Learning objectives
To provide the principal notions of the functional properties of the nervous system and the cardiovascular, endocrine, kidney, and respiratory systems
Prerequisites
Basic notions concerning physic, chemistry and biology.
Course unit content
The course addresses basic notions of the physiology of cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and kidney systems.
Full programme
Excitability of cells; physiology of the neuron; physiology of the synapse; neurotransmitters and neuromodulators; the neuromuscular plate; muscle contraction and reflexes. Notes on the autonomic nervous system.
Sensory systems: principles of physiology of the sense organs; physiology of sensory receptors; organization of the somatosensory system; the dorsal and anterolateral bundles; hemisection of the spinal cord; somatotopic organization and sensory homunculus; discriminative tactile ability; plasticity of cortical maps. Pain, nociception, classification of pain and its characteristics; nociceptors; nociceptive pathways, referred pain, gate theory.
Hormones and the endocrine system.
Cardiovascular physiology: cardiac excitability; electromechanical coupling; basics of the electrocardiogram; blood pressure; capillary pressure and peripheral exchange mechanisms; nervous regulation of the heart system.
Respiratory system physiology: respiration; ventilatory mechanics and the physical principles involved (elasticity and pressure gradients); the pneumothorax; gas exchange in the lungs and peripheral tissue; the transport of gases (hemoglobin); hints of spirometry and ventilator volumes; nervous and chemical regulation of breathing; hints of obstructive respiratory pathology.
Physiology of the digestive system: structure of the digestive system, chewing, bolus formation and swallowing, digestion at the gastric level, digestion and absorption in the small intestine, peristalsis, liver and bile, the pancreas and pancreatic juice, large intestine and stool formation.
Renal physiology: structure of the kidney and nephron; functioning of the nephron; the processes of regulating homeostasis, filtration, reabsorption, secretion and excretion; passive and active transport; reabsorption of sodium and glucose; notes on the renin angiotensin system
Bibliography
Fisiologia.
Edra editore.
A cura di Linda Costanzo
Fondamenti Fisiologia dell’Uomo. Edi-Ermes.
Stanfield - Fisiologia. Edi SES
Vander - Fisiologia. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
Teaching methods
Lectures will be held on-site. Supporting material will be available on the specific student-reserved platform (Elly) and will include slide presentations of the lectures.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam
Other information
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