Learning objectives
At the end of the course the student:
Knows and understands the mechanisms at the basis of cellular and tissue homeostasis, on transport and communication mechanisms and on resting metabolic rate.
Knows and understands the the functions of the different organs and apparata, their dynamis integration and the general mechanisms of control of their functions.
Knows and understands the physiology of visual system and of some visual submodalities
Is able to apply this knowledge to physiopathological examples.
Course unit content
The course will focus on arguments of General physiology Physiology of organs and apparata; Eye physiology and Neurophysiology of the visual system
Full programme
GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY
The cell membrane
Cell membrane structure; membrane proteins; transport mechanisms across membranes.
Electrical properties of membranes
Electrochemical gradients; passive and active ion channels; resting membrane potential; passive electrical properties of the membrane; action potential, genesis and conduction; classification of nerve fibers.
Synaptic mechanisms
Electrical and chemical synapses; neuromuscular transmission; synapses in the central nervous system, neurotransmitters; receptors.
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
Autonomic nervous system; vegetative reflexes
MUSCLE
Muscular tissue; organization of the skeletal muscular tissue, contraction; excitation-contraction coupling; types of contraction; muscle performance: single muscle fiber, motor unit.
HEART AND BLOOD CIRCULATION
Physical principles of hemodynamics; blood physical properties; properties of the heart muscle: autogeneration of action potentials, conduction of action potentials, excitability, contraction; electrophysiology of the heart muscle; mechanical events of the cardiac cycle; cardiac output; regulation of heart functions; circulation system; vasomotor regulation; arterial blood pressure; venous blood pressure and venous blood return
RESPIRATION
Physical properties of gases; functional anatomy of the lungs; lung volumes and total lung capacity; mechanics of external respiration; lung compliance; respiratory resistances; Inhaled, alveolar and exhaled air; gases exchanges through the alveolo-capillary barrier; gases transport in the blood; blood flow through the lungs; ventilation-perfusion relationships; regulation of respiration.
KIDNEY
Functional anatomy; blood flow through the kidney; glomerulus and glomerular filtration; tubular reabsorption and secretion; clearance; urinary constituents; regulation of the kidney functions; micturition.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Functional anatomy; hormonal and nervous control of digestive functions; motility of digestive tract: mastication, deglutition, gastric and intestinal motility; defecation; secretive functions: salivary, gastric, intestinal, pancreatic and bile; digestive and absorption processes.
PHYSIOLOGY OF THE VISUAL SYSTEM
Anatomy and physiology of the retina. Functions of photoreceptors, bipolar and ganglion cells. Anatomy and physiology of visual pathways: superior colliculus, nuclear geniculate body, visual cortex. Magno- and parvocellular pathway. Simple and complex cells. Modular organization of V1. Higher order visual areas: perception of color, movement and shape.
Assessment methods and criteria
The examination is oral and will aim to verify the knowledge of the students on the content of the course and the capacity of applying this knowledge to physiopathological examples.
