PHYSIOLOGY

12 CFU - 1° and 2° Semester

Teaching Staff

NUNZIO VICARIO - Module FISIOLOGIA I - BIO/09 - 6 CFU
ROSARIO GIUFFRIDA - Module PHYSIOLOGY - Part II - BIO/09 - 6 CFU

Learning Objectives

FISIOLOGIA I
The course aims to provide the student with the knowledge of the functioning of organs and systems of the human body and to analyze the homeostatic control mechanisms. Students will acquire the capability to describe the cardiovascular, respiratory, function and physiology, digestive, kidneys and their integrations.
PHYSIOLOGY - Part II
At the end of the course the student knows the basic functional mechanisms of homeostasis of the internal medium, from the cellular level to the integrated physiology of the organs and systems - He is able to describe the basic functioning of the circulatory and respiratory systems , digestive and renal and the dynamic integration of their functions for the maintenance of normal conditions of survival and health of the human organism. - He is able to evaluate the main cardio-circulatory and respiratory function parameters of subjects in normal and rest conditions.

Course Structure

FISIOLOGIA I
Frontal Lessons. Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.
PHYSIOLOGY - Part II
Lectures and theoretical-practical exercises. Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes. Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

Detailed Course Content

FISIOLOGIA I
Introduction to physiology
Cardiovascular
Heart and blood vessels function and physiology
The heart and mechanical cycle - electrical phenomena - circle and its regulation
Blood vessels and cardiovascular control - The blood
Pressure - Volume - Flow - Resistance

Respiratory and gas exchange
Respiratory system function and physiology
Airways and alveoli - mechanics of breathing
Transport and diffusion of gases
Control of ventilation and alveolar blood flow

Kidneys function and physiology
The nephron structure and functions
Hydro-electrolytic homeostasis - Control of osmolarity and volume
Excretion and clearance - Urination
Functioning of the pressure, hydro-electrolytic and pH control mechanisms

Digestive system function and physiology
Operation and stages of digestion
Oral cavity, stomach functions and intestinal secretions
Movements and absorption

Human nutrition
The constituents of living matter
Energy balance and homeostatic control
Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins and mineral

Physiological mechanisms of body temperature regulation
Thermogenesis - body temperature and metabolic adaptations
PHYSIOLOGY - Part II
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM Pituitary gland. Hypothalamic control. Thyroid. Calcium homeostasis: calcitonin and parathyroid hormones. Adrenal gland

Gonads and reproductive system. Endocrine pancreas. Glucose homeostasis. Gastrointestinal hormones

NERVOUS SYSTEM Neuronal excitability. Membrane potential. Action potential. Propagation of the action potential. Chemical and electrical synapses. Neurotransmitters. The neuromuscular junction

SENSITIVE FUNCTION Sensory receptors. Organization of the sensory systems. Sense of touch, pain and temperature. The thalamus and the cerebral cortex. Physiology of vision and hearing.

MOTOR FUNCTIONS Hierarchical organization of motor systems. Spinal mechanisms of motor coordination: reflex actions. Postural control and vestibular reflexes. The cerebellum, the basal ganglia. Organization of cortical areas involved in voluntary movement.

HIGHER NERVOUS ACTIVITY Behavior, consciousness and language. Memory and learning. Conditioned reflexes. Sleep-wake cycle. The electroencephalogram.

VEGETATIVE NERVOUS SYSTEM Sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The hypothalamus. The limbic system.

MUSCULAR SYSTEM. Muscle cells. The sarcomere. Main properties of muscle contraction. Energy metabolism for muscular work. The motor units

Textbook Information

FISIOLOGIA I
- Human Physiology. Silverthorn - Ed. Pearson
PHYSIOLOGY - Part II
Various Authors - FISIOLOGIA UMANA - ELEMENTI - Casa Editrice edi.ermes 2019, Milano..

Silverthorn – FISIOLOGIA –Ambrosiana, Milano.

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