Learning objectives
The course is designed to give the students the methods for studying the morphological and functional organization of the human body and in particular of: the cell, the tissues, the organs, with an overview of embryology; the anatomy and the physiology of the human body, with special emphasis on the cardio-respiratory and nervous systems.
Prerequisites
Students must possess basic and fundamental notions of Anatomy, cell and tissue biology and biochemistry of the organs and systems which are the topic of this part of the course.
Course unit content
1)Physiology of the central nervous system:
- Basic anatomy and functional properties of neurons.
-Action potentials.
-Synapses and receptors.
-Sensory organs and receptors.
-Organization of the somatosensory system.
-Organization of the motor system.
-Spinal reflexes.
-Organization of motor and somatosensory cortices. Somatotopy.
2) Physiology of the cardiovascular system:
- Miocardial properties: rhythm, conduction, excitability, contraction.
- Heart electrophysiology. Ionic theories of resting and action potentials.
- Electrocardiogram.
- Heart mechanics and the cardiac cycle.
- Cardiac output.
- Intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of heart activity.
- The vascular system.
- Blood pressure
3) Physiology of the respiratory apparatus:
- Chest and respiration muscles.
- Lung volumes and capacities.
- Mechanics of breathing.
- Blood-tissue gas exchange in the lung and in peripheral tissues.
- Blood transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
4) Physiology of Renal Function:
- The kidney: structural and functional properties. Kidney vascularization.
- Glomerular filtration.
- Tubular functions.
Full programme
1)Physiology of the central nervous system:
- Basic anatomy and functional properties of neurons.
-Action potentials.
-Synapses and receptors.
-Sensory organs and receptors.
-Organization of the somatosensory system.
-Organization of the motor system.
-Spinal reflexes.
-Organization of motor and somatosensory cortices. Somatotopy.
2) Physiology of the cardiovascular system:
- Miocardial properties: rhythm, conduction, excitability, contraction.
- Heart electrophysiology. Ionic theories of resting and action potentials.
- Electrocardiogram.
- Heart mechanics and the cardiac cycle.
- Cardiac output.
- Intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of heart activity.
- The vascular system.
- Blood pressure
3) Physiology of the respiratory apparatus:
- Chest and respiration muscles.
- Lung volumes and capacities.
- Mechanics of breathing.
- Blood-tissue gas exchange in the lung and in peripheral tissues.
- Blood transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
4) Physiology of Renal Function:
- The kidney: structural and functional properties. Kidney vascularization.
- Glomerular filtration.
- Tubular functions.
Bibliography
Di Prampero – Fisiologia dell’Uomo. Edi-Ermes.
Teaching methods
Oral lessens and audio-visual material available on-line.
Assessment methods and criteria
Written examination.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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