Teaching cardiac excitation-contraction coupling using a mathematical computer simulation model of human ventricular myocytes.

Teaching cardiac excitation-contraction coupling using a mathematical computer simulation model of human ventricular myocytes. Adv Physiol Educ. 2020 Sep 01;44(3):323-333 Authors: Jeon YK, Youm JB, Ha K, Woo J, Yoo HY, Leem CH, Lee SH, Kim SJ Abstract To understand the excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling of cardiomyocytes, including the electrophysiological mechanism of their characteristically long action potential duration, is one of the major learning goals in medical physiology. However, the integrative interpretation of the responses occurring during the contraction-relaxation cycle is challenging due to the dynamic interaction of underlying factors. Starting in 2017, we adopted the mathematical computer simulation model of human ventricular myocyte (Cardiac E-C_Sim), hypothesizing that this educational technology may facilitate students' learning of cardiac physiology. Here, we describe the overall process for the educational application of Cardiac E-C_Sim in the human physiology practicum of Seoul National University College of Medicine. We also report the results from questionnaires covering detailed assessment of the practicum class. The analysis of results and feedback opinions enabled us to understand how the students had approached the problem-solving process. As a whole, the students could better accomplish the learning goals using Cardiac E-C_Sim, followed by constructive discussions on the complex and dynamic mechani...
Source: Adv Physiol Educ - Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Tags: Adv Physiol Educ Source Type: research