Human Physiology

A.Y. 2024/2025
6
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/09
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing theoretical knowledge about the general organizational principles of the human body, including functioning at various levels, from the molecular and cellular to the various systems and the body as a whole; provide knowledge on the functioning of various organ systems and homeostatic mechanisms of the main regulated variables; to learn the relationship between physiological mechanisms and the state of nutrition.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will acquire the fundamental knowledge of human physiological functioning, in particular of the organ systems and the main homeostatic mechanisms. He/she will be able to understand how nutrition influences and is influenced by multiple homeostatic mechanisms and how physiological adaptation is at the basis of the state of nutrition. He/she will therefore be prepared to face nutritional evaluation, dietetics and pathophysiology of food-related diseases and human nutrition.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
1. basic concepts: physiologic systems, homeostasis and communication levels; nutritional regulation of gene expression; cell membranes and excitable cells 2. Nervous system: anatomy and functions; membrane potentials; autonomic and somatic nervous systems and sensitivity; physiologic bases of taste and olfaction; higher functions; neutotoxins; 3. endocrinology and metabolism: anatomy and function of endocrine glands; hormones biochemistry, secretion and transport; insulin; epinephrine; thyroid hormones; cortisol andintegrated stress responses. 4. muscle: anatomy and function; neuromuscular junction e sarcomere contraction; muscle metabolism, motor units, contraction control; 5. cardiovascular system: anatomy and function, conduction system, cardiac action potentials; cardiac cycle and output; blood vessels: anatomy and function; Regulation of blood pressure; capillary vessels dynamics and autoregulation; 6. respiratory system: anatomy and function, pulmonary ventilation, gas exchanges and ventilation control, 7. urinary system: anatomy and function; glomerular filtration, reabsorption and secretion mechanisms and control 8. Water, electrolytes, acid-base balance 9. gastrointestinal system: anatomy and function; digestion and nutrients absorption;
Prerequisites for admission
The prerequisite is the knowledge of human biochemistry, and of the basic nutritional elements required for the admission to the degree course
Teaching methods
Formal lessons, online tutorials and seminaries
Teaching Resources
Fisiologia. Cindy l. Stanfield. Edises srl, VI edizione 2023
Fondamenti di Fisiologia Umana. Lauralee Sherwood Piccin IV Edizione 2013
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. Maurice Shils, MD, ScD; Moshe Shike, MD; James Olson, PhD; A. Catherine Ross, PhD. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Material provided by the teacher
Assessment methods and Criteria
Single choice test (40 questions, 1 correct answer, 1 hour duration, 1 point per each correct answer), followed by an oral examination aimed to evaluate the ability to organize and to present the knowledge of the main homeostatic mechanisms.
Students with specific Learning disorders and disabilities should e-mail the Teacher responsible for the course at least 15 days prior to the exam, to adopt adequate examination modalities. In the mail to the teachers the following services should be included in CC: [email protected] (for students with learning disabilities) and [email protected] (for students with disabilities)
BIO/09 - PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Shifts: