Integrated Systems Physiology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course is aimed to enhance knowledge in the functional integration of organ systems for the maintenance of body homeostasis. In particular, the course is designed to challenge and stimulate the student's interest in how the complex integration of organ systems is necessary for the body wellness and how alteration can explain diseases and drugs' side-effects.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course the students will be able:
- to recognize the role played by the different physiological systems in the body's integrated responses;
- to apply this knowledge to understand the disease onset mechanisms that may allow the identification of new therapeutic targets and the design of new biotechnological drugs.
Expected learning outcomes will also include the acquisition of communication skills enabling the description and the discussion of the physiological adaptation processes that take place in response to changes in environmental conditions.
- to recognize the role played by the different physiological systems in the body's integrated responses;
- to apply this knowledge to understand the disease onset mechanisms that may allow the identification of new therapeutic targets and the design of new biotechnological drugs.
Expected learning outcomes will also include the acquisition of communication skills enabling the description and the discussion of the physiological adaptation processes that take place in response to changes in environmental conditions.
Lesson period: year
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
year
Course syllabus
The course will cover the following topics:
Sensation and sensory processing
Sensory systems and perception. Organization of sensory system: how peripheral sensory information is elaborated at integrated at the CNS. Insights: Nociception.
Movement and its central control
The organization of the motor system: how a brain-programmed action is translated into motion. Processes that program and control the execution of actions, their interaction with motion perception. Insights: mirror neurons.
Learning and Memory.
The neural and functional organization of short and long term memory processes and their role in human cognition. Molecular and cellular bases; neuronal plasticity; brain aging.
Speech and language.
Origins of language; language acquisition; the brain areas dedicated to language, the Broca area and the Wernicke area; aphasia; the lateralization of language; dyslexia; reading processes and considerations on the writing process.
The sleep.
The functional and neural structure of sleep control; biochemistry and physiology of sleep.
Control of body temperature
Body temperature balance: heat production, gain and loss. Peripheral and central mechanisms of control.
Sex differences in Physiology
Chromosomal and endocrinological origins of sex. Steroid hormones. Sex and neural signalling. Hypothalamus-pituitary axis. Sex and behavior.
Sex differences in systems physiology, body composition and metabolism: cardiovascular system, pulmonary physiology, skeletal muscle, gastrointestinal physiology, food behavior.
Human methodologies in the study of sex differences.
Sensation and sensory processing
Sensory systems and perception. Organization of sensory system: how peripheral sensory information is elaborated at integrated at the CNS. Insights: Nociception.
Movement and its central control
The organization of the motor system: how a brain-programmed action is translated into motion. Processes that program and control the execution of actions, their interaction with motion perception. Insights: mirror neurons.
Learning and Memory.
The neural and functional organization of short and long term memory processes and their role in human cognition. Molecular and cellular bases; neuronal plasticity; brain aging.
Speech and language.
Origins of language; language acquisition; the brain areas dedicated to language, the Broca area and the Wernicke area; aphasia; the lateralization of language; dyslexia; reading processes and considerations on the writing process.
The sleep.
The functional and neural structure of sleep control; biochemistry and physiology of sleep.
Control of body temperature
Body temperature balance: heat production, gain and loss. Peripheral and central mechanisms of control.
Sex differences in Physiology
Chromosomal and endocrinological origins of sex. Steroid hormones. Sex and neural signalling. Hypothalamus-pituitary axis. Sex and behavior.
Sex differences in systems physiology, body composition and metabolism: cardiovascular system, pulmonary physiology, skeletal muscle, gastrointestinal physiology, food behavior.
Human methodologies in the study of sex differences.
Prerequisites for admission
To address this course, it is required that the student has already achieved the basic knowledge of anatomy and human physiology in order to better understand the integrated functions described in the course.
Teaching methods
The course includes lectures and journal clubs. 1 ECTS (16 hours) of laboratory exercises is planned in which simulation and analysis of physiological events will be performed by the use of softwares or accessing specific websites.
The attendance of the laboratory exercises is mandatory, that of the lectures strongly recommended.
The attendance of the laboratory exercises is mandatory, that of the lectures strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
- "Neuroscience" by Purves, Augustine, Fitzpatrick et al., Sinauer Oxford University Press.
- "Sex Differences in Physiology" by Neigh and Mitzelfelt, Academic Press
- "Human Physiology- An integrated approach" by Dee Unglaub Silverthorn, Pearson International Edition, Benjamin Cummings.
- "Sex Differences in Physiology" by Neigh and Mitzelfelt, Academic Press
- "Human Physiology- An integrated approach" by Dee Unglaub Silverthorn, Pearson International Edition, Benjamin Cummings.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be oral and will consist of two/three questions about the topics covered in the course. In order to pass the exam, student must answer in a sufficient manner (18/30) to all the questions. The final mark will be expressed out of thirty.
At the exam, students should be able to identify the role of each organ and system in the integrated functions for the maintenance of homeostasis but are also expected to understand and describe the synchrony of different systems interacting simultaneously. The ability to organize knowledge in an effective speech, the ability to reason critically on the study carried out, the competence in the use of specific terminology and the quality of the presentation will also contribute to the final evaluation.
At the exam, students should be able to identify the role of each organ and system in the integrated functions for the maintenance of homeostasis but are also expected to understand and describe the synchrony of different systems interacting simultaneously. The ability to organize knowledge in an effective speech, the ability to reason critically on the study carried out, the competence in the use of specific terminology and the quality of the presentation will also contribute to the final evaluation.
BIO/09 - PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Castagna Michela
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment
Via Trentacoste 2, Milano