OVERVIEW

Physiology studies the functions of living beings by analyzing under chemical and physical terms the essential and unifying mechanisms of life processes.

The subject covers molecular and cellular aspects, cellular interactions, and ultimately describes the functions and mutual relationships of the different organs and systems of the body.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Providing basic knowledge about the mechanisms governing cell functions: cell-cell communication, nervous impulse transmission, synaptic transmission, sensory receptors, and muscle contraction. Illustrating the functions of the body organs and systems: cardiovascular function, immune system, respiration, excretion-osmoregulation, nutrition-bioenergetics, endocrine system, and reproduction.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course intends to make students able to apply the acquired knowledge to the analysis of questions, the solution of problems, and to illustrate the topics of the syllabus.

PREREQUISITES

Basic elements of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. Elements of Cell Biology, Histology and Human Anatomy

TEACHING METHODS

Class lessons with exercise and teaching materials on the Genoa University’s AulaWeb platform.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

General principles

• Definition of Physiology.

• Features of living beings.

• Chemical composition of living matter.

• Homeostasis and exercise physiology.

Cells

• Cell membrane. Diffusion, osmosis. Membrane transport.

• Cell communication. Signal molecules, cell receptors. Signal transduction pathways.

• Diffusion and equilibrium potentials. Donnan equilibrium, pump-and-leak model, RVD, RVI.

• Membrane currents and EF measurements. Action potential.

• Intracellular calcium signaling and homeostasis.

• Synapses.

Systems

• Central nervous system. Brain, mesencephalon, cerebellum. Effector systems.

• Sensory system, skin receptors. Eye, photoreceptors and neural retina. Ear and vestibular system, taste, smell.

• Endocrine system, hypothalamic–pituitary axis, pineal gland, thyroid. Parathyroid gland, calcium balance, adrenal glands. Glicogen metabolism. Gonads.

• Muscular system, striated muscle fiber, muscle contraction. Types of muscle fibers.

• Body’s liquids, blood composition. Hemostasis, lymphatic system. Immune system.

• Cardiovascular system, electric activity, contraction. Cardiac cycle. Vessels, flux, pressure, capillaries. Veins, pressure regulation.

• Respiratory system and dynamics. Lung volumes, gas exchange, oxygen transport. Control of respiration, CO2 transport, ventilation/perfusion ratio.

• Kidney, filtration and reabsorption. Urine concentration, salt water balance. Acid-base homeostasis, alkalosis, acidosis.

• Digestive system, salivary glands, stomach. Liver, pancreas. Gastrointestinal motility and absorption.

• Male reproductive system. Female reproductive system, menstrual cycle. Fertilization, pregnancy.

• Energy balance.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Textbooks:

• D’Angelo, Peres (a cura).
 Fisiologia. Ed. Edi-Ermes
• Sherwood. Fisiologia Umana. Zanichelli
• Widmaier, Raff, Strang. Vander Fisiologia. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
• Silverthorn. Fisiologia Umana. Pearson

Online resources:

• AulaWeb, Lessons / Exercise / Self-evaluation test

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

BRUNO PIETRO BURLANDO (President)

ILARIA DEMORI

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Combined written and oral exam.

N.B. According to University provisions, the exams may take place in tele-conferencing and in this case they will be in the form of a single oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Combined written and oral exam assessing the student's ability of using the acquired knowledge to analyze and respond to questions, solve problems, and illustrate the topics of the syllabus.

Exam schedule