OVERVIEW

The course provides fundamental knowledge of the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the human body, with particular focus on organs and tissues relevant to drug action, absorption and distribution mechanisms, and major routes of administration. The teaching approach is integrated and specifically tailored to the professional profile of the pharmacist, emphasizing structural and morphological understanding as a key prerequisite for pharmacology, biochemistry, and physiology. Lectures combine essential descriptive and functional aspects, laying the groundwork for a solid understanding of human body organization and tissue structure.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Human Anatomy course is aimed at studying all the systems, apparatuses, and organs that make up the human body, starting from a macroscopic description down to the microscopic structure. The objective is to provide functional anatomical knowledge which, together with the content of other courses in the degree program, will support the understanding of major human pathologies, as well as the mechanisms of action and toxicity of drugs.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course, with a total duration of 48 hours (6 CFU), is structured into an introductory module dedicated to histology—focusing on the main tissue types—and a core module on the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of organs and systems, specifically tailored to the educational needs of pharmacy students. The aim is to provide an integrated understanding of human body structure, which is essential for undestanding drug action, distribution, and toxicity, as well as the morphological basis of major diseases.

At the end of the course, students will be expected to:

• accurately describe the structure of the main tissues, organs, and systems of the human body;

• correlate anatomical structure with function, with particular reference to systems involved in drug absorption, metabolism, and excretion;

• appropriately use anatomical terminology in both macroscopic and microscopic descriptions;

• demonstrate an understanding of the morphological foundations necessary for the study of biomedical and pharmacological disciplines in subsequent years of the degree program.

The course may include activities aimed at developing transversal skills, which may be formally recognized through a specific Open Badge issued by the University of Genoa. In particular, the course may foster functional literacy and/or the ability to learn to learn through the correct use of anatomical language, self-assessment tools, and critical reflection activities.

PREREQUISITES

A basic knowledge of cell biology is required, with particular focus on the structure and functions of the cell, intracellular organelles, and main cellular specializations. A preliminary understanding of general chemistry is also necessary, as it supports the comprehension of the biological and structural processes addressed in the course.

TEACHING METHODS

The course is delivered through in-person lectures, supported by audiovisual materials and multimedia presentations. The teaching approach is designed to facilitate the understanding of the structural organization of the human body, using diagrams, images, and functional references.

Teaching materials used during the lectures will be made available on the UniGe Aulaweb platform. These materials serve as a study guide and do not replace individual study of the recommended textbooks, which remains essential for exam preparation.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs are strongly encouraged to contact the instructor and the departmental disability advisor (Prof. Luca Raiteri – Luca.Raiteri@unige.it) at the beginning of the course to arrange appropriate personalized learning measures.

IMPORTANT: Requests for exam accommodations must be submitted at least 10 working days before the scheduled exam date, following the instructions provided at:
https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/comunicazioni

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Module 1 – Histology (10–12 hours)

Study of human tissues with particular focus on their structure and function in relation to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics:

• Epithelial tissue: covering and glandular epithelia; cellular specializations, junctions, polarity; roles in absorption and secretion pathways.

• Connective tissue: proper connective tissues, adipose tissue, cartilage, and bone; overview of bone marrow and hematopoiesis; blood as a fluid connective tissue.

• Muscular tissue: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle; overview of the neuromuscular junction.

• Nervous tissue: neurons, synapses, glial cells; overview of neuroendocrine integration and visceral function control.

Module 2 – Systemic and Functional Anatomy (36–38 hours)

This module covers the macroscopic and microscopic organization of organs and systems, with emphasis on their relevance to drug action, absorption, metabolism, and excretion.

1. Digestive system and associated glands

• Morphology and structure of: oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines.

• Liver, biliary system, pancreas, salivary glands.

• Structure of the peritoneum.
  Relevance to pharmacy: oral routes of drug administration, hepatic metabolism, intestinal absorption.

2. Cardiovascular system and lymphatic system

• Morphology and structure of the heart, pericardium, major vessels, mediastinum.

• Structure of blood vessels: arteries, veins, capillaries.

• Systemic, pulmonary, and portal circulation.

• Lymphatic system: lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, spleen.
  Relevance: systemic drug distribution, parenteral routes, blood and lymphatic transport.

3. Respiratory system

• Morphology of: nasal cavities, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs.

