Human Functional Biology

Locomotor apparatus: Structure and organization of cartilage and bone tissue. Architecture and classification of bones, muscles and joints. Ossification mechanisms. Skeletal muscle histology. Structure and organization of the skeletal muscular apparatus (skull, spine, chest, basin and limbs). Structural and functional disorders linked to bone aging (osteoporosis, osteopenia), muscle (sarcopenia and fragility) and autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis).

Respiratory system: Structure, organization and function of respiratory system. Development of structural and functional alterations of the respiratory system in the modern age (eg bronchial and asthmatic asthma, chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathy). The habit of smoking and the consequent structural changes. Thin powders and consequences on the respiratory tree.

Remarks on digestive system with particular reference to anatomy and function of liver and pancreas.

The human body as a barrier to the environment, the skin. Melanocytes and UV damage. From the form to the function. The epithelial barrier and its rupture. Skin in the water balance.

Remarks on the cardiovascular system: development of structural and functional alterations of the cardiovascular system in the modern age (eg arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis).

Remarks on the immune system anatomy and on the evolutionary significance of T. cells. Self recognition and modulation of immune response during life in autoimmune and tumor processes. Anatomy-functional interaction between symbiotic bacteria and immune system.

Nervous system: structural organs of the central and peripheral nervous system. Modification of the nervous system in life: aging and adolescence, and adaptation of the apparatus.

Functional anatomy of some of the major sense organs.

Reference material
Slide projected; Texts of consultation and in-depth will be proposed in the course.


Prerequisites and exams
Good preparation in cytology and histology. The exam consists of a mandatory oral discussion following a written test aimed at developing and evaluating the ability to develop the concepts learned in the classroom.


Suggested interactions
Good preparation in cytology and histology. The course integrates with the Developmental Biology course dealing with anatomic-evolutionary themes in embryological and differentiation.


Teaching Mode: Traditional. Interactive front lessons supported by projected material.
Frequency: Strongly recommended.


Teaching language
Italian


Program information
Copies of projected materials will be available in Ariel along with a selection of proposed articles.


WEB pages: dedicated ARIEL site