FISIOLOGIA II 3

Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: GIAMPIERO LEANZA

Expected Learning Outcomes

  • To gain a clear understanding of the cellular mechanisms and networks that enable the human body to function.
  • Knowing the integrated functioning of the different organs, apparatus and control systems through which the living organism obtains and maintains homeostasis.
  • Clear understanding of the mechanisms that, when abnormal, turn into pathological dysfunctions.

Having participated to Physiology classes, students will achieve knowledge on the mechanisms governing the functioning of the various apparatuses of the body, also acquiring notions of anatomical organization and physiopathology.

Course Structure

Lectures. Attendance is mandatory

PLEASE NOTE: The adoption of remote teaching and examination is a possibility, should contingent conditions impose so. In case of remote teaching and examination, some changes may therefore be introduced, in order to closely adhere to the program outlined in the syllabus

Required Prerequisites

Basic knowledge on subjects relevant to physics, chemistry, anatomy, histology is a prerequisite

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance is mandatory

Detailed Course Content

General part

  • Compartmentalization: cells, tissues and organs
  • Homeostasis, adaptation and responsiveness.
  • Intercellular Communication and modulation of signal transduction.
  • Control systems: Feedback Loops.

The Nervous System

  • Functional Classification: central and peripheral nervous system
  • Cells of the Nervous System.
  • Neurons: excitable cells.
  • Resting potential and action potential.
  • Chemical and electrical synapses
  • Post-synaptic responses.
  • The central nervous system
  • Afferent Pathways
  • Efferent Pathways: autonomic nervous system and the somatic motor system.
  • The control of body movement: integrated functions of the spinal cord, cerebellum and basal ganglia.

The Endocrine System

  • Hormones, chemical characteristics, synthesis and secretion, transport in blood, mode of action.
  • Functions of the main endocrine glands: hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas. Regulation of calcium metabolism.
  • The Hypothalamus: its fundamental role in the Regulatory Systems of the homeostasis.

Muscle

  • Muscular system: functions and mechanism of skeletal, smooth muscle and heart.
  • Neuromuscular Junction.

Textbook Information

1. Silverthorn - FISIOLOGIA UMANA. UN APPROCCIO INTEGRATO - PEARSON

2. Fox - FISIOLOGIA UMANA - PICCIN

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1All subjects in the programSubjects are suitably presented in the proposed textbooks

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Oral or written exam, which is considered passed when 50% of queries have satisfactorily been answered. The students' ability for personal initiative, efficient use of learning materials and logical discussion, will be primarily evaluated 

VERSIONE IN ITALIANO