PHYSIOLOGY
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- Versione italiana
- Academic year
- 2022/2023
- Teacher
- GIACOMO KOCH
- Credits
- 6
- Didactic period
- Secondo Semestre
- SSD
- BIO/09
Training objectives
- The objectives of the physiology course are focused on the acquisition of knowledge relating to the basic principles of cell physiology, the mechanisms that regulate the internal balance of the organism, the basis of the physiology of the main organs and systems.
At the end of the course, the student will be able to highlight and interpret the physiological parameters related to the various cell types and systems and the consequences of their alteration, apply the knowledge acquired in research activities, both basic and applied, as well as in production and service activities.
Furthermore, he will be able to interpret experimental data concerning both cellular and apparatus physiology, use scientific language appropriately, in particular as regards the terms of physiology, outline and present the main physiological mechanisms in professional contexts. Prerequisites
- Fundamental concepts of anatomy and biology.
Course programme
- Introduction to the study of Physiology. The organization of the cell. The intra and extracellular environments of the cell and organisms. Regulation and conformity, homeostasis concept.
The plasma membrane and the exchanges of matter and energy between inside and outside. Transport mechanisms of neutral and charged molecules: ion channels and carriers. Structure and function of conveyors. Active and passive transport. Flows of water. Osmotic pressure. Intercellular communication: communicating junctions, paracrine and autocrine signals. Signal reception pathways: types of membrane receptors and related intracellular transduction pathways.
Electrical properties of the membrane and physiology of neurons. Ionic gradients at the ends of the plasma membrane and origin of bioelectric phenomena. Ionic selectivity of biological membranes. Equivalent circuit of the plasma membrane. Transient changes in membrane potential, generation of electrical signals and regulation of cellular functions.
Cell electrophysiology. Resting membrane potential and action potential. Channels and ionic currents. Transmission of signals in axons. Chemical and electrical synapses. Neuromuscular synapse. Synapses between nerve cells and integration of signals. Electrical synapses.
Muscle: classification and general properties of muscles. Microscopic aspects of the contraction. Excitation-contraction coupling. Control of strength development. Type of muscle fibers and muscle metabolism. Smooth and cardiac muscle.
Principles and fundamentals of physiology of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
Circulating liquids: functions of the liquid and cellular part of the blood.
Circulatory system: structure and function of the cardiovascular system in vertebrates (notes on invertebrates); the heart as a pump (electrical and mechanical activity of the heart), blood vessels and circulation: blood pressure and speed, capillaries and exchanges with tissues. Regulation and adaptations of the cardiovascular system.
Respiratory system: general principles. Mechanics of respiration and diffusion of gases through the respiratory surfaces. Respiratory function of the blood: transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, buffer function of the blood. Nervous and chemical regulation of respiration, respiratory adjustments and muscular activity.
Digestive system: functional anatomy of the alimentary canal, control of gastrointestinal function, motility, secretion and absorption in the different districts of the digestive system, concepts of energy balance and metabolism, evolution of the digestive system.
Renal function: morphofunctional organization, processes of filtration, absorption and secretion in the nephron, variety of tubular structures. Water and saline balance.
Endocrine system and function of the main hormones. Didactic methods
- 48 hours of lectures in the classroom with explanations on the blackboard, the use of power point slides and use of supplementary videos.
Learning assessment procedures
- The objective of the exam is to verify the level of achievement of the previously indicated training objectives. The exam will consist of a written test. The evaluation is expressed out of thirty (minimum grade 18). The written test includes 33 closed-ended questions relating to the main topics covered in the course. The duration of the entire test will be 20 minutes. Each question is evaluated with a maximum of 1 point and the test is passed with a minimum of 18 points out of 30.
Reference texts
- 1. Principles of Human Physiology Cindy Stanfield. Publisher: Pearson. 6th edition, 2017, Pagine: 776, ISBN: 9781292156491
2. Berne e Levy Physiology. Editor: Elsevier. 7th Edition VII 2018. ISBN:9780323393942
