Basic metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins and their interrelationships. Recent aspects in general metabolism. Hormonal, ionic, enzymatic and other factors involved in the regulation of metabolism.

Central nervous system, endocrine glands, target tissues. The hormones of the pituitary gland, adrenal cortex, adrenal medulla, pancreas, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands and gonads: biosynthesis, releasing factors, effects, degradation and elimination, disorders of metabolism and assays. Prostaglandins and thromboxins.

This course covers advance topics in Hematology such as red blood metabolism, classes of anemias, metabolic pathways, Hyperbilirubinaemia, bilirubin metabolism, and kenetics of metabolism.

Physical properties and functions of blood. Cellular and non-cellular components of blood. Structure and function of hemoglobin. Metabolism of erythrocytes and its abnormalities (e.g. jaundice). Types of anemia, biochemical basis of each. Types and functions of leucocytes. Coagulation and its interrelationship to platelets. Blood formation and its disorders. Types of plasma proteins and their variation in different diseases.

Types and distribution of body fluids. Samples collection and management. Urine: Formation; normal and abnormal constituents and their role in diagnosis of renal, hepatic and blood diseases. Digestive tract secretions: saliva, bile, pancreatic juice; faeces and their relevance to laboratory diagnosis of some hepatic, pancreatic and intestinal diseases. Sweat analysis and its relevance to cystic fibrosis.