OVERVIEW

The course analyses the functions of the human body from the molecular and cellular level up to the level of organs and systems. The various topics take into account the fundamental concepts of homeostasis and structure-function relationship. Pre-requisites for the student: fundaments of General and Organic Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry and Cell Biology and Histology.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course will provide fundamental knowledge about the physiology of excitable, nervous and muscular tissues, the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and endocrine systems needed to achieve the training goals of their degree courses. The course aims to provide a complete insight into the General Physiology, starting from the Cellular Mechanisms of action, to the Integrated Physiology. Cellular aspects are fundamental to understand the physiology of organs and apparatus, with particular regard to the mechanisms of regulation and maintenance of homeostasis.

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching consists of theoretical “frontal” lessons for a total of 20 hours (2 CFUs)

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Cellular physiology

• The cell membrane: structure and permeability. The transport of substances through the membrane: ion channels and transporters.
• The resting membrane potential.
• Cell excitability: the action potential genesis and propagation.
• Synaptic transmission: electrical and chemical synapses; synaptic vesicle release, neurotransmitters and postsynaptic receptors transduction. Excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. Synaptic Integration: spatial and temporal summation.
• Neuromuscular junction.
• Muscle contraction physiology. Motor units. Nervous control of muscular contraction Simple shock and muscle tetanus.Physiology and contraction of smooth muscle.

 Physiology of the cardiovascular apparatus

• The electrical activity of the heart: excitability and automation.
• Genesis and conduction of the potential of action in the heart.
• The heart cycle. Arterial, capillary, venous system. Blood pressure.
• Mechanisms for regulating cardiac activity and blood pressure.
• Microcirculation and capillary exchanges and venous return. The blood.

Autonomic nervous system and endocrine physiology

• The autonomic nervous system and its homeostatic functions. Organization of the ortho- and para-sympathetic system.
•  General concepts of endocrine control. The hypothalamus-neuro- and adeno-ipophysary axis.

Respiratory physiology

• Functional organization of lung. Pulmonary Volumes and Capacities. Alveolar Ventilation
• Mechanics of pulmonary ventilation.
• Gas exchange through the respiratory membrane and transport of gas in the blood.
• Nervous and chemical regulation of breathing.

Renal physiology

• The water compartments of the body
• Functional organization of the kidney: the nephron.
• Glomerular filtration and its regulation. Tubular functions: reabsorption and secretion.
• Endocrine control of water-saline metabolism.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Through Aulaweb, the students can download all the slides presented by the teacher during the lessons.
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• Carbone - Fisiologia: dalle molecole ai sistemi integrati - Edises
• Silverthorn - Fisiologia Umana - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
• Guyton e Hall - Fisiologia Medica- EDRA 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral interview. The exam will last 20-30 minutes. It is based on 2/3 questions concerning the various topics of the program. During the exam the teacher will evaluate the student's ability to report on the topics discussed in the lessons.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Exposure clarity, connectivity, rigor, and communicative ability are valued. The teacher also evaluates the student's ability to perform critical analysis and links between the various contents discussed in the lesson. To overcome the test, it is necessary to obtain a passing grade evaluation for all the questions