The main goals of this course are:
i) supply a strong and up-to-date knowledge on the bases of cell functions,
ii) develop the student’s knowledge on the dynamic integration of general functions into organs, systems and apparatuses,
iii) introduce the mechanisms of control of functions in healthy organisms,
iv) supply the students with the tools necessary to approach the study of complexity and emergent proprieties of functions,
v) develop student’s critical approach to experimental data and ability to problem solving.
i) supply a strong and up-to-date knowledge on the bases of cell functions,
ii) develop the student’s knowledge on the dynamic integration of general functions into organs, systems and apparatuses,
iii) introduce the mechanisms of control of functions in healthy organisms,
iv) supply the students with the tools necessary to approach the study of complexity and emergent proprieties of functions,
v) develop student’s critical approach to experimental data and ability to problem solving.
teacher profile teaching materials
Functional compartments of the organism include biological membranes, membrane dynamics, and intracellular compartments. These compartments enable segregation of cellular processes by creating distinct microenvironments, often bounded by lipid membranes, which regulate biochemical reactions efficiently. Tissue structure and remodeling are also fundamental aspects of compartmentalization, ensuring proper organization and function within multicellular systems.
Homeostasis and Control
The organization of the central nervous system, including somatic and autonomic divisions, underpins homeostatic control. Key elements include the chemical and electrical properties of the cell membrane, transport mechanisms, ion channels, and the generation of transmembrane potentials such as resting, electrotonic, and action potentials. Signal propagation and transmission involve neurotransmitters and synapses. Sensory physiology and reflex arcs (somatic and autonomic) contribute to rapid responses. The endocrine system regulates cellular communication through hormones, whose chemical nature, release, and signal transduction pathways maintain internal stability.
Organ and System Function (4.5 CFU):
The muscular system encompasses skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles, with contraction mechanics, refractory periods, tetanus, and motor control. The cardiovascular system involves electrical properties of the heart, pacemaker and myocardial potentials, cardiac pumping function, and intrinsic/extrinsic regulation of cardiac output. Blood vessels regulate flow, filtration, absorption, arterial pressure, and its control. Blood properties, globular resistance, distribution, and coagulation are critical. The respiratory system manages mechanics of ventilation, gas exchange, and pH regulation. The renal system handles glomerular filtration, reabsorption, secretion, excretion, and hormonal regulation. The digestive system includes enteric nervous control, glandular secretions, and nutrient digestion and absorption.
Integrated Physiology (1.0 CFU):
Metabolism and energy balance are tightly regulated by hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which control homeostatic metabolic processes. Thermoregulation and hydro-electrolytic balance, including water and salt homeostasis, are essential for physiological stability. The organism adapts to physical exercise and environmental changes through integrated physiological responses.
Aicardi et al. (a cura di) Fisiologia: dalle molecole ai sistemi integrati III Edizione EDISES, Napoli
Belfiore e colleghi Fisiologia Umana-Fondamenti Edi-Ermes
Programme
Cell and Tissue Compartmentalization(2.5 CFU):Functional compartments of the organism include biological membranes, membrane dynamics, and intracellular compartments. These compartments enable segregation of cellular processes by creating distinct microenvironments, often bounded by lipid membranes, which regulate biochemical reactions efficiently. Tissue structure and remodeling are also fundamental aspects of compartmentalization, ensuring proper organization and function within multicellular systems.
Homeostasis and Control
The organization of the central nervous system, including somatic and autonomic divisions, underpins homeostatic control. Key elements include the chemical and electrical properties of the cell membrane, transport mechanisms, ion channels, and the generation of transmembrane potentials such as resting, electrotonic, and action potentials. Signal propagation and transmission involve neurotransmitters and synapses. Sensory physiology and reflex arcs (somatic and autonomic) contribute to rapid responses. The endocrine system regulates cellular communication through hormones, whose chemical nature, release, and signal transduction pathways maintain internal stability.
Organ and System Function (4.5 CFU):
The muscular system encompasses skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles, with contraction mechanics, refractory periods, tetanus, and motor control. The cardiovascular system involves electrical properties of the heart, pacemaker and myocardial potentials, cardiac pumping function, and intrinsic/extrinsic regulation of cardiac output. Blood vessels regulate flow, filtration, absorption, arterial pressure, and its control. Blood properties, globular resistance, distribution, and coagulation are critical. The respiratory system manages mechanics of ventilation, gas exchange, and pH regulation. The renal system handles glomerular filtration, reabsorption, secretion, excretion, and hormonal regulation. The digestive system includes enteric nervous control, glandular secretions, and nutrient digestion and absorption.
Integrated Physiology (1.0 CFU):
Metabolism and energy balance are tightly regulated by hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which control homeostatic metabolic processes. Thermoregulation and hydro-electrolytic balance, including water and salt homeostasis, are essential for physiological stability. The organism adapts to physical exercise and environmental changes through integrated physiological responses.
Core Documentation
D.U. Silverthorn Fisiologia umana Pearson, Milano –Torino, Italia.Aicardi et al. (a cura di) Fisiologia: dalle molecole ai sistemi integrati III Edizione EDISES, Napoli
Belfiore e colleghi Fisiologia Umana-Fondamenti Edi-Ermes
Reference Bibliography
D.U. Silverthorn Fisiologia umana Pearson, Milano –Torino, Italia. Aicardi et al. (a cura di) Fisiologia: dalle molecole ai sistemi integrati III Edizione EDISES, Napoli Belfiore e colleghi Fisiologia Umana-Fondamenti Edi-ErmesAttendance
Attending the course is highly recommendedType of evaluation
During the course, three written midterm tests are administered, each consisting of three open-ended questions. Each answer can be graded from 0 to 10, so each midterm can be scored from 0 to 30. The final grade is the average of the three midterms. The student can either accept the final grade or request to take an oral exam covering the entire program. Students who do not participate in the midterms may take the oral exam directly.