Physiology and Endocrinology of Domestic Animals
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course illustrates the general and specific principles of physiological phenomena in domestic mammals, highlighting similarities and differences with fish and birds concerning the respiratory, digestive, renal, and reproductive systems. Additionally, it provides information on the functioning and regulation of the main endocrine glands and the mechanisms of action of the hormones they produce. The aim of the course is to prepare veterinary medicine students to apply the acquired physiological knowledge in fields such as clinical practice, pathology, animal husbandry, genetics, animal nutrition, infectious diseases (with particular attention to resistance and resilience), immunology, and biotechnology.
Expected learning outcomes
Goals to achieve:
1) Knowledge and Understanding: The student must demonstrate knowledge of the basic physiological functions related to the functioning of the respiratory, digestive, renal, reproductive, and mammary systems, as well as the functioning of the main endocrine glands and the mechanisms of action of the hormones they produce. Additionally, the veterinary medicine student must have a thorough understanding of the functional diversity across various animal species, including fish and birds.
2) Applied knowledge and understanding skills: the student must demonstrate to possess the indispensable concepts to establish links between the various topics covered, and in particular between physiology and animal endocrinology, in order to adequately deal with the studies of pathology, veterinary clinic, animal husbandry, genetics, animal nutrition, infectious diseases, immunology and biotechnology.
3) Communication skills: the student must demonstrate to be able to use an appropriate terminology, which allows him / her to express the acquired knowledge in an appropriate manner.
4) Ability to learn: the student must demonstrate to be able, in total autonomy, to increase and integrate his knowledge of topics related to the physiology and endocrinology of small and large animals
1) Knowledge and Understanding: The student must demonstrate knowledge of the basic physiological functions related to the functioning of the respiratory, digestive, renal, reproductive, and mammary systems, as well as the functioning of the main endocrine glands and the mechanisms of action of the hormones they produce. Additionally, the veterinary medicine student must have a thorough understanding of the functional diversity across various animal species, including fish and birds.
2) Applied knowledge and understanding skills: the student must demonstrate to possess the indispensable concepts to establish links between the various topics covered, and in particular between physiology and animal endocrinology, in order to adequately deal with the studies of pathology, veterinary clinic, animal husbandry, genetics, animal nutrition, infectious diseases, immunology and biotechnology.
3) Communication skills: the student must demonstrate to be able to use an appropriate terminology, which allows him / her to express the acquired knowledge in an appropriate manner.
4) Ability to learn: the student must demonstrate to be able, in total autonomy, to increase and integrate his knowledge of topics related to the physiology and endocrinology of small and large animals
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Prerequisites for admission
The prerequisites necessary for passing the exam include knowledge of the anatomy of domestic mammals, fish, and birds related to the respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, as well as the basics of biochemistry.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam for the Physiology modules will consist of a written test and an oral interview.
Written Test:
The exam will consist of 20 multiple-choice questions (4 answers, only one of which is correct). To pass the test, candidates must correctly answer at least 60% of the questions. The written test will have a duration of 60 minutes. A university online platform will be used for this purpose. The test will take place in the computer labs.
Oral Interview:
Candidates will have access to the oral interview only after passing the written test. The interview will assess the candidate's communication skills, requiring them to discuss one of the topics included in the integrated course syllabus, using language appropriate to the subject and their future profession. The evaluation of the interview will be expressed in thirtieths and will be considered sufficient with a score of 18/30. Failure to pass the interview will require the candidate to retake the entire exam. The final grade will be a weighted sum of the written test (60%) and the oral interview (40%).
The exam for the Endocrinology module will consist of 15 questions with 4 possible answers, only one of which is correct. The exam will be considered passed if the student correctly answers at least 60% of the questions. The time allotted for this module is 60 minutes, and it will be conducted simultaneously with the written test for the Physiology modules.
The final grade for the Physiology and Endocrinology of Domestic Animals course, expressed in thirtieths, will be determined by the weighted average of the grades obtained in each module.
Written Test:
The exam will consist of 20 multiple-choice questions (4 answers, only one of which is correct). To pass the test, candidates must correctly answer at least 60% of the questions. The written test will have a duration of 60 minutes. A university online platform will be used for this purpose. The test will take place in the computer labs.
Oral Interview:
Candidates will have access to the oral interview only after passing the written test. The interview will assess the candidate's communication skills, requiring them to discuss one of the topics included in the integrated course syllabus, using language appropriate to the subject and their future profession. The evaluation of the interview will be expressed in thirtieths and will be considered sufficient with a score of 18/30. Failure to pass the interview will require the candidate to retake the entire exam. The final grade will be a weighted sum of the written test (60%) and the oral interview (40%).
The exam for the Endocrinology module will consist of 15 questions with 4 possible answers, only one of which is correct. The exam will be considered passed if the student correctly answers at least 60% of the questions. The time allotted for this module is 60 minutes, and it will be conducted simultaneously with the written test for the Physiology modules.
The final grade for the Physiology and Endocrinology of Domestic Animals course, expressed in thirtieths, will be determined by the weighted average of the grades obtained in each module.
