OVERVIEW

"Anatomy of the Digestive and Endocrine Apparatus" is an elective module specifically formulated for the Bachelor of Applied and Experimental Biology "Food and Nutrition" curriculum.
In this module, the organs belonging to the Digestive and Endocrine Systems will be described macroscopically and microscopically. In addition, the structural and functional connections between the two systems will be described. Mention will also be made of morphological changes associated with pathologies of the two apparatuses.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to know and be able to describe macroscopically and microscopically the morphology and structure of the organs that make up the digestive and endocrine systems.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main training objective of the module is to be able to describe the macroscopic and microscopic morphology of the organs belonging to the Digestive and Endocrine Systems.
The second training objective consists in describing the morphological and functional relationships of the two apparatuses covered by the course.
The third objective consists in recognizing the structural changes, both macroscopic and microscopic, of the organs belonging to the Digestive and Endocrine Systems under pathological conditions.

During the module, the acquisition of fundamental concepts will be assessed by employing quizzes delivered on game-based learning platforms. This assessment will not form part of the final examination grade but will serve as a basis for the Lecturer to determine whether it is necessary to reiterate and re-explain certain concepts already covered during the teaching. 

At the end of the module, the learning outcomes will be assessed by employing an oral examination. In particular, it will be ascertained whether the student can describe the macroscopic and microscopic structure of the organs belonging to the Digestive and Endocrine Systems, their morpho-functional relationships, and structural changes in pathological situations.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of cytology and histology

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures are delivered face-to-face.
The lectures are organized in PowerPoint presentations, and short video and game-based learning platforms will also be used to consolidate the main course concepts.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Digestive system 
Topography, morphology and structure of the following organs 
- buccal cavity 
- isthmus of the jaws
- oropharynx 
- laryngopharynx 
- oesophagus
- stomach 
- small intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) 
- large intestine (cecum, appendix, colon and rectum) 
- liver 
- exocrine pancreas

Outline of the Pathological Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal System

Endocrine system 
Topography, morphology and structure of the following organs 
- epiphysis 
- thyroid gland 
- parathyroids 
- adrenals 
- endocrine pancreas
- adipose tissue
- encephalic nuclei involved in the stimulation of hunger/satiety 

Hints of Pathological Anatomy of the Endocrine System

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The main teaching material consists of powerpoint presentations provided by the lecturer.
The presentations will be provided in advance of the start of the lectures so that the material will be available from the beginning of the module.
Textbooks for reference include:
- Human Anatomy - Saladin; Ed. Piccin
- Human Anatomy - Martini Timmons Tallitsch; Ed. EdiSes
- Principles of Human Anatomy - Tortora Nielsen; Ed. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
- Human Anatomy: Elements - Barbatelli et al; Ed. EdiErmes

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SILVIA RAVERA (President)

FABIO GIUSEPPE GHIOTTO

DAVIDE BAGNARA (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable go to the link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Please check the module Aulaweb page for timetable updates dependent on the sanitary and epidemic situation.

Class schedule

ANATOMY OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination will be held orally.

Five examinations are scheduled, spread over the winter and summer teaching breaks.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

For the final assessment, learning of the concepts proposed during the module will be evaluated by employing oral questions in which the student will have to

- describe the macroscopic and microscopic anatomical structures of the organs belonging to the Digestive and Endocrine Systems, 

- describe the morpho-functional connections between the two systems

- describe structural changes under pathological conditions

During the module, the acquisition of fundamental concepts will be assessed utilizing quizzes delivered on game-based learning platforms. This assessment will not form part of the final examination grade but will be used by the Lecturer to determine whether certain concepts need to be repeated and re-explained.