Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with the information to know and understand the physiological mechanisms responsible for the regulation of muscle function, endocrine system, blood and reproductive physiology, with particular emphasis on the aspects of homeostasis. The role of the hypothalamus in the integration of regulatory processes will be described in order to allow the student to use the knowledge and understanding gained in the course.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Blood physiology will be described in the initial part of the course. Afterwards, we will deal with the treatment of muscle physiology, the endocrine system and the endocrinology of reproductive processes. The last part of the course will be devoted to the description of some examples of integrated physiology, such as thermoregulation, mechanisms regulating appetite and stress response. The entire course will have a homeostatic focus. Great attention will be paid to the biotechnological aspects of the content offered.
Full programme
Blood
Composition and properties of blood
Plasma and blood cells
Hemostasis and coagulation
Physiology of skeletal muscle
Skeletal muscle:electrical mechanisms
Molecular mechanims of contraction
Biochemistry of contraction
Smooth muscle
Principles of endocrinology
Major aspects of hormones
The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus
Basic information on the main hormones and their effects
Reproductive endocrinology
Hormonal regulation of male reproduction
Hormonal regulation of female reproduction
Endocrinology of puberty
Follicle development and mechanisms of selection
Endocrinology of pregnancy, parturition and lactation
Integrated responses
Regulation of stress response
Thermoregulation
Regulation of eating and drinking
Bibliography
O.V. Sjaastad, O. Sand, K. Hove - Fisiologia degli animali domestici - Casa editrice ambrosiana
Guyton, Hall - Fisiologia Medica - Elsevier
Sherwood, klandorf, Yancey - Fisiologia degli animali – dai geni agli organismi - Zanichelli
Rassegne scientifiche su argomenti specifici
Teaching methods
Course topics will be addressed in lectures. All course materials will be made available to students.
Assessment methods and criteria
The acquisition of knowledge and understanding with regard to issues covered by the course, will be tested by means of an oral examination. During the interview, the student must also demonstrate the ability to make connections between the various topics proposed.
Other information
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