Integrated Course: Anatomy and Physiology

Module Physiology

Understanding of the general principles of organism function, from basic molecular mechanisms to the functions of cells and organs, up to the integration of organ functions in human. Knowledge of the functioning of the central nervous system and the functions it regulates, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of phonation and language (see topics listed in the program). Ability to analyze and then synthesize the topics, meaning the ability to understand mechanisms in detail and then trace them back to the purpose of the function. Ability to adequately present topics, both analytically and synthetically. Understanding the importance of in-depth knowledge of Physiology for medical and healthcare professions.

Levels of organization of living organisms. Structure-function relationships. Organization of the vertebrate organism. Body compartments. Homeostatic processes. Chemical structure and function of biomolecules.

• Cellular physiology.
  Energy and metabolism. Plasma membrane. Transport mechanisms across the membrane. Generation of resting membrane potential. Cellular communication. Receptors and signal transduction systems.

• Endocrine system.
  Major endocrine glands and their hormones. Hypothalamic-pituitary axis and regulation of hormone secretion. Mechanisms of hormone action: GH, thyroid hormones, corticosteroids, calcium homeostasis, and regulation of energy metabolism.

• General organization of the nervous system.
  Neurons and glia. Graded potentials. Generation and conduction of action potential. Chemical synapse. Neurotransmitters. Signal transduction. Sensory systems: general overview of receptors. Spinal and cranial nerves.

• Language.
  Physiological significance of language. Structure and functions of the phono-articulatory organs. Physical and physiological mechanisms underlying the production of sound and phonemes. Cortical areas of language. Written language. Aphasias and dyslexias.

• Higher functions of the central nervous system.
  Consciousness: physiological significance and theories of its genesis. Sensory perception. Learning and memory: declarative and procedural memory; short-term and long-term memory; associative and non-associative learning; synaptic plasticity. Physiology of emotions: classification of emotions and their functional significance; limbic system. Sleep: theories on its functional significance; sleep measurement; sleep stages; regulation of the sleep-wake cycle.

• Muscular system.
  Structure of skeletal muscle and excitation-contraction coupling. Types of muscle contraction. The motor unit. Overview of smooth and cardiac muscle.

• Spinal reflexes.
  Monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes. Myotatic reflex and inverse myotatic reflex; flexor reflex.

• Control of posture and voluntary movement.
  Vestibular system. Cerebellum. Primary motor cortex. Pyramidal pathway. Basal ganglia.

• Autonomic nervous system.
  Anatomical and functional organization of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Nervous control in major homeostatic mechanisms.

• Respiratory system.
  Structure and function of airways and lungs. Pulmonary alveoli and gas exchange. Respiratory muscles and respiratory mechanics. Nervous control of pulmonary ventilation.

• Digestive system.
  Overview of structure and functions; motility. Enteric nervous system. Nervous regulation of chewing and swallowing.

• Cardiovascular system.
  Structure and functions. Cardiac mechanics and electrical activity of the heart. Blood flow, cardiac output, blood pressure, and their neural and humoral regulation.

• Urinary system.
  Overview of the structure and functions of the kidneys. The nephron: filtration, reabsorption, and secretion. Neural regulation of urination.

Fisiologia umana, Un approccio integrato, Silverthon, casa editrice Pearson

Oral exam.

Information for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal meeting to plan any compensatory and/or exemptive measures, based on the educational objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Inclusion - Services for Disabilities and/or SLD) representative of the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences.

Saltatory conduction of the nerve impulse

Illustrate the automatic activity of the respiratory centers

Which brain areas are important for language?