Fisiologie : struktuur en funksie

Abstract

The future development of Physiology, with special reference to human physiology, was briefly discussed. It was stated that this development will involve the increasingly detailed description of structure-function correlations to the molecular level. The implications of this development for the research activities of the Physiology Department were illustrated by current research projects in the Department with special reference to neuro-endocrinology as exemplified by the structure and function of the pineal gland. Practical problems in the implementation of a research strategy for the Department, e.g. lack of full-time research personnel, isolation from active research centers and lack of financial support from the private sector, were briefly discussed.

In the teaching activities of the Department, which mainly involve training of so-called basic medical practitioners, the academic requirements of Physiology as a scientific discipline in its own right, must not be neglected. An earnest plea for a better balance between academic and clinical physiologists in the Department and for better liaison with clinical Departments was made.