Learning objectives
Allow the student to know and understand the physiological mechanisms underlying the functioning of the body’s organs of vegetative life like the heart,
lungs, kidneys, digestive system, as well as those of social life such as the nervous and muscular systems. The course aims to enable the student to apply the knowledge and understanding gained in the future professional activity.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The course aims to illustrate to students the functioning of the principal physiological mechanisms characterizing the normal functioning of human body and its organs, with a specific focus on the central nervous system.
Full programme
General Physiology: Excitability of cells; physiology of the neuron; physiology of the synapse; neurotransmitters and neuromodulators; the neuromuscular plate; muscle contraction.
Neurophysiology: spinal reflexes; physiology of sensory receptors; visual system; somatosensory system; pain; motor cortex, cerebellum; basal ganglia; Vegetative nercous system; emotions circuit.
Hormones and the endocrine system.
Cardiovascular physiology: cardiac excitability; electromechanical coupling; basics of the electrocardiogram; blood pressure; capillary pressure and peripheral exchange mechanisms; nervous regulation of the heart system.
Respiratory system physiology: respiration; ventilatory mechanics and the physical principles involved (elasticity and pressure gradients); the pneumothorax; gas exchange in the lungs and peripheral tissue; the transport of gases (hemoglobin); hints of spirometry and ventilator volumes; nervous and chemical regulation of breathing; hints of obstructive respiratory pathology.
Physiology of the digestive system: structure of the digestive system, chewing, bolus formation and swallowing, digestion at the gastric level, digestion and absorption in the small intestine, peristalsis, liver and bile, the pancreas and pancreatic juice, large intestine and stool formation.
Renal physiology: structure of the kidney and nephron; functioning of the nephron; the processes of regulating homeostasis, filtration, reabsorption, secretion and excretion; passive and active transport; reabsorption of sodium and glucose; notes on the renin angiotensin system.
Bibliography
Fisiologia.
Edra editore.
A cura di Linda Costanzo
Fondamenti Fisiologia dell’Uomo. Edi-Ermes.
Vander - Fisiologia. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
Teaching methods
Lectures will be held on-site. Supporting material will be available on the specific, student-reserved platform (Elly) and will include slide presentations and audio-video supporting materials.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination.
Other information
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