05 – Human Embryonic Development

In this episode we cover the kidney and nephron anatomy, filtration and urine formation, water and electrolyte balance, hormonal regulation, diuretics, acid–base balance, and common kidney disorders. Companion notes and flashcards at: https://reviewmcat.com/renal

This episode covers respiratory anatomy, the mechanics of breathing, lung volumes, gas exchange driven by partial pressures, O₂ and CO₂ transport (including the bicarbonate buffer system), and the regulation of breathing. Companion notes and flashcards at: https://reviewmcat.com/respiratory_system

This episode covers blood vessels, pressure regulation, blood composition, hemoglobin and oxygen transport, the clotting cascade, fetal circulation, and different types of shock (hypovolemic, cardiogenic, distributive). Companion notes and flashcards at: https://reviewmcat.com/cardiovascular_2_Veins_blood

This episode covers heart anatomy, blood flow through the pulmonary and systemic circuits, the cardiac cycle (systole/diastole), the heart's electrical conduction system, and how to interpret an ECG. Companion notes and flashcards at: https://reviewmcat.com/cardiovascular_1_heart

This episode provides a comprehensive review of the endocrine system, covering hormone types, signaling pathways, and feedback regulation. We tour the major endocrine glands and their hormones, and explain key regulatory axes like the HPA, HPG, HPT, and RAAS, along with relevant disorders. Companion notes and flashcards at: https://reviewmcat.com/09-endocrine-system/

This episode covers bone structure, ossification, remodeling, calcium regulation, joint types, cartilage, skeletal vs. cardiac vs. smooth muscle, sarcomeres, contraction, fiber types, and muscle disorders. Companion notes and flashcards at: https://reviewmcat.com/08-musculoskeletal-system/

This episode covers brain anatomy (lobes, cerebellum, brainstem), subcortical structures (limbic system, basal ganglia, thalamus, hypothalamus), spinal cord organization, reflexes, autonomic pathways, and neurodevelopment. Companion notes and flashcards at: https://reviewmcat.com/07-the-nervous-system-part-2-of-2

This episode covers nervous system organization (CNS, PNS, somatic, autonomic), neuron and glial cell structure, action potentials, synaptic transmission, and key neurotransmitters like ACh, dopamine, and glutamate. Notes, flashcards, and more at https://reviewmcat.com/06-the-nervous-system-part-1-of-2/

Learn the stages of embryonic development from fertilization to neurulation, including germ layer differentiation, key structures, and high-yield MCAT embryology concepts—all broken down clearly with mnemonics and clinical tie-ins. The show notes are available at https://reviewmcat.com/05-human-embryonic-development/

This episode covers human reproductive anatomy, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and hormonal regulation via the HPG axis. We walk through the menstrual cycle, sex hormones, puberty, and MCAT-relevant topics like the SRY gene, hormone feedback loops, and menopause. Access the notes, quizlet flashcards and more at: https://reviewmcat.com/04-human-reproduction-gonads-and-puberty/