C.I. ANATOMIA E FISIOLOGIA

Learning Objectives

• Physiology, AA 2018-2019

  Knowledge and skills to acquire:

  Knowledge of organism function, from basic molecular mechanisms to the function of cells and whole organs, as well as organ functional integration in complex beings.Knowledge of all the subjects included in the program below. Ability to analyze and synthesize subjects, understanding mechanisms in details and subsequently summarizing functional finalities. Ability to expose subjects clearly and extensively. Understanding that a full knowledge of Physiology subjects is essential to exert a profession in medical fields.

Course Structure

• Physiology, AA 2018-2019

  4 CFU (28 h) of classroom theoretical lessons.

  Oral examination.

  Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD: To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the Department of Biomedical and Biotechonological Sciences.

Detailed Course Content

• Physiology, AA 2018-2019
  1. The organization of living beings. Structure of the human body: composition and fluid distribution.
  2. Exchanges between intra- and extracellular compartments. The plasma membrane: composition, structure and selective permeability.
  3. Transports across the plasma membrane. Membrane ion channels. Membrane potentials.
  4. The neuron. Action potentials: genesis and propagation.
  5. Transmission of signals between excitable cells. Synaptic transmission. Neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and their receptors.
  6. Skeletal muscle physiology. Resting potential and action potential in skeletal muscle fibers. Molecular mechanisms of muscle contraction. Role of calcium in muscle contraction. Excitation-contraction coupling. Characteristics of whole-muscle contraction. Isotonic and isometric modes of contraction.
  7. Organization of the nervous system: central and peripheral structures.
  8. Sensory function of the nervous system. Somatic sensations: general organization. Sensory receptors. Transmission of somatosensory impulses to the central nervous system.
  9. The tactile and position senses. Pain and thermal sensations.
  10. The chemical senses: taste and smell.
  11. The sense of hearing. Inner ear receptors. Central auditory mechanisms.
  12. The sense of vision. The eye: optics of vision. Receptor and neural function of the retina. Central neurophysiology of vision.
  13. The organization of voluntary movement: cortical and brainstem control of motor function. Motor cortex, supplementary areas, cerebellum, basal ganglia, spinal cord. Vestibular sensations and maintenance of equilibrium.
  14. Reflex movements: general properties. Spinal reflexes.
  15. Intellectual functions of the brain, learning and memory. Cerebral cortex. The hippocampus.
  16. The autonomic nervous system and the adrenal medulla: general organization.
  17. The endocrine system. Hormones: structure, function, action mechanism. Segulation of hormone secretion.
  18. The cardiovascular system: anatomy and general properties.
  19. Homeostasis of volume and hosmolarity of extracellular and intracellular fluids. The kidney and urinary system.
  20. The respiratory system. Pulmonary ventilation. Pulmonary circulation. Physical principles of gas exchange. Regulation of respiration.
  21. Digestive system: anatomy and functional organization. Nervous control on motility and secretion. Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.

Textbook Information

• Physiology, AA 2018-2019

  Fisiologia Umana - Elementi. Casa Editrice Edi-Ermes