Quarter 4

This course defines and explains the endocrine and gastrointestinal systems, as well as hypothalamic regulation of metabolism and temperature. For each topic, the student will identify the purpose of each gland, organ, hormone, or neurologic stimulus. Further, students will analyze each system in response to endocrine deficiency, excess, or mis-regulation. Hormones from the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, and gonads, as well as those associated with calcium regulation, are studied. For each endocrine category the student will study the pertinent anatomy and histology, general chemical structure of hormones, hormone biosynthesis, actions of hormones, mechanism of action at target sites, and regulation of secretion. Gastrointestinal physiology topics include neural and hormonal regulation in the gut, behavior of smooth muscle, motility, secretions, digestion, and absorption of nutrients. Metabolic physiology topics include measurement of metabolic rate, factors affecting basal metabolic rate, contributions to calorie expenditure, and regulatory mechanisms associated with food intake. Temperature regulation topics include hypothalamic control of heat gain and heat loss mechanisms.

This course provides the student with an understanding of the key concepts and major themes of pathology (the study of disease), integrate these concepts with prior knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and prepare the student for the clinical phase of the chiropractic curriculum. The emphasis in this course is on the characteristics of cellular, tissue, and organ responses in disease. Topics of study include the gross and histological features of cell injury and necrosis, a review of metabolic, environmental, and degenerative conditions leading to tissue deposits of various substances, and the cellular and chemical features of acute and chronic inflammation. Characteristics of tissue regeneration and wound healing are reviewed. The etiology, pathogenesis, morphology, and functional aspects of benign and malignant neoplasms are examined. Disturbances of circulation including edema, hemorrhage, thrombosis, embolization, and infarction are described. Disorders of the immune system are surveyed including hypersensitivity reactions, autoimmune disease and immunological deficiencies. Diseases of bone, joints, and muscle and major conditions affecting the organ systems are also reviewed. Topics include osteoporosis and osteomalacia, osteomyelitis and skeletal neoplasms. Structural and clinical features of arthritis (including osteo- and rheumatoid types) and diseases of muscle including the dystrophies and myasthenia gravis are described.

This course is devoted to the examination and treatment of pelvic manipulative disorders. It is designed to provide the student with an anatomical, biomechanical, and physiologic basis for the evaluation and adjustive management of pelvic subluxation/dysfunction syndromes.

This course focuses on the critical appraisal of scientific studies focused on treatment studies, with special focus on randomized controlled trials. Hands-on practice and application of key concepts will be used to encourage accurate interpretation of scholarly publications’ outcomes. Successful students will be able to read and evaluate the quality and generalizability of therapy study research publications, which will be essential later in the program when students apply evidence-informed practice (EIP) skills in clinical situations.