Principles of Physiology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course intends to provide the student with an integrated (molecular, cellular, organs, and systems) view of the general physiological principles and particularly on the homeostatic regulations. The content of the course, as well the scientific method used to discuss the different topics of the course, focus on building a solid competence to critically approach various aspects of the biomedical research.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student:
- should have acquired a deep understanding of the principles governing the functional aspects of the human body with a particular focus on the quantitative evaluation of the homeostatic parameters.
- should have developed an unitary understanding of the vital processes according to a bench-to-bedside view where knowledge of molecular details and systemic integration are both necessary for a comprehensive view of human physiology.
- should have acquired a deep understanding of the principles governing the functional aspects of the human body with a particular focus on the quantitative evaluation of the homeostatic parameters.
- should have developed an unitary understanding of the vital processes according to a bench-to-bedside view where knowledge of molecular details and systemic integration are both necessary for a comprehensive view of human physiology.
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
Course syllabus
Cardiovascular system: Mechanical properties of the cardiovascular system. The cardiac pump and cardiac electrical activity, cardiac and vascular innervation, hemodynamics, and control of the arterial blood pressure.
Working cardiomyocytes and conductive tissue: cellular and molecular aspects. Cardiac channelopathies.
Respiratory system: Mechanics of respiration. Regulation of breathing and respiratory centers. Breathing reflexes. Chemoreceptors. Respiratory gas transport.
The kidney: Functions of the kidney. The nephron. Mechanisms of absorption and secretion. Compliance. Renin-Angiotensin system. Renin Angiotensin Aldosteron System
Control of arterial pH.
Nervous system: Components of the nervous system. Motoneurons and spinal reflexes. Peripheral nervous system.
Sensory systems: general principles, vision, hearing.
Working cardiomyocytes and conductive tissue: cellular and molecular aspects. Cardiac channelopathies.
Respiratory system: Mechanics of respiration. Regulation of breathing and respiratory centers. Breathing reflexes. Chemoreceptors. Respiratory gas transport.
The kidney: Functions of the kidney. The nephron. Mechanisms of absorption and secretion. Compliance. Renin-Angiotensin system. Renin Angiotensin Aldosteron System
Control of arterial pH.
Nervous system: Components of the nervous system. Motoneurons and spinal reflexes. Peripheral nervous system.
Sensory systems: general principles, vision, hearing.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic concepts of anatomy, general physiology, calculus and physics.
Teaching methods
Traditional lectures are supported by interactive material (power-point presentations).
Students will be stimulated to actively discuss the topics to improve their analytical thinking as well as their scientific communication skills.
Attendance is strongly suggested.
Students will be stimulated to actively discuss the topics to improve their analytical thinking as well as their scientific communication skills.
Attendance is strongly suggested.
Teaching Resources
Textbook - "Fisiologia: molecole cellule e sistemi", Edi Ermes- implemented by articles and reviews. Teaching material will be made available online (Ariel website) and, distributed in the class as necessary.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam consists in a written test that includes both true/false and open questions: (duration of 90 minutes). Each part will contribute equally to the final evaluation/score. The results will be posted on the Ariel platform. An oral integration is required when: a) the two written components yield different results and therefore are not enough to determine the level of knowledge reached by the student; b) upon a specific request of the student. Students that attend the teaching will have the opportunity to take two separate tests in the middle and at the end of the program
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday from 11:00AM to 12:00AM by appointment
Via Celoria 26 - VI° Piano Torre A Edifici Biologici