Elements of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Immunology

Basics of Pharmacology
This module aims to convey the basic elements of Pharmacology focusing in particular on: (i) pharmacokinetics and the path of a drug in the body (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination); (ii) pharmacodynamics and the main mechanisms of action of drugs in relation to the body, their biochemical and physiological effects including the concepts of potency, efficacy, dose response and therapeutic index.
The rational choice of drug use in specific diseases will be discussed as an example.

Basics of Human Anatomy
Organization of the human body. Classification and anatomical organization of organs. Apparatuses or systems: definition and overview of their composition, organization and function. Anatomic terminology. Membranes and cavities of the human body. Anatomical planes and sections.
The cardiovascular system: general organization and functions; pulmonary and systemic circulation. Morphology and structure of the heart; superficial and internal anatomy of the heart; heart valves; intrinsic conduction system. Blood vessels classification and structure. Coronary circulation; systemic arterial and venous circulation; vascularization of the head, neck and encephalon (or brain).
The lymphatic system: functions and components. Lymph and lymphatic vessels. Morpho-functional characteristics of lymphatic, hematopoietic and hemocatheretic organs.
The nervous system: anatomical and functional organization. Central nervous system: encephalon; spinal cord. Peripheral nervous system: anatomical and functional organization; sensory and motor components; SNS, ANS, ENS. Cranial nerves and spinal nerves. ANS or vegetative nervous system: functional components and anatomical subdivision.
The endocrine system: overview; comparison between the endocrine system and the nervous system. Morpho-functional characteristics of endocrine glands.

Basics of Immunology
Introduction to the immune system: immune cells, lymphoid tissue, cytokines.
Innate and acquired immunity. Innate immunity and inflammation, the complement system. Elements of innate immunity. Phagocytes, complement system, barriers.
Cell mediated immune response. The development of T and B lymphocytes. Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes. Antigen recognition by T and B lymphocytes. T and B cell receptors. The development of lymphocyte repertoire. Major histocompatibility complex, functional role and diversity.
The structure of antibodies. Diversity in the humoral immune response.
Mechanism of action of antibodies.

Basics of Human Anatomy
Organization of the human body. Classification and anatomical organization of organs. Apparatuses or systems: definition and overview of their composition, organization and function. Anatomic terminology. Membranes and cavities of the human body. Anatomical planes and sections; main techniques of diagnostic imaging.
The cardiovascular system: general organization and functions; pulmonary and systemic circulation. Morphology and structure of the heart; superficial and internal anatomy of the heart; heart valves; intrinsic conduction system. Blood vessels classification and structure. Coronary circulation; systemic arterial and venous circulation; vascularization of the head, neck and brain.
The lymphatic system: functions and components. Lymph and lymphatic vessels. Morpho-functional characteristics of lymphatic, hematopoietic and hemocatheretic organs.
The nervous system: anatomical and functional organization. Central nervous system: spinal cord and brain with particular reference to cerebral cortex. Peripheral nervous system: anatomical and functional organization; sensory and motor components; SNS, ANS, ENS. Cranial nerves and spinal nerves. ANS or vegetative nervous system: functional components and anatomical subdivision.
The endocrine system: overview; comparison between the endocrine system and the nervous system. Morpho-functional characteristics of endocrine glands.

Basics of Pharmacology
The pathway of a drug from entering the body to its exit will be illustrated (Absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination) in relation to its characteristics and those of the subjects assuming them (pharmacogenetics). Concept of dose-response, therapeutic index, descriptive pharmacokinetics.
The main knowledges on drugs mechanisms of action (pharmacodynamics), possible targets and drug-drug interactions are explained.
The rational choice of drug use in specific diseases will be discussed as an example.

Basics of Immunology
Introduction to the immune system: immune cells, lymphoid tissue, cytokines.
Innate and acquired immunity. Innate immunity and inflammation, the complement system. Elements of innate immunity. Phagocytes, complement system, barriers.
Cell mediated immune response. The development of T and B lymphocytes. Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes. Antigen recognition by T and B lymphocytes. T and B cell receptors. The development of lymphocyte repertoire. Major histocompatibility complex, functional role and diversity.
The structure of antibodies. Diversity in the humoral immune response.
Mechanism of action of antibodies.