Anatomy and Physiology of the Integrated Systems
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course is planned to offer the theoretical background underlying the integration in Vertebrates. The topics of the course complete the anatomical and physiological knowledge acquired during the Bachelor's degree. The course is particularly useful to students who want to work in the field of science communication and teaching.
Expected learning outcomes
Theoretical and practical lessons are expected to supply the ability to analyse the complexity of the nervous, endocrine, and immune responses to stimuli and to properly communicate the acquired knowledge to different audiences.
Lesson period: Second 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
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The anatomical and physiological analysis of the systems linked to integration in Vertebrates is divided into three parts.
1. Anatomy and physiology of the sense organs. Sense receptors. General and special senses: eye, ear, organ of taste, olfactory mucosa.
2. Anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system. Principle of endocrine signaling. Endocrine glands: hypothalamus-pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal gland, pancreas, gonads. Diffuse endocrine system.
3. Anatomy and physiology of the immunity. Structure of lymphatic vessels. Bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, tonsils and mucose-associated lymphatic tissues. Innate and adaptive immune systems.
In addition to the general structure of each system and apparatus, the course includes specific and interdisciplinary in-depth analyses that are pivotal to teaching and communication of science. This course includes the laboratory of macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of Vertebrates.
1. Anatomy and physiology of the sense organs. Sense receptors. General and special senses: eye, ear, organ of taste, olfactory mucosa.
2. Anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system. Principle of endocrine signaling. Endocrine glands: hypothalamus-pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal gland, pancreas, gonads. Diffuse endocrine system.
3. Anatomy and physiology of the immunity. Structure of lymphatic vessels. Bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, tonsils and mucose-associated lymphatic tissues. Innate and adaptive immune systems.
In addition to the general structure of each system and apparatus, the course includes specific and interdisciplinary in-depth analyses that are pivotal to teaching and communication of science. This course includes the laboratory of macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of Vertebrates.
Prerequisites for admission
Mandatory preparatory courses are not required, but good knowledge of cytology and histology, and basic principles of comparative anatomy and general physiology are strongly recommended.
Teaching methods
The course includes lectures with the support of slides. Students will be encouraged to actively participate in the lesson / discussion to improve their critical skills. The course also includes practical lessons on macroscopic and microscopic anatomy and student presentations on a subject related to the topics covered during the course with the aim to stimulate the ability to hold public seminars or lessons for secondary school. Attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Textbooks:
- V. Stingo "Anatomia comparata"Edi-Ermes.
- L. Sherwood, H. Klandorf, P. Yancey - Fisiologia degli animali. Dai geni agli organismi, Zanichelli.
The slides of the course are available to students on the Ariel platform
- V. Stingo "Anatomia comparata"Edi-Ermes.
- L. Sherwood, H. Klandorf, P. Yancey - Fisiologia degli animali. Dai geni agli organismi, Zanichelli.
The slides of the course are available to students on the Ariel platform
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists in an oral test which includes the discussion on the different topics of the course and their application to both science communication and teaching of biosciences in the secondary school.
BIO/06 - COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND CYTOLOGY - University credits: 5
BIO/09 - PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 1
BIO/09 - PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 1
Practicals: 8 hours
Lessons: 44 hours
Lessons: 44 hours
Professors:
Cappelletti Graziella, Casartelli Morena
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
Friday from 2.30 PM by appointment
Department of Biosciences, via Celoria 26, ground floor, B tower