best of luck, and may your studies pave the way for a successful career in homeopathy! 🚀📚