Learning objectives
1st DUBLIN DESCRIPTOR: Knowledge and understanding skills.
The student is required to demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of the anatomy , physiology, genetic, evolutionary and biological basis of human behavior and psyche.
2nd DUBLIN DESCRIPTOR: Ability to apply knowledge and understanding.
The student should be able to apply the knowledge acquired regarding the fundamental concepts of anatomy, physiologu, biology and psychobiology.
3rd DUBLIN DESCRIPTOR: Autonomy of judgment.
The student is expected to be able to develop anatomical-based thinking and possess autonomous judgment.
4th DUBLIN DESCRIPTOR: Communication skills.
The student is expected to master scientific language.
5th DUBLIN DESCRIPTOR: Learning skills.
The student is expected to develop learning skills to independently understand scientific texts on structiure and function of the human body, behavior and mind.
Prerequisites
basic knowledge of chemistry, Physics and biology.
Course unit content
Human Anatomy
Applied Biology and Ethology
Human Physiology
Psicobiology
Full programme
HUMAN ANATOMY
Anatomical Language:
-Anatomical axes and planes, terminology for defining relationships and position, points and lines of repose.
- Body regions and cavities.
Musculoskeletal system:
- General concepts: classification of bones, joints, and muscles.
- The biomechanical model of the muscle.
- Contractile unit (sarcomere), concept of motor unit.
Nervous System:
- General principles. Cells of the nervous system (neurons, glia). Types of neurons. Development of the central nervous system. Encephalic vesicles, meninges, and ventricles.
- Basic concepts on the organization of the Central and Peripheral Nervous System.
- Spinal cord: generalities on structure, organization, white and gray matter. Spinal nerves (roots, branches).
- Motor and general sensory pathways. Neuromuscular spindles. Proprioception. Anatomical basis of reflexes.
- Encephalon: morphology and general organization of the brain stem, cerebellum, diencephalon, and telencephalon.
- Limbic system: basic components and their functional significance. Main circuits of the limbic system.
APPLIED BIOLOGY AND ETHOLOGY
1.Concepts of Biology. The foundation and core of biological sciences: the theory of evolution. Origin and evolution of life on Earth. Cell Biology with particular emphasis on Eukaryotic cell. Cell cycle and Mytosis.
2. Sexual reproduction and Meiosis. Cost and benefit of sexual reproduction. Gamete formation and hormonal control in mammals. Development and Evolution of sex differences. Sexual selection and parental investment. Gender medicine.
3. Genetic. Mendelian genetics and its extension. Chromosomal bases of inheritance: Morgan experiments. Autosomic and X-linked heredity. Gene-environment interaction and multifactorial disorders.
4. Mechanisms of evolution. Evolution of vertebrates. Mammals, Primates and the origin of Hominins. Brain and language evolution. Darwinian Psychiatry.
5. Etholgy, the Behavioral Biology: proximal and ultimate causes . Nature vs Nurture debate. Genes and behavior. Imprinting and the Attachment theory. Epigenetic effects of early experience. Social behavior and the role of oxytocin.
PHYSIOLOGY
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.
PSYCHOBIOLOGY
The neural basis of intersubjectivity and empathy. Mirror neurons and embodied simulation. Implications for the doctor-patient relationship with psychiatric patients.
Bibliography
Anatomia:
Anatomia Umana. F. H. Martini, R. B. Tallitsch, J. L. Nathed. EdiSES
Barr: Il sistema nervoso dell'uomo. Basi di neuroanatomia. John A. Kiernan, Nagalingam Rajakumar. EdiSES
BIOLOGIA
Solomon et al. Fondamenti di Biologia. EDISES (2021)
Fisiologia.
Edra editore.
A cura di Linda Costanzo
Fondamenti Fisiologia dell’Uomo. Edi-Ermes.
Vander - Fisiologia. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
Teaching methods
The course will be held through lectures followed by discussion.
Lectures will be supported by slide presentations, videos and scientific papers which will be available to students on the Elly platform
Assessment methods and criteria
The achievement of the above-described learning objective will be verified by a written and oral exam. Communicative skills will be assessed too. The result will be communicated immediately after.
Students with DSA/BSE must contact the University's Reception and Inclusion Centre (CAI) in advance and follow the CAI's instructions for any requests for personalized examinations (https://www.cai.unipr.it).written and oral exam
Other information
All information on:
-https://elly2023.medicina.unipr.it/
