OVERVIEW

The Physiology course provides the elements to understand the physiological functioning of the main systems of our organism. Starting from the mechanisms of cellular physiology, the elements for understanding the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and autonomic nervous systems are provided. The Physiology course provides also the elements to understand the physiological functioning of the nervous system. Starting from the mechanisms of the neuronal and muscle cells, the elements for understanding the functions of the motor and sensory systems are provided.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course aims to provide information on the physiological systems that supervise the vegetative life and their dynamic integration in maintaining the homeostasis of the organism. Nervous system and its control over vegetative life and relationship life.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Regarding the parameters of:

To Know:

At the end of the course, the student will know:

- the principles of cellular physiology;

- the principles of the cardiovascular system;

- the principles of the respiratory system;

- the principles of the renal system;

- the principles of functioning of the nervous system;

- the appropriate physiological terminology and the essential parameters for evaluating the systems present in the program;

To Know-how:

At the end of the course the student will know how:

• to integrate the knowledge of Physics and Biochemistry in a more general framework on the function of excitable cells and of the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems;
• to integrate the knowledge of Physics and Biochemistry  in a more general framework on the function of the nervous system;

The student at the end of the course will have acquired the tools to evaluate the physiological and neurophysiological mechanisms.

PREREQUISITES

Knowledge of the basic principles of physics, chemistry and biochemistry.

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes lectures.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Properties of excitable membranes. The resting potential. The action potential. Synaptic transmission. Muscle contraction, with particular reference to skeletal muscle. Muscle mechanics. Blood. The cardiovascular system: the heart as a pump; the electrical activity of the heart; the mechanics of the circulation, determining factors and blood flow distribution; determinants of blood pressure; control of the cardiovascular system; the microcirculation. Breathing: lung mechanics; respiratory volumes and capacities; gas exchange and transport; chemical regulation of breath; nervous breath control. The kidney and body fluids: the glomerular filtration process; tubular transport mechanisms; regulatory functions of the kidney; physiology of body fluids. The gastrointestinal system: motor and secretory functions of the gastrointestinal system; digestion and absorption of food principles. The autonomic nervous system.

The nervous system: somatic sensations; pain and analgesia; the motor systems of the brain; reflex and voluntary control of posture and movement; the vestibular system; locomotion; motor functions of the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and basal ganglia.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

For Physiology:

Fisiologia, Stanfield, EdiSES Università

Fisiologia Umana, Silverthon, Pearson

For Neurophysiology:

Neuroscienze, Purves, Zanichelli

Principi di Neuroscienze, Kandel, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARCO BOVE (President)

LAURA AVANZINO

PIERLUIGI VALENTE (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/8713/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam.

The oral exam, lasting about thirty minutes, involves two questions asked by two teachers of the commission.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam aims to verify the basic knowledge of the main physiological mechanisms of the body. Language properties, clarity of presentation, consequentiality of reasoning and analytical capacity are also evaluated.

Exam schedule