SCIENZE BIOMEDICHE II
Module Fisiologia

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: Maria Stella Carmela VALLE

Expected Learning Outcomes

The course of Physiology aims to provide students with the information on the functioning of the human nervous systems. It will provide the foundation for understanding the functioning of living beings focusing on the structure-function relationships, their dynamic integration and the general mechanisms of functional control in normal conditions.

Course Structure

Frontal lessons. Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Required Prerequisites

There is no formal preparatory training for this course. However, to access the course it is necessary to have basic knowledge of anatomy, physics, inorganic-organic chemistry and biology.

Attendance of Lessons

Mandatory attendance

Detailed Course Content

Sensory Coding 
The Somatosensory System: Receptors and Central Pathways 
Touch 

Pain 

The Constructive Nature of Visual Processing

Low-Level Visual Processing: The Retina 

The Inner Ear 

The Auditory Central Nervous System 

The Organization and Planning of Movement 

Striated muscle
The Motor Unit and Muscle Action 
Spinal Reflexes 

The Control of Gaze 

The Vestibular System 
Posture 
The Cerebellum 
The Basal Ganglia 

Hormones

Textbook Information

1) Silverthorn: Fisiologia, un approccio integrato. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana;

2)  Purves-Augustine-Fitzpatrick-Hall-LaMantia-McNamara-White: Neuroscienze. Zanichelli. 

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1The electrical signals of nerve cells;capitoli 5, 8,,Silverthorn: Fisiologia, un approccio integrato. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
2Visual function: the eye and the central visual pathways; Silverthorn: Fisiologia, un approccio integrato. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
3Vestibular system: saccule, utricle, semicircular canals. Vestibular reflexesPurves-Augustine-Fitzpatrick-Hall-LaMantia-McNamara-White: Neuroscienze. Zanichelli.
4The auditory systemPurves-Augustine-Fitzpatrick-Hall-LaMantia-McNamara-White: Neuroscienze. Zanichelli.
5Skeletal and smooth muscle; Spinal reflexes;Silverthorn: Fisiologia, un approccio integrato. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
6Efferent section of the nervous systemcapito 11, Silverthorn: fisiologia, un approccio integrato

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Oral Examination. The assessment of learning may also be conducted online, should conditions require it. Evaluation is expressed on a scale of thirty. The examinee will be required to answer a minimum of three to four questions covering all parts of the syllabus. The student must demonstrate, with appropriate clarity and argumentation skills, an organic knowledge and understanding of the course content. The evaluation criteria are as follows:

i) Excellent (grade 30–30 with honors): thorough knowledge and understanding of the topics, excellent command of language, and advanced ability to apply knowledge to the resolution of proposed problems;

ii) Good (grade 26–29): good mastery of the topics and appropriate use of language, with a solid ability to apply acquired knowledge to problem-solving;

iii) Fair (grade 22–25): adequate knowledge of the course content, though lacking full understanding of its more complex aspects, and limited ability to autonomously apply knowledge to solve the proposed problems;

iv) Sufficient (grade 18–21): superficial understanding of the program, minimal basic knowledge of the topics, difficulties in solving exercises and problems, and limited language proficiency;

v) Insufficient: lack of understanding of the basic topics, limited and fragmented knowledge of the course content.

Students with disabilities or neurodiversity will be provided with compensatory tools and exemption measures as identified by CInAP – Center for Active and Participatory Inclusion of the University of Catania, based on their specific needs and in accordance with current regulations.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

What is meant by tonotopy in the cochlea?

Function of inner hair cells.

Tell me about the 4 properties of the stimulus that the CNS must distinguish: sensory modality, location, intensity and duration

Does the amplitude of an action potential decrease along the nerve fiber?

VERSIONE IN ITALIANO