LEARNING OUTCOMES

The comparative anatomy covers the anatomy of several systems in vertebrates with focus on homology and differences in different taxa, according to their evolution and functional aspects. It provides elements of evolutionary history and of comparative descriptive embryology of vertebrates.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

1 - The student will be able to illustrate the phylogenetic relationships between the major taxa of living and extinct chordates.

2 - The student will be able to describe, using appropriate language, the main events in the embryonic development of vertebrates.

3 - The student will be able to describe, using appropriate language, the anatomy and evolution of main vertebrate systems.

4 - For Biological Science only: the student will be able to describe, using appropriate language, the microscopic anatomy of several organs of vertebrates. 

5 - The student will be able to compare the structures in the different vertebrates, underlining the homologies and, where possible, the evolutionary paths, the plesiomorphic and apomorphic features.

6 - For Biological Science only: the student will acquire the ability to observe anatomical preparations, museal specimens, and anatomical models. managing to apply the theoretical notions on the description of the images. He/she will be able to perform easy anatomical dissection, also knowing theoretically the setting up of anatomical preparations. 

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of cytology and histology is required to effectively address the class content.

TEACHING METHODS

For Biological Sciences (7+2 credits): 56 hours of lectures delivered alternatively through multimedia presentations or by schematizing on the blackboard + 32 hours of workshop alternatively held in classroom, computer classroom, and laboratory equipped with microscopes, models, samples and dissection tools.

For Environmental and Natural Sciences (5 credits): 40 hours of lectures delivered alternatively through multimedia presentations or by schematizing on the blackboard.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The following list of topics is for the students of both the Degree Course in Environmental and Natural Sciences (5 credits) and the Degree Course in Biological Sciences (9 credits), except when otherwise specified.

Evolution of vertebrates. For Biological Science only: cladograms and elements of cladogram construction.

Types of oocytes and development. Segmentation, gastrulation, neurulation, organogenesis. Phylotypic stage of vertebrates. 

Anatomical description of organs and systems with special focus on phylogeny and ontogeny. In detail: 

Digestive system, for Biological Science only: macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the digestive system of vertebrates. Dissection and observation of digestive system.

Respiratory system: anatomy and evolution of gills, air-filled sacs, and lungs. For Biological Science only: microscopic anatomy of respiratory organs, dissection and observation of gills. 

Cardiovascular system: anatomy and evolution of heart and main blood vessels. For Biological Science only: observation of heart models and samples.

Skeletal system: anatomy and evolution of vertebrate skeleton. For Biological Sciences only: observation of specimens from the Comparative Anatomy Museum of DISTAV and of skeletal models.

Locomotor system, for Biological Sciences only: types of muscle, dissection and observation of skeletal elements, muscles, tendons, articulation, ligaments.

Nervous system: anatomy and evolution of the central and peripheral nervous system of vertebrates. For Biological Sciences only: anatomy of the autonomic nervous system, observation of brain models and anatomical preparations. 

Sense organs: anatomy and evolution of the olfactory system, eye, ear, lateral line. For Biological Sciences only: microscopic anatomy of the olfactory system, eye, taste buds, electroreceptors, tactile structures, observation of anatomical models and preparations.

Integumentary system: anatomy and evolution of skin and skin annexes in vertebrates. For Biological Sciences only: microscopic anatomy of skin and skin annexes. 

Excretory system: anatomy and evolution of the excretory system in vertebrates. For Biological Sciences only: microscopic anatomy of the excretory structures.

Reproductive system: anatomy of gonads in anamniotes and amniotes, evolution of genital ducts in vertebrates.

Endocrine system, for Biological Sciences only: anatomy and evolution of main endocrine elements in vertebrates.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All the slides used during the lessons and other teaching material will be available on Aulaweb, after each lesson or topic. In addition, as a support for the study, the Italian text Stingo - Anatomia Comparata Edi-Ermes editions is recommended or the English text Kardong - Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution.