In our introductory lecture, Dr. Benjamin Bikman presents the fundamentals of cell physiology, focusing on three key areas: homeostasis, membrane transport, and electrophysiology. The lecture explores how cells maintain balance through negative and positive feedback systems, examines the mechanisms of passive and active transport across cell membranes, and details how electrical signals are generated and propagated through neurons. The session establishes foundational concepts essential for understanding broader human physiological systems that are covered in subsequent lectures.

In lecture two, we explore the peripheral nervous system, focusing on its divisions into afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) pathways. The discussion delves into various sensory receptors, pain signaling mechanisms, and the contrasting effects of sympathetic ("fight-or-flight") and parasympathetic ("rest-and-digest") responses on major organ systems, highlighting how these systems work together to maintain homeostasis through different neurotransmitters and receptor types.

In lecture three, we study the complex structure and function of skeletal muscle, examining its organization from the macro level down to the molecular components involved in muscle contraction. Dr. Bikman delves into the cross-bridge cycle, the process by which myosin and actin filaments interact to generate force, and the crucial role of ATP in this process. The lecture concludes by discussing different muscle fiber types and the mechanisms of muscle fatigue, dispelling common misconceptions about lactic acid's role in muscle soreness.