• The pleurae.
  Relevance: inhalation routes, gas exchange, alveolar-capillary barrier.

4. Urinary system

• Morphology and structure of: kidneys, nephron, excretory pathways (calyces, renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, urethra).
  Relevance: renal drug excretion, pharmacokinetics, renal toxicity.

5. Endocrine system

• Structure and function of: pituitary gland, hypothalamus, thyroid, parathyroids, endocrine pancreas, adrenal glands.
  Relevance: pharmacological targets, hormonal regulation, drug-hormone interactions.

6. Male and female reproductive systems

• Gonads, genital ducts, external genitalia.

• Ovarian and menstrual cycles.
  Relevance: sex hormones, reproductive pharmacology.

7. Integumentary system

• Structure of the skin and its appendages.

• The mammary gland.
  Relevance: transdermal and topical drug delivery.

8. Nervous system and sensory organs

• Structure of the central nervous system (CNS): spinal cord, brainstem, cerebellum, diencephalon, telencephalon.

• Motor and sensory pathways.

• Peripheral and autonomic nervous systems.

• Sensory organs: eye, ear, taste and smell receptors.
  Relevance: neuroendocrine interactions, drugs acting on sensory receptors or neurotransmitters.

9. Musculoskeletal system (functional overview)

• Classification of bones, joints, and muscles.

• Bones of the skull, vertebral column, thorax, and limbs.

• Respiratory and abdominal wall muscles.
  Relevance: intramuscular injection, bone circulation, anatomical compartments.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

For the study of the course content, students are required to use one of the following textbooks, at their choice:

• Human Anatomy, 2nd Italian edition based on the 5th English edition, McKinley – Piccin Editore

• Anatomia Umana – Elementi, including an introduction to histology – Edi-Ermes

Both texts provide a clear and up-to-date presentation of anatomical and histological content, with appropriate visual support.

Students with certified Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs are strongly encouraged to contact, at the beginning of the course, the departmental advisor for disabilities and SLD (Prof. Luca Raiteri – Luca.Raiteri@unige.it), copying the course instructor as well, in order to agree on personalized teaching strategies and appropriate compensatory tools, in line with the learning objectives of the course.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The course will take place in the second semester, starting in the first week of March and ending by the end of May, in accordance with the official academic calendar.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The Human Anatomy exam for the Pharmacy degree program consists of a mandatory written test, composed of 31 multiple-choice questions (with only one correct answer), to be completed in 35 minutes. Each correct answer is worth 1 point; the maximum score is 30/30. Honors (cum laude) are awarded to students who answer all questions correctly. The exam is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30.

An optional oral exam is available for students who have passed the written test and wish to further explore topics or improve their grade. The oral exam consists of three questions: one on macroscopic anatomy, one on microscopic anatomy (histology), and one on the nervous system and/or sensory organs.

The correction of the written test will be discussed collectively in class, either during grade recording sessions or at other scheduled times.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The achievement of learning outcomes will be assessed through a mandatory multiple-choice written test, consisting of 31 questions with a single correct answer. The test aims to evaluate students’ knowledge of anatomical structures and tissues, their ability to recognize structure–function relationships, and their appropriate use of anatomical terminology.

An optional oral examination is available only after passing the written test, and allows for further assessment of argumentative skills, logical organization of content, and the use of scientific language in describing anatomical structures and biological processes. The quality of exposition, command of specialized vocabulary, and ability to integrate anatomical and functional concepts will be key elements in the overall evaluation.

Students with certified Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or other special educational needs must also take the written exam. If they wish to take the oral exam as well, or request specific accommodations, they should contact the instructor at least 10 working days before the scheduled exam date to arrange an alternative assessment format, in compliance with university guidelines.

The assignment of the "Transversal Skills" Open Badge may be considered for students participating in specific integrative activities aimed at developing functional literacy and/or the ability to learn to learn. Participation and assessment details will be provided on Aulaweb.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Following feedback from course evaluation questionnaires and discussions with students, a new written exam format based on multiple-choice questions has been introduced. This change aims to make assessment more objective, transparent, and accessible to all. The oral exam remains available on a voluntary basis for students who wish to deepen their understanding or improve their grade. Constructive dialogue is encouraged throughout the academic year for suggestions regarding the course and its organization.

For any additional information not included in this syllabus, students are invited to contact the instructor directly.