Physiology II 4

• To understand how the human body is able to obtain and sustain the homeostasis in response to internal and environmental modifications
• To understand the physiological mechanisms of the central and peripheral nervous systems
• To understand the physiological mechanisms of the endocrine system
• To understand the basic neurobiological and psychophysiological principles underlying the human behavior and the cognitive and emotional interactions between the subject and the environment

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

General notions on hormones. Definition and classification; biosyntesis, secretion and transport; mechanisms of action. 

Hypotalamus and hypophysis.

Functions of the main endocrine glands: thyroid, adrenal cortex, ovary and testicle, endocrine pancreas, calcium and phosphorus homeostasis.

NERVOUS SYSTEM

General organization of the nervous system.

Excitable cells. Rest potential, action potential, chemical and electrical synapses, post-synaptic potentials.

Autonomic Nervous System. Organization and functions.

The spinal cord. Anatomical-functional organization. Tonic and phasic myotatic reflex. Flexor reflex. The pathways of somatic sensitivity.

The thalamus. Functions of the thalamus and projections to the cortex.

Sensory functions. Tactile, thermal and pain sensitivity. Muscle proprioception. Notes on the special senses (hearing, sight, taste, smell).

Motor functions. Cortical areas and descending pathways. Functions of the cerebellum and ganglia

of the base.

Sleep-wake cycle.

Higher brain functions. Memory, learning, emotions, language.

The test takes place through a written exam on all the topics of the program.

Insulin:

           ___ stimulates lipogenesis

           ___ allows glucose to enter nerve cells

           ___ is not secreted in response to the sight of food

           ___ is not secreted in diabetes insipidus