Reproduction and lactation physiology
Course syllabus
Physiology of the male reproductive system: Overview of semen analysis; male sexual behavior (2 hours theory + 4 hours practical).
Physiology of the female reproductive system: Seasonality; functional and differential evaluation of estrous cycles: ovulation, fertilization, pregnancy (2 hours theory + 3 hours practical).
Physiology of parturition and postpartum (1 hour theory + 3 hours practical).
Physiology of the mammary gland (1 hours theory + 4 hours practical).
Main characteristics of the reproductive system of fish and birds (2 hour theory + 2 hours practical).
Physiology of the female reproductive system: Seasonality; functional and differential evaluation of estrous cycles: ovulation, fertilization, pregnancy (2 hours theory + 3 hours practical).
Physiology of parturition and postpartum (1 hour theory + 3 hours practical).
Physiology of the mammary gland (1 hours theory + 4 hours practical).
Main characteristics of the reproductive system of fish and birds (2 hour theory + 2 hours practical).
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons in classroom.
Exercises in the classroom, in laboratory and farms
Exercises in the classroom, in laboratory and farms
Teaching Resources
· Avallone, Caola, Clement et al., Fisiologia Veterinaria. Point Veterinaire Italie; 2010.
· Sjaastad, Sand e Hove, Fisiologia degli animali domestici. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana; 2013.
· Albertini et al., Fisiologia Veterinaria. Point Veterinaire Italie; 2024
· Cunningham James G. - Manuale di fisiologia veterinaria. Delfino Antonio Editore; 2005
· G. Aguggini, V. Beghelli, L.F. Giulio - Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici con elementi di Etologia. UTET; 1998
· Slides reperibili sul sito Ariel
. Cunningham James G. - Manuale di fisiologia veterinaria. Delfino Antonio Editore; 2005
. G. Aguggini, V. Beghelli, L.F. Giulio - Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici con elementi di Etologia. UTET; 1998
. The slides of the course are available on the Ariel site.
· Sjaastad, Sand e Hove, Fisiologia degli animali domestici. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana; 2013.
· Albertini et al., Fisiologia Veterinaria. Point Veterinaire Italie; 2024
· Cunningham James G. - Manuale di fisiologia veterinaria. Delfino Antonio Editore; 2005
· G. Aguggini, V. Beghelli, L.F. Giulio - Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici con elementi di Etologia. UTET; 1998
· Slides reperibili sul sito Ariel
. Cunningham James G. - Manuale di fisiologia veterinaria. Delfino Antonio Editore; 2005
. G. Aguggini, V. Beghelli, L.F. Giulio - Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici con elementi di Etologia. UTET; 1998
. The slides of the course are available on the Ariel site.
Physiology of digestive system
Course syllabus
Digestive system: food intake and species characteristics: (1 hours of theory + 4 of practice)
Physiology of the digestive system in monogastrics; control and regulation mechanisms: (2 hours of theory + 4 of practice)
Physiology of the digestive system in polygastrics (2 hours of theory + 4 of practice)
Physiology of the digestive system of fish and birds (2 hours of theory)
Physiology of the portal system and liver and pancreatic functionality; mutualistic symbiosis: (1 hours of theory + 4 of practice)
Physiology of the digestive system in monogastrics; control and regulation mechanisms: (2 hours of theory + 4 of practice)
Physiology of the digestive system in polygastrics (2 hours of theory + 4 of practice)
Physiology of the digestive system of fish and birds (2 hours of theory)
Physiology of the portal system and liver and pancreatic functionality; mutualistic symbiosis: (1 hours of theory + 4 of practice)
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons in classroom.
Exercises in the classroom, in laboratory and farms
Exercises in the classroom, in laboratory and farms
Teaching Resources
· Avallone, Caola, Clement et al., Fisiologia Veterinaria. Point Veterinaire Italie; 2010.
· Sjaastad, Sand e Hove, Fisiologia degli animali domestici. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana; 2013.
· Albertini et al., Fisiologia Veterinaria. Point Veterinaire Italie; 2024
· Cunningham James G. - Manuale di fisiologia veterinaria. Delfino Antonio Editore; 2005
· G. Aguggini, V. Beghelli, L.F. Giulio - Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici con elementi di Etologia. UTET; 1998
· Slides reperibili sul sito Ariel
· Sjaastad, Sand e Hove, Fisiologia degli animali domestici. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana; 2013.
· Albertini et al., Fisiologia Veterinaria. Point Veterinaire Italie; 2024
· Cunningham James G. - Manuale di fisiologia veterinaria. Delfino Antonio Editore; 2005
· G. Aguggini, V. Beghelli, L.F. Giulio - Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici con elementi di Etologia. UTET; 1998
· Slides reperibili sul sito Ariel
Respiratory and urinary system physiology
Course syllabus
Physiology of the respiratory system: gas exchange; control of the body's acid-base balance; secondary functions of the respiratory system (defense mechanisms, metabolic functions of the lungs, exchange and production of pulmonary fluids, and vocalizations): (3 hours of theory + 8 hours of practice)
Physiology of the urinary system; secondary functions of the urinary system (metabolic functions, acid-base regulation, fluid control): (3 hours of theory + 8 hours of practice)
Comparative aspects of the respiratory and urinary systems in birds and fish (2 hours of theory)
Physiology of the urinary system; secondary functions of the urinary system (metabolic functions, acid-base regulation, fluid control): (3 hours of theory + 8 hours of practice)
Comparative aspects of the respiratory and urinary systems in birds and fish (2 hours of theory)
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons in classroom.
Exercises in the classroom, in laboratory and farms
Exercises in the classroom, in laboratory and farms
Teaching Resources
· Avallone, Caola, Clement et al., Fisiologia Veterinaria. Point Veterinaire Italie; 2010.
· Sjaastad, Sand e Hove, Fisiologia degli animali domestici. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana; 2013.
· Albertini et al., Fisiologia Veterinaria. Point Veterinaire Italie; 2024
· Cunningham James G. - Manuale di fisiologia veterinaria. Delfino Antonio Editore; 2005
· G. Aguggini, V. Beghelli, L.F. Giulio - Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici con elementi di Etologia. UTET; 1998
· Slides reperibili sul sito Ariel
· Sjaastad, Sand e Hove, Fisiologia degli animali domestici. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana; 2013.
· Albertini et al., Fisiologia Veterinaria. Point Veterinaire Italie; 2024
· Cunningham James G. - Manuale di fisiologia veterinaria. Delfino Antonio Editore; 2005
· G. Aguggini, V. Beghelli, L.F. Giulio - Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici con elementi di Etologia. UTET; 1998
· Slides reperibili sul sito Ariel
Endocrinology of domestic animals
Course syllabus
Intercellular communication and characteristics of endocrine function: 2 hours
Synthesis and mechanical action of peptide and steroid hormones: 2 hours
Hypothalamic hormones in mammals, fish, and birds: 4 hours
Pituitary hormones in mammals, fish, and birds: 3 hours
Thyroid hormones in mammals, fish, and birds: 2 hours
Adrenal gland hormones in mammals and interrenal tissue hormones in fish: 3 hours
Adrenal medulla hormones in mammals and chromaffin cell hormones in fish and birds: 2 hours
Hormonal control of blood glucose levels in mammals, fish, and birds: 2 hours
Hormonal control of calcium homeostasis: parathyroids, ultimobranchial bodies, and Stannius corpuscles: 2 hours
Sex hormones in mammals, fish, and birds: 2 hours
Synthesis and mechanical action of peptide and steroid hormones: 2 hours
Hypothalamic hormones in mammals, fish, and birds: 4 hours
Pituitary hormones in mammals, fish, and birds: 3 hours
Thyroid hormones in mammals, fish, and birds: 2 hours
Adrenal gland hormones in mammals and interrenal tissue hormones in fish: 3 hours
Adrenal medulla hormones in mammals and chromaffin cell hormones in fish and birds: 2 hours
Hormonal control of blood glucose levels in mammals, fish, and birds: 2 hours
Hormonal control of calcium homeostasis: parathyroids, ultimobranchial bodies, and Stannius corpuscles: 2 hours
Sex hormones in mammals, fish, and birds: 2 hours
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons through projection of slides with diagrams, figures, text and explanatory videos. At the end of each lesson, IT tools are used to verify the understanding of the topics covered, also allowing students to formulate questions anonymously.
Teaching Resources
. A. Albertini et al., Fisiologia Veterinaria. Point Veterinaire Italie; 2024.
.Sjaastad, Sand e Hove, Fisiologia degli animali domestici. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana; 2013.
. The slides of the course are available on the Ariel site.
.Sjaastad, Sand e Hove, Fisiologia degli animali domestici. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana; 2013.
. The slides of the course are available on the Ariel site.
Endocrinology of domestic animals
VET/02 - VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Albertini Mariangela
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Albertini Mariangela
Physiology of digestive system
VET/02 - VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor:
Vigo Daniele
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Vigo Daniele
Reproduction and lactation physiology
VET/02 - VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor:
Vigo Daniele
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Vigo Daniele
Respiratory and urinary system physiology
VET/02 - VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 2
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 8 hours
Lessons: 8 hours
Shifts:
Professor:
Curone Giulio
1 - 8 TURNI DA 2 ORE PER GRUPPI DI STUDENTI
Professor:
Curone Giulio2- 8 TURNI DA 2 ORE PER GRUPPI DI STUDENTI
Professor:
Brecchia Gabriele3- 8 TURNI DA 4 ORE PER GRUPPI DI STUDENTI
Professor:
Brecchia Gabriele4 TURNO UNICO PER TUTTI GLI STUDENTI
Professor:
Brecchia Gabriele5 - TURNO UNICO PER TUTTI GLI STUDENTI
Professor:
Vigo DanieleEducational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday 12-14
Room of the teacher
Reception:
Appointment by email
Office