AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course module aims to make the student acquire adequate knowledge regarding the organization of the human Auditory and Vocal Apparatus. In particular, knowledge will be acquired about how the respiratory system produces pressurized air for the generation of sounds, the structure of the larynx, the anatomy of the structures forming the vocal tract, and the auditory apparatus.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching activity is organized in lectures for a total amount of time of 10 hours. During these lectures all the issues the student has to know for the final exam will be explained and discussed with the help of visual aids.

Pursuant to L.170/10 “New Regulations on Specific Learning Disorders in Schools”, support services are in place for students with Specific Learning Disorders (SAD), disabilities or other educational needs, through the “Support Services Sector for disabilities and for students with SAD”. These students are encouraged to contact the lecturer and the School's disability contact person, Prof. Nicola Girtler (nicolagirtler@unige.it), at the beginning of the course to agree on possible teaching modalities that, while respecting the objectives of the course, take into account individual learning patterns

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The structures that generate air under pressure. Trachea. Lungs: morphology and structure. Pleurae. Thoracic cage. Inspiratory and expiratory muscles. Respiratory mechanics.
The sound-generating structure: the larynx. Skeleton of the larynx. Laryngeal joints. Membranes and ligaments of the larynx. Structure of the larynx. Vocal cords. Intrinsic muscles of the larynx. Extrinsic muscles of the larynx. Innervation of the larynx.
Structures that modify sounds: the vocal tract. Bones of the skull. The pharynx. General organization. The muscles of the pharynx. The oral cavity: organization. Dentition. The muscles of mastication. The tongue. Intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. Innervation of the fuscles of the tongue. Muscles of the face. Nose and sinuses.
Hearing and balance apparatus. Generalities. Outer ear: auricle, external auditory meatus. Middle ear: tympanic membrane, tympanic cord, auditory tube, mastoid antrum, ossicle chain, tympanic tensor and stapedium muscles. Inner ear: bony labyrinth and membranous labyrinth. Cochlea. The organ of Corti. Notes on the vestibular apparatus.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

One of the following Anatomy texts of your choice:
Tortora, Nielsen - Principi di Anatomia Umana – Editrice Ambrosiana
Martini, Timmons, Tallitsch – Anatomia Umana - EdiSes
Saladin - Anatomia Umana - Piccin

To further investigate the Neuroanatomy part:
FitzGerald Neuroanatomia - Mtui, Gruener, Dockery - Edra

The slides used during the lectures are downloadable in PDF format from AulaWEB.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

EAR AND THROAT ANATOMY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The knowledge and understanding of the morphology and structure of organs and systems of the human body will be assessed. Moreover, the comprehension of how the organ structure determines its own function will be evaluated.