20410722 - Special Physiology

-Understanding the molecular mechanism for the basic function of central and peripheral nervous system;
-Understanding the functional anatomy of the main nerve pathways;
-Understanding the sensorial and motor systems;
-Understanding the learning and memory mechanisms;
-Understanding of some integration mechanisms between nervous and endocrine system.
teacher profile | teaching materials

Programme

PART I: Review of the basic functioning of nervous system cells. Functional anatomy of the central nervous system: brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. Ascending and descending pathways. Functional anatomy of the peripheral nervous system: basic organization, somatic compartment, and autonomic nervous system.
PART II: The sensory and motor systems: the chemical senses; the enteric nervous system; vision; hearing and the vestibular system; touch; pain; temperature; spinal and cerebral control of movement.
PART III: Neuroanatomy and neuroendocrinology of the hypothalamus. Hormones (oxytocin; vasopressin; thyroid hormones, cortisol, aldosterone, estrogens and androgens, calcitonin and parathyroid hormone, growth hormone and IGF-1, melatonin, catecholamines, pregnancy hormones) in the integration of hypothalamic functions. Attention, Motivation, and Learning; Mirror Neurons, Emotions, and Hypothalamic Control of Cardiac Function; Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Thermoregulation; Hypothalamic Control of Hunger, Satiety, and Thirst; Hypothalamic Control of Reproductive Behavior; Neuroendocrine Control of Development and Growth


Core Documentation

Suggested Books:
Fisiologia Medica Vol 1 e 2 a cura di Fiorenzo Conti
Neuroscienze – Esplorando il Cervello Bear Quarta Edizione EDRA
Atlante di Neuroscienze di Netter Terza Edizione EDRA
Materiale fornito dal docente.

An appointment is required to meet the Professor.


Reference Bibliography

Didactic material is given to the students close to the lesson.

Type of delivery of the course

The course will be delivered in traditional mode. If necessary and in accordance with University guidelines, it will be delivered via Teams.

Attendance

Attendance is not mandatory but strongly suggested

Type of evaluation

The assessment will take place through an oral exam in which three questions will be asked, and the student will have to answer them. Specifically, each question will focus on a specific part of the course, which is organized into three sections.