Anatomical-Physiological Bases of the Cognitive Processes

The course aims at providing students with basic knowledge of the anatomy and the physiology of
the nervous system, which are essential for an understanding of the main integrative functions of
the brain. The teaching course is organized into two modules. Specifically, the "Physiology" module
will illustrate the concepts relative to the functioning and organization of the nervous system (both
central and peripheral) supporting behavior. This knowledge constitutes the fundamental
prerequisites for understanding the bases of higher cognitive functions typical in health and
neurological pathology.
The main topics covered in the "Physiology" module will be:
- anatomy of the nervous system
- physiology of excitable cells
- communication between nerve cells (synapses)
- learning and synaptic plasticity
- organization of motor and sensory systems
- sense organs: sight and hearing
- EEG and sleep
- neurophysiological basis of consciousness
The "Neurology" module will provide students with knowledge regarding higher cognitive functions
and the related syndromes caused by brain injury.
The main topics covered in the "Neurology" module will be:
- anatomo-physiological bases of language
- anatomical-physiological bases of motor programming
- anatomical-physiological bases of visual recognition
- anatomical-physiological bases of mnestic functions
- anatomical-physiological bases of attentional capacity and executive functions
- cognitive disorders due to organic brain impairment: aphasia, apraxia, amnesia, prefrontal
syndrome, dementia
- neuropsychological assessment: psychometric tests

At the end of the course the student will have acquired knowledge on:
- the main cognitive functions and on the biological substrate from which they originate
- the main consequences of acquired brain injuries and on the consequences of
neurodegenerative processes
- the main neurophysiological investigation techniques
- the main diagnostic and intervention techniques applied in the management of patients with
cognitive disorders