Anatomical-Physiological Bases of the Cognitive Processes
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing students with basic knowledge of the anatomy and the physiology of
the nervous system, which are essential for an understanding of the main integrative functions of
the brain. The teaching course is organized into two modules. Specifically, the "Physiology" module
will illustrate the concepts relative to the functioning and organization of the nervous system (both
central and peripheral) supporting behavior. This knowledge constitutes the fundamental
prerequisites for understanding the bases of higher cognitive functions typical in health and
neurological pathology.
The main topics covered in the "Physiology" module will be:
- anatomy of the nervous system
- physiology of excitable cells
- communication between nerve cells (synapses)
- learning and synaptic plasticity
- organization of motor and sensory systems
- sense organs: sight and hearing
- EEG and sleep
- neurophysiological basis of consciousness
The "Neurology" module will provide students with knowledge regarding higher cognitive functions
and the related syndromes caused by brain injury.
The main topics covered in the "Neurology" module will be:
- anatomo-physiological bases of language
- anatomical-physiological bases of motor programming
- anatomical-physiological bases of visual recognition
- anatomical-physiological bases of mnestic functions
- anatomical-physiological bases of attentional capacity and executive functions
- cognitive disorders due to organic brain impairment: aphasia, apraxia, amnesia, prefrontal
syndrome, dementia
- neuropsychological assessment: psychometric tests
the nervous system, which are essential for an understanding of the main integrative functions of
the brain. The teaching course is organized into two modules. Specifically, the "Physiology" module
will illustrate the concepts relative to the functioning and organization of the nervous system (both
central and peripheral) supporting behavior. This knowledge constitutes the fundamental
prerequisites for understanding the bases of higher cognitive functions typical in health and
neurological pathology.
The main topics covered in the "Physiology" module will be:
- anatomy of the nervous system
- physiology of excitable cells
- communication between nerve cells (synapses)
- learning and synaptic plasticity
- organization of motor and sensory systems
- sense organs: sight and hearing
- EEG and sleep
- neurophysiological basis of consciousness
The "Neurology" module will provide students with knowledge regarding higher cognitive functions
and the related syndromes caused by brain injury.
The main topics covered in the "Neurology" module will be:
- anatomo-physiological bases of language
- anatomical-physiological bases of motor programming
- anatomical-physiological bases of visual recognition
- anatomical-physiological bases of mnestic functions
- anatomical-physiological bases of attentional capacity and executive functions
- cognitive disorders due to organic brain impairment: aphasia, apraxia, amnesia, prefrontal
syndrome, dementia
- neuropsychological assessment: psychometric tests
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will have acquired knowledge on:
- the main cognitive functions and on the biological substrate from which they originate
- the main consequences of acquired brain injuries and on the consequences of
neurodegenerative processes
- the main neurophysiological investigation techniques
- the main diagnostic and intervention techniques applied in the management of patients with
cognitive disorders
- the main cognitive functions and on the biological substrate from which they originate
- the main consequences of acquired brain injuries and on the consequences of
neurodegenerative processes
- the main neurophysiological investigation techniques
- the main diagnostic and intervention techniques applied in the management of patients with
cognitive disorders
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Course syllabus
Physiology
- anatomy of the nervous system
- physiology of excitable cells
- communication between nerve cells (synapses)
- learning and synaptic plasticity
- organization of motor and sensory systems
- sense organs: sight and hearing
- EEG and sleep
- neurophysiological basis of consciousness
- principles of neuromodulation
- neuroimaging
- language
- attention
- memory
- frontal lobes and executive functions
- neuropsychological evaluation
- anatomical and physiological bases of cognitive disorders: aphasia, apraxia, amnesia, prefrontal syndrome, dementia
Neurology
- neuroanatomy
- principles of neuromodulation
- neuroimaging
- language
- attention
- memory
- frontal lobes and executive functions
- neuropsychological evaluation
- anatomical and physiological bases of cognitive disorders: aphasia, apraxia, amnesia, prefrontal syndrome, dementia
- anatomy of the nervous system
- physiology of excitable cells
- communication between nerve cells (synapses)
- learning and synaptic plasticity
- organization of motor and sensory systems
- sense organs: sight and hearing
- EEG and sleep
- neurophysiological basis of consciousness
- principles of neuromodulation
- neuroimaging
- language
- attention
- memory
- frontal lobes and executive functions
- neuropsychological evaluation
- anatomical and physiological bases of cognitive disorders: aphasia, apraxia, amnesia, prefrontal syndrome, dementia
Neurology
- neuroanatomy
- principles of neuromodulation
- neuroimaging
- language
- attention
- memory
- frontal lobes and executive functions
- neuropsychological evaluation
- anatomical and physiological bases of cognitive disorders: aphasia, apraxia, amnesia, prefrontal syndrome, dementia
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required.
Teaching methods
The course is divided into a series of lectures with slide shows in Power Point. The lectures slides are uploaded to the Ariel website.
Teaching Resources
"Neuroscienze" quinta edizione italiana condotta sulla sesta edizione americana, a cura di Luciano Fadiga, ed.
Zanichelli ("Neuroscience", 6th Edition, Oxford University Press)
- Slides del corso
Zanichelli ("Neuroscience", 6th Edition, Oxford University Press)
- Slides del corso
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment of learning takes place through a final test. This test is composed of multiple-choice questions and verifies the acquisition of the knowledge of the theoretical and conceptual bases, as well as the main empirical evidence of the topics dealt with. The exam is considered passed if the student has achieved a minimum score of 18 points in the written test.
The booking on the UNIMIA portal, within the dates established for each appeal, is mandatory for the examination.
The booking on the UNIMIA portal, within the dates established for each appeal, is mandatory for the examination.
BIO/09 - PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 6
MED/26 - NEUROLOGY - University credits: 3
MED/26 - NEUROLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 60 hours
Professors:
Saetti Maria Cristina, Sarasso Simone
Professor(s)