Physiology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course of physiology aims to provide students with the basic notions of the human body functioning. It describes the main molecular mechanisms of cellular physiology, the organs and systems functioning and the main systems that allow the maintenance of homeostasis in the continuous changes of the internal and external environment. This knowledge represents the essential basis to understand the following courses that will describe mechanisms of action and effects of toxic substances on human health.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student is required to: a) explain the basic principles of cellular physiology; b) apply these principles to understand the functions of the different organs, their regulatory pattern, and their interactions; c) discuss the main processes of physiological adaptation to internal and external environment changes.
Students are also asked to use an appropriate scientific terminology to illustrate the different physiological function.
Students are also asked to use an appropriate scientific terminology to illustrate the different physiological function.
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
Cellular and molecular physiology
Cell membrane. Osmosis. Movement of solutes across the cell membrane: diffusion, facilitated diffusion, active transport.
Excitability- Intracellular recording. Resting membrane potential and its ionic basis. Ion channels. Nernst and Goldman equations. Excitable cells. Action potential.
Nervous system activities- Synapsis. Neurotransmitters. Receptors. Post synaptic potentials. Sensory receptors. Sensorial Transduction. Reflexes.
Muscle tone and posture. Sensorial activation of the CNS.
Autonomic nervous system- Fundamentals
Muscular contraction- Sliding filament theory. Neuromuscular junction. End plate potential. Isotonic and isometric contraction. Tetanic contraction. Smooth muscle.
Endocrinology - Fundamentals
Cardiovascular function- Mechanic and electric properties of cardiac fiber. Pacemakers. ECG. Work of the cardiac pump. Starling law. Hydraulic model of blood flow. Arterial blood pressure. Gravity effects. Neuro-humoral control.
Respiration - Respiratory mechanics. Respiratory volumes. Gas diffusion. Hemoglobins. O2 and CO2 transports. Control of breathing. Hypoxia.
Renal function- Glomerular filtration. Tubular function. Clearance. Fluid and electrolyte balance.
Gatrointestinal function- Secretory activity and motility of gastro-enteric apparatus. Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.
Body fluids- Extra and intracellular fluids. Blood. Plasma. Blood cells. Hemostasis.
Reproductive system - Introduction. Female reproductive system. Hormonal control of female sexual response. Male reproductive system. Hormonal control of male sexual response.
Cell membrane. Osmosis. Movement of solutes across the cell membrane: diffusion, facilitated diffusion, active transport.
Excitability- Intracellular recording. Resting membrane potential and its ionic basis. Ion channels. Nernst and Goldman equations. Excitable cells. Action potential.
Nervous system activities- Synapsis. Neurotransmitters. Receptors. Post synaptic potentials. Sensory receptors. Sensorial Transduction. Reflexes.
Muscle tone and posture. Sensorial activation of the CNS.
Autonomic nervous system- Fundamentals
Muscular contraction- Sliding filament theory. Neuromuscular junction. End plate potential. Isotonic and isometric contraction. Tetanic contraction. Smooth muscle.
Endocrinology - Fundamentals
Cardiovascular function- Mechanic and electric properties of cardiac fiber. Pacemakers. ECG. Work of the cardiac pump. Starling law. Hydraulic model of blood flow. Arterial blood pressure. Gravity effects. Neuro-humoral control.
Respiration - Respiratory mechanics. Respiratory volumes. Gas diffusion. Hemoglobins. O2 and CO2 transports. Control of breathing. Hypoxia.
Renal function- Glomerular filtration. Tubular function. Clearance. Fluid and electrolyte balance.
Gatrointestinal function- Secretory activity and motility of gastro-enteric apparatus. Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.
Body fluids- Extra and intracellular fluids. Blood. Plasma. Blood cells. Hemostasis.
Reproductive system - Introduction. Female reproductive system. Hormonal control of female sexual response. Male reproductive system. Hormonal control of male sexual response.
Prerequisites for admission
Prerequisite: Anatomia umana e Biologia
Teaching methods
The course is based on frontal teaching, by using slides and/or videos.
Teaching Resources
PDF of the lessons and videos uploaded to the course's MyAriel website (not exhaustive). "Fisiologia Umana, un approccio integrato". D.U. Silverthorn, Casa Editrice Pearson.
"Fisiologia". Cindy Stanfield, EdiSES
"Fisiologia". Cindy Stanfield, EdiSES
Assessment methods and Criteria
The oral exam is organized into three questions (the first chosen by the student) The presentation and organization of the answers will allow to verify the general comprehension of the subject, as well as the ability to use an appropriate terminology to the subject. The exam lasts about thirty minutes and the mark is expressed out of thirty.
Professor(s)