The 40-Hour Revision Plan
- Hours 1-5: General physiology (cell, transport, nerve muscle)
- Hours 6-12: Cardiovascular physiology
- Hours 13-18: Respiratory physiology
- Hours 19-24: Renal physiology
- Hours 25-30: GI physiology
- Hours 31-35: CNS and neurophysiology
- Hours 36-38: Endocrine physiology
- Hours 39-40: Blood and reproduction (lighter topics)
Cardiac Physiology
Key concepts: cardiac cycle, Frank-Starling mechanism, ECG leads, BP regulation (baroreceptor reflex), cardiac output measurement (Fick method).
Respiratory Physiology
Key concepts: lung volumes, compliance, airway resistance, DLCO, ventilation-perfusion matching, oxygen dissociation curve.
Renal Physiology
Key concepts: GFR determination (inulin clearance), RAAS, concentration of urine (countercurrent mechanism), acid-base handling.
CNS and Neurophysiology
Key concepts: EEG wave patterns, sleep stages, reticular activating system, CSF, neurotransmitters (DA, 5-HT, GABA, glutamate).
References & further reading
Every clinical claim in this article is anchored to a primary source. Click through to verify, and use the same habit in your revision.
Revision history
- 19 September 2026 — Initial publication
Frequently asked questions
Which physiology textbook is best for UPSC CMS?
Ganong Review of Medical Physiology is exam-focused and concise. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology is more detailed. For quick revision: GK Pal is excellent for Indian exam aspirants.
Can I really revise physiology in 40 hours?
For revision (not first-time learning), yes. 40 hours is enough to re-read key chapters, solve PYQs, and review mnemonics. This assumes you studied physiology during MBBS.
What are the most important physiology topics?
Cardiovascular physiology (cardiac cycle, ECG, BP regulation), Respiratory (compliance, DLCO), CNS (EEG waves, sleep), Renal (GFR, concentration of urine), and Endocrine (feedback loops).
Related reading
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