Learning objectives
The general objectives of the “Foundations of neuroscience” unit in the integrated “Physiology” course are the same as those described for the “Systems Physiology” unit. More specifically, the subjects developed by the “Foundations of Neuroscience” unit are concerned with fundamental aspects of Neurophysiology, in association with the relevant aspects of Neuroanatomy, considering the information from the two academic areas as integrated into a single field of study. In addition, morphological organisation and processes of biochemistry and molecular biology are also considered for various neuronal structures residing in specific neurological formations, in order to provide the basis for understanding the differing methods of transmitting and processing nerve signals. <br />
During course lessons, detailed descriptions are provided for the fundamental features of functional anatomy and physiology with regard to the various parts of the nervous system. A wide range of diagrams will be provided, illustrating the many nervous pathways that transport information from one part of the nervous system to another. In addition, for each sensorial function, anatomical structures and functional aspects are described together, specifying the role of the respective receptors, and the patterns of neuronal activity in codifying information in the various sensorial systems. A highly analytical description is developed for the somatic sensory function and for visual functions. <br />
Likewise, details of anatomy and nervous functions enabling motor systems to produce movement by transducing nervous signals into muscular contractive force are described. Particular attention is dedicated to the description of how posture, balance and bodily movements are controlled by motor systems in the cerebro-spinal axis, by means of planning, coordinating and performing specific programmes of movement. <br />
Lastly, the morphological and functional aspects of the autonomic nervous system’s control over neurovegetative functions are examined, along with hypothalamic functions. <br />
The ultimate objective for the body of information supplied is that of presenting a detailed picture of nervous functions, in order to explain the way in which the nervous system acts as a control and regulatory system for most bodily activities, while also operating as part of the individual’s sensorial and emotive processes. <br />
Prerequisites
The following courses are recommended and/or obligatory prerequisites for the present course: <br />
- Elements of normal human anatomy <br />
- Cellular electrophysiological procedures <br />
- Histology <br />
- Biochemistry <br />
- General physiology <br />
- Molecular Biology <br />
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Course unit content
The subjects presented in the course are concerned with motor functions, sensorial functions and neurovegetative functions. The morphological and functional aspects of the nervous system are described at different levels, ranging from the molecular level (determining the properties of individual neurons) to the level of the various cerebral formations (on which the highest levels of control depend). <br />
a) Motor function: levels of control of motor function, spinal control of motility, bulbar-pontine control of motility, labyrinthine functions, descending motor systems, the cortical control of voluntary movement (primary motor area, supplementary motor area, premotor cortex, posterior parietal cortex), cerebellar functions (vestibular-cerebellum, spinal-cerebellum, cerebral-cerebellum, cerebral ataxia), the subcortical control of motor functions (basal ganglia and corresponding neuronal circuits, hypokinetic syndrome, hyperkinetic syndrome) . <br />
b) Sensorial function: somatic sensory sensitivity, ascending sensory systems, epicritical sensitivity and protopathic sensitivity, the subcortical processing of somatic sensory signals, thalamal functions, the cortical processing of somatic sensory signals (somatoesthesic areas, neuronal organisation, sensorial recognition), the superior control of sensorial pathways, pain and nociception, the descending control of pain, visual functions, the dioptric function of the eye (eye reduction, accommodation, refraction defects), pupil functions, the retinal nervous network, the functional organisation of retinal neurons, the retinal processing of visual information (bipolar cells, ganglionic cells), colour vision, the retinal processing of chromatic information, visual pathways, the geniculate processing of afferent visual signals, the primary visual cortical area, receptor fields of cortical neurons, neurons in the primary visual area, secondary cortical visual areas. <br />
c) Neuro-vegetative functions: levels of complexity of the autonomic nervous system, organisation of the vegetative nervous system (orthosympathetic system, parasympathetic system, enteric division), vegetative reflex arcs, neurovegetative responses, neurotransmitters in the neurovegetative system, preganglionic neurons, postganglionic neurons, neurovegetative receptors (alpha and beta adrenergic, muscarinic), additional functions of neurovegetative ganglia, hypothalamic functions (general morphological and functional aspects, nervous connections, endocrine connections), the hypothalamic control of food ingestion, the hypothalamic control of liquid intake, the hypothalamic control of body temperature. <br />
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Full programme
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Bibliography
1) FUNDAMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE, Squire L, Berg D, Bloom F, Du Lac S, Ghosh A, Spitzer N, Elsevier, 2008. <br />
2) FISIOLOGIA. MOLECOLE, CELLULE, SISTEMI, D'Angelo E, Peres A, edi-ermes, 2006-2007. <br />
3) TESTO ATLANTE DI FISIOLOGIA UMANA. NEUROFISIOLOGIA, Imeri L, Mancia M, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2006. <br />
4) DALLO STIMOLO ALLA SENSAZIONE. FISIOLOGIA DEGLI ORGANI DI SENSO. Gussoni M, Monticelli G, Vezzoli A, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2006. <br />
6) FISIOLOGIA MEDICA , Conti F, edi-ermes, 2005. <br />
7) NEUROSCIENCE. EXPLORING THE BRAIN, Bear MF, Connors BW, Paradiso, MA, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001. <br />
8) PRINCIPLES OF NEURAL SCIENCE, Kandel ER, Schwartz JH, Jessel TM, McGraw -Hill, 2000. <br />
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Teaching methods
The course is taken by means of frontal lessons, using PowerPoint presentations (texts and diagrams) distributed to students at the end of each lesson. <br />
Assessment is performed by means of written tests during the course, with an oral exam at the end of the course. <br />
Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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