MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

The immune system is split up into two main categories - the adaptive immune system and the innate immune system. 
This episode will cover the intricacies of the innate immune system beginning with an overview of its constituent cells. We will then explore three pivotal elements of the system: anatomical barriers, the general inflammatory response, and the complement system. This will show up in the bio/biochem section of the MCAT.
For additional reading on this topic, you can refer to the NIH’s Innate Immune System paper.
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
 
Jump into the conversation:
[00:00] MCAT Tutoring from MedSchoolCoach
[00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics
[01:06] Topics covered in this episode
[02:09] The goal of the innate immune system
[04:57] The cells that make up the innate immune system
[11:47] Anatomical barriers to the innate immune system
[19:53] General inflammatory response of the innate immune system
[42:49] Complement system
[45:33] MCAT Advice of the day - take as much time as you need to study for the MCAT

To continue our discussion on the immune system, in this episode, we will cover the second type of immune system – the adaptive immune system. 
 
We start with covering some vocabulary that you’ll need to know to understand the immune system, then we move into the cells that make up the adaptive immune system. Then we break down the two branches of the adaptive immune system -  humoral immunity including the discussion of B cells and cell-mediated immunity highlighting T cells.  
Don’t miss our previous episode on the other type of immune system, the innate immune system. 
 
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
 
Jump into the conversation:
[00:00] MCAT Tutoring from MedSchoolCoach
[00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics
[01:06] Topics covered in this episode
[02:01] Review on the difference between innate vs. adaptive immue system
[02:32] General Vocabulary terms for the adaptive immune system
[07:05] The cells that make up the adaptive immune system
[13:09] The humoral immune system and B cells
[26:07] Cell mediated immunity and T Cells
[34:38] Antigen activation

In this episode of MCAT Basics+, we introduce the MCAT exam and examine the Chem/Phys, Bio/Biochem, and Psych/Soc sections. We highlight the importance of establishing a study schedule and utilizing practice tests for exam preparation. Tune in to discover strategies for approaching each section and improving your study routine.

Understanding the kidneys' role in the body’s balance is essential for the MCAT and beyond.
In this episode, host Sam Smith discusses renal physiology, covering everything from kidney anatomy to the nephron’s critical functions in filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion. You’ll explore the roles of the renal cortex and medulla, learn about the loop of Henle, and uncover the importance of ions, plasma volume, and pH regulation in kidney function. Plus, we’ll examine hormones like ADH and aldosterone and their impact on fluid balance, as well as essential measurements like glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for assessing kidney health.
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. 
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro to renal physiology
(02:43) Kidney anatomy overview
(08:38) Nephron structure and function
(09:50) Six key functions of the kidney
(12:03) Nephron Processes: Filtration
(17:32) Nephron Processes: Reabsorption and secretion
(22:51) The Loop of Henle
(26:05) Understanding osmolarity in the Loop of Henle
(26:55) Ion transport in the ascending limb
(32:04) The role of the collecting duct
(37:18) Hormonal regulation of the nephron
(46:50) Key measurements of renal function
(50:15) MCAT Advice of the Day

Cells and tissues form the building blocks of life, which are crucial for mastering key concepts in the MCAT’s biology and biochemistry sections.
In this episode, host Sam Smith breaks down the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, exploring animal, plant, and bacterial cell structures alongside unique cell types like erythrocytes. You’ll gain insights into the various tissue types—epithelial, muscle, connective, and nervous—along with their roles in the body. Plus, Sam highlights essential details on ribosome size, cell reproduction methods, and structural elements like vacuoles and cell walls. This episode equips you with strategies to distinguish cell and tissue types confidently, setting you up for success on exam day.
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro 
(01:03) Cell types overview
(02:44) Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells
(09:53) Animal, plant, and Ffungi cells
(16:20) Bacteria and archaea characteristics
(19:09) Erythrocytes: Structure and function
(20:15) Tissue types intro
(23:35) Epithelial tissue types and functions
(33:17) Connective and nervous tissues