Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding
knowledge of the neurological structures involved in motor and postural
control and the principles of morphometry and scientific research.
Applying knowledge and understanding
This knowledge must be applied to adapted physical activity
programming
Making judgements
Students are expected to be able to base a physical activity program on
morphometric data and scientific research
Communication skills
Students are expected to use a proper scientific technical language
Learning skills
Students are expected to be able to summarize a technical text
Course unit content
Respiratory System: microscopic and macroscopic functional anatomy of airways and lungs. Origin and course of vessels of the pulmonary and bronchial circulations. Microscopic anatomy of the air-blood barrier, respiratory mechanics.
Cardiovascular System: macroscopic and microscopic functional anatomy of the heart. Anatomy of the electrical conduction system of the heart, the mechanics of cardiac contraction. Cardiac specimens. Distribution of the main arterial territories and veins of the portal and caval systems. Microscopic anatomy of capillaries and blood-brain barrier. Outline of embryonic circulation.
Neuroanatomy: neuronal histology. Anatomy of the spinal reflexes. The upper structures that control muscle tone and posture: cerebellum. Structures modulating the motor system: motor cortical areas, the basal ganglia. Anatomy of the visual and vestibular systems.
Morphometry.
Definition of Anthropometry; development of the study of
human constitution, the concept of "type" and its applications. Variable
anthropometric characters (concept of normality and anatomical and / or
functional variation). Basic statistical parameters applicable in
anthropometry: frequency distribution, percentiles, two variables
populations, lines of tendency. Anatomical and functional characteristics
involved in the growth and at the various age. The Anthropometric measures: absolutes and
indexes; osteometry, somatometry, stature, weight, body indices,
assessment of body composition. Axial and body plans and guidance
plans. Definition of the anthropometric points of the body. Choice of the
reference points for Anthropometric measurements. Definition of the
method to be used for each type of anthropometric absolute
measurement. Concept of Body Mass Index (BMI) and its practical
applications.
Introduction to scientific research.
• Tools for access to catalogs and bibliographic databases
• Scientific journals: Referee System and Impact Factor
• Structure of a scientific article, bibliographic citation
• Notes on the design of research studies
• Introduction to qualitative research
• Introduction to quantitative research
• The thesis project
Bibliography
Anatomia Umana (Martini et al.) ed. EdiSES
Anatomia dell’Apparato Locomotore (Barni et al.) ed. EdiSES.
Lecturers note
