Anatomo Psychophysiological Fundamentals
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the student with basic anatomical-physiological knowledge in order to understand:
- the structure and function of the neuronal cell and synapse;
- the anatomo-functional organization of the nervous system
- mechanisms underlying perception, motor and psychic activity, and behavior.
- the structure and function of the neuronal cell and synapse;
- the anatomo-functional organization of the nervous system
- mechanisms underlying perception, motor and psychic activity, and behavior.
Expected learning outcomes
Specifically, at the end of the course students will be able to:
- understand physiological processes underlying the nerve signals (generation, transmission and integration);
- describe the structural organization of the nervous system and the neural networks undelying neurological function.
- describe neural mechanisms underlying the sensory systems and the motor system;
- critically evaluate the role of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the functioning of mental processes and its possible alterations;
- clearly explain the notions learned relating to neurophysiology and cognitive neuroscience.
- understand physiological processes underlying the nerve signals (generation, transmission and integration);
- describe the structural organization of the nervous system and the neural networks undelying neurological function.
- describe neural mechanisms underlying the sensory systems and the motor system;
- critically evaluate the role of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the functioning of mental processes and its possible alterations;
- clearly explain the notions learned relating to neurophysiology and cognitive neuroscience.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Course syllabus
Introduction to the study of the biological bases of behavior. General organization of the central nervous system. Glial cells and neurons. The cell membrane. Ion channels and resting potential. Electrotonic currents and action potential. Electrical and chemical synapses. Neurotransmitters. The neuromuscular junction. Cutaneous receptors and proprioceptors. Spinal cord reflexes. Ascending pathways of somatic sensitivity. Somatosensory cortices and tactile perception. The eye and the retina. Neural bases of visual perception. Neural bases of auditory function. Cortical motor control. The cerebellum: motor and cognitive functions. Basal ganglia: motor and cognitive functions. Reticular formation, sleep and states of consciousness. Autonomic nervous system and hypothalamus. Elements of connectomics. Neural bases of language. Neural bases of attention. Neural bases of emotions and motivational states. Neuroplasticity.
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required.
Teaching methods
Lectures. Learning material (papers e slides) will be available online.
Teaching Resources
Bear M., Connor B., Paradiso M.(2015). Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain. Fourth ed. Lippincott Williams.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The student's assessment is based on a 30-multiple-choice written exam and an oral exam aimed at assessing the knowledge acquired during the course. The written exam is considered passed if the student provides at least 20 correct answers. If students pass the written exam, they can proceed to an oral exam. The written exam has only eligibility value to enter the oral test; the final grade will be determined by the teacher based on the oral test.
BIO/09 - PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 8
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Puglisi Guglielmo
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Puglisi GuglielmoEducational website(s)
Professor(s)