Learning objectives
The course aims to provide basic concepts on the nomenclature, etiology, pathogenesis and morphological bases of selected diseases relevant for professionals of sport sciences. Main topics will be discussed in trauma pathology of the brain and spinal cord, sudden cardiac death and diseases of the skeletal muscle and peripheral nerve.
Prerequisites
Basic notions of anatomy, physiology and general pathology.
Course unit content
The program of the Unit includes the systematic review of the pathological basis of the traumatic diseases of the central nervous system and the spine. It will also provide basic notions on the disease of the peripheral nervous sytem and the skeletal muscle.
Basic information concerning the etiology, the molecular and physio-pathological bases of diseases, the clinical presentation, natural history and complications of the individual anatomo-clinical entities and organ pathology will be provided. The different methods available for macroscopic diagnosis and cytological and histological sampling will be discussed. The role of ancillary techniques such as immunostains, FISH, molecular biology and electron microscopy will also be examined. The significance of the study of pathological cells, tissues and molecules in current strategies of prevention, diagnosis , prognosis, prediction and cure will be specifically emphasized.
Full programme
Traumatic injury of the brain and the spinal cord
10. Basic concepts in brian circulation.
11. Brain edema.
12. Herniation.
13. Hydrocephalus.
14. Brain concussion and contusion.
15. Diffuse axonal injury.
16. Brain hemorrhage (epidural, subdural, subarachnoidal e parenchymal).
17. Closed spinal trauma.
18. Spondilo-arthrosis.
Sudden cardiac death: epidemiology, etiology and prevention
Pathology of skeletal muscle
• Basic concepts on the neuro-mucolar unit.
• The morphological approach to the study of skeletal muscle and the muscle biopsy.
• Myopathies and muscolar dystrophies.
• Infectious and non-infectious myositis.
• Denervation injury.
Pathology of the peripheral nerve
• The morphological approach to the study of peripheral nerve and the nerve biopsy.
• Neuronal diseases and assonopathies.
• Demyelinating diseases.
• Traumatic injury of the peripheral nerve.
Bibliography
Robbins & Cotran, Pathologic basis of diseases, Elsevier, 8° Ed. (specific chapters).
Rubin, Pathology, Mosby 2006 (specific chapters).
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons with pertinent slides.
Assessment methods and criteria
An oral interview will be used to assess the reaching of learning targets. Questions will be aimed to assess knowledge and understanding of basic notions and the ability to translate this information into appropriate actions and behaviors in the relevant clinical situations.
Other information
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