MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

In this episode, we focus on the cardiovascular system and its connection to fluid mechanics. Beginning with an exploration of cardiovascular anatomy, the discussion covers various aspects of the heart: its function, contraction mechanism, the diverse cell types found within it, and its essential role in regulating blood pressure. 
Finally, in the latter part of the episode, several fluid mechanics topics pertinent to the MCAT and their application to the cardiovascular system are addressed. These include total peripheral resistance, viscosity, the continuity equation, and the Bernoulli equation, offering insights into their relevance in understanding cardiovascular dynamics.
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
 
[00:00] Intro
[02:32] Circulatory system overview
[08:48] Blood's journey from the heart through systematic circulation
[11:49] The reason the heart needs one-way valves
[15:14] The path of blood flow through the body
[16:52] Function of the heart
[22:21] QRS complex
[24:24] Cells that make up the heart
[28:33] Hormonal control of blood pressure and its relationship to the heart
[40:39] Application of physics fluids to cardiovascular system
[43:31] Peripheral resistance
[48:38] Viscosity 
[51:54] Continuity equation
[55:02] Bernoulli equation

This MCAT podcast covers the respiratory system. First, I cover the anatomy of the respiratory system. Then, I dive into its main functions:
Gas exchange (breathing mechanisms here too)
Thermoregulation
Particle filtration
pH control
Lastly I talk about how the respiratory system is controlled.
Please email me if you have any comments or concerns: [email protected]
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.
Thanks for listening!

This podcast is the first in a series of lectures covering genetics. I cover the following topics: brief history of basic genetic principals, evolution, chromosomal theory (including mutations), mitosis and meiosis, and inheritance patterns.
Please email me if you have any comments or concerns: [email protected]
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.
Thanks for listening!

This lecture covers basic quantum theory, quantum numbers, hybridization, types of bonds, and nuclear decay. 
Please email me if you have any comments or concerns: [email protected]
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.
Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we focus on biosignaling and cover how cells communicate through systems like voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels, using real-world examples such as neuronal signaling and muscle contraction.
We also break down the role of enzyme-linked receptors, specifically receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and explore how these pathways are involved in cell growth and cancer. Additionally, we take a detailed look at G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their role in activating secondary messenger systems like cyclic AMP (cAMP).
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(00:32) Overview of Biosignaling
(01:05) Introduction to Biosignaling and its Importance
(01:49) Stimulus-Response Concept: Fight or flight, glucose homeostasis, transcription regulation
(02:34) Voltage-Gated Ion Channels: Activated by changes in membrane potential
(03:29) Action Potential: Sodium channels and signal propagation
(05:01) Ligand-Gated Ion Channels: Role in neuron-to-neuron signaling
(06:01) Muscle Contraction: Acetylcholine's role in skeletal muscle contraction
(07:29) Misconception on Calcium: Sodium initiates muscle cell depolarization, not calcium
(08:33) Enzyme-Linked Receptors: Focus on receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs)
(09:39) RTKs and Cancer: How RTK signaling pathways are linked to cancer
(12:00) G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR): Structure and function of GPCRs
(14:43) Adenylate Cyclase and cAMP: Role of GTP in activating adenylate cyclase and producing cAMP
(18:10) Quiz Question 1: Ion specificity in potassium channels
(22:54) Quiz Question 2: Hypertension treatment and G-protein pathways
(25:00) Biosignaling as the foundation for cellular responses