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CODE 65464
ACADEMIC YEAR 2025/2026
CREDITS
SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR BIO/09
LANGUAGE Italian
TEACHING LOCATION
  • GENOVA
SEMESTER 2° Semester
MODULES Questo insegnamento è un modulo di:

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Know the fundamentals of cellular physiology and the essential functions of the various systems and systems of the human body (cardiocirculatory, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, nervous, locomotor, genital, digestive systems).

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

LEARNING OBJECTIVES (DETAIL):

The Human Physiology course aims to provide students with the foundational knowledge necessary to understand the physiological functioning of organs and systems. In particular, the course will cover basic concepts enabling students to acquire a solid understanding of excitable cell physiology, the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, and the role it plays—together with the endocrine system—in regulating both vegetative and relational life. Furthermore, students will gain insight into the functioning of the body systems and their dynamic integration in maintaining the homeostasis of the organism.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the course, students are expected to know and describe in detail the fundamental aspects of Human Physiology, including the cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, endocrine, autonomic nervous, and muscular systems, as well as general physiology. They should be able to explain, critically evaluate, and distinguish the roles of these systems in maintaining individual homeostasis.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures supported by slide presentations.

Students with documented Specific Learning Disorders or special needs are required to contact the Course Instructor(s) and the Department's designated Representative before the beginning of the course, in order to agree on appropriate teaching methods and ensure the achievement of the intended learning objectives and outcomes

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Physiology of Excitable Cells

  • The cell membrane: structure and permeability. Transport of substances across the membrane: ion channels and transporters.

  • Resting membrane potential.

  • Action potential and its conduction.

  • Electrical and chemical synapses.

  • Neuromuscular junction.

  • Muscle cells. Mechanism of contraction in striated and smooth muscle cells.

Cardiovascular Physiology

  • Characteristics of myocardial cells: resting and action potentials. Origin and conduction of the heartbeat.

  • Mechanical events of the cardiac cycle and cardiac output.

  • Blood circulation. Arterial pressure. Capillary exchange and venous return.

  • The blood.

Physiology of the Autonomic Nervous System and the Endocrine System

  • Organization of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

  • Endocrine secretion. Types of hormones. Hormone receptors. Hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

Respiratory Physiology

  • Functional organization of the lungs and airways.

  • Mechanics of breathing.

  • Gas exchange. Transport of gases in the blood.

Renal Physiology

  • Functional organization of the kidney: the nephron.

  • Glomerular filtration. Tubular functions: reabsorption and secretion.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The dates and schedule of this course are available at the following address:  Portale EasyAcademy

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy