Physiology of Integrated Systems I

The Module 1 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).

The Module 2 will cover the following topics: cardiovascular function integration (Integrated control of cardiac output and blood pressure; modulation by autonomic neurons and catecholamines; baroreceptor reflex).
Control of body temperature (Body temperature balance: heat production, gain and loss. Peripheral and central mechanisms of control). Integrated function of endocrine system
(Type of hormones, their mechanisms of action, hypothalamus -pituitary axis- Role of hormones in growth, calcium balance, glucose balance, metabolism; nervous and endocrine control of male and female physiology reproduction).
Fluid and electrolyte balance (Role of kidney and behavioral mechanisms in water balance and salt balance; integrated control of volume and osmolarity; acid-base balance).
Regulation of gastrointestinal function and eating behavior. (Role of enteric nervous system; role of gastrointestinal peptides; role of hypothalamic and peripheral signals involved in food intake process).