Meeting Abstract
Epithelial transport is an ideal subject for teaching basic biological concepts, including homeostasis, compartmentation, cell membrane transport, cell-cell communication, flow down gradients, and energy use. Teaching the principles of epithelial transport can also help correct common misconceptions, such as the idea that only nerve and muscle generate electrical potentials. Too often students learning the physiology of osmoregulatory and digestive organs try to memorize each cell as if it were a separate entity, when there are recurring patterns of gradients and transporters found in diverse tissues. This presentation will discuss how to teach epithelial transport as a core concept rather than a series of unrelated cells in various organ systems. Using compartmental models, transcellular and paracellular pathways, and various combinations of membrane transporters requires students to think about energy, flow, and gradients and challenges them to apply their understanding of basic transport principles.
