Neurobiology
A.Y. 2018/2019
Learning objectives
The course of Neurobiology is intended to offer an integrated view of the nervous system, from the cellular and molecular basis of neural excitability and synaptic transmission, to the neuronal networks and the complex hierarchical organization of the brain and behavior. The molecular understanding at the cellular level is integrated to higher brain functions such as mechanisms of sensory perception, reflexes and motor function, learning, memory, and biorhythms.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will know the methods, the insights, and the questions of the neurobiology, achieving a theoretical background to study the brain and its pathologies.
Lesson period: Third trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
Third trimester
Physiology
Course syllabus
Electric signals of the nerve cells. Membrane potential. Excitable membranes and voltage-dependent ion channels. Different kinds of action potentials. Long distance conduction of the nerve impulses. Integrative functions of the neurons.
Sensation. Receptors and receptive fields. Peripheral and central processing of somatic sensation.
Pain perception and analgesia: nociceptors, structures and pathways of nociceptive sensations, hyperalgesia and sensitization, noxious inhibitory system, placebo effect.
Vision. Physiology of the retina, photo transduction, color vision, perception of light intensity and light adaptation, visual acuity. Parallel Streams of Information from Retina to Cortex, visual field, geniculate neurons, Striate Cortex and Extrastriate Visual Areas, information processing in the cortical neurons, Columnar Organization, binocular convergence, deepness, colors, and pattern recognition.
Movement and hierarchical organization of motor control. Reflexes and automatisms in human. Control of posture. Voluntary movements.
Emotion and limbic system. Hypothalamus and hypophysis.
Formation of cerebral circuits. Modification of the cerebral circuits as a result of experience.
Learning and memory: habituation, sensitization, Classic conditioning and operant conditioning, cellular bases and animal models. Learning and memory in human.
Sleep-wakefulness rhythms.
Sensation. Receptors and receptive fields. Peripheral and central processing of somatic sensation.
Pain perception and analgesia: nociceptors, structures and pathways of nociceptive sensations, hyperalgesia and sensitization, noxious inhibitory system, placebo effect.
Vision. Physiology of the retina, photo transduction, color vision, perception of light intensity and light adaptation, visual acuity. Parallel Streams of Information from Retina to Cortex, visual field, geniculate neurons, Striate Cortex and Extrastriate Visual Areas, information processing in the cortical neurons, Columnar Organization, binocular convergence, deepness, colors, and pattern recognition.
Movement and hierarchical organization of motor control. Reflexes and automatisms in human. Control of posture. Voluntary movements.
Emotion and limbic system. Hypothalamus and hypophysis.
Formation of cerebral circuits. Modification of the cerebral circuits as a result of experience.
Learning and memory: habituation, sensitization, Classic conditioning and operant conditioning, cellular bases and animal models. Learning and memory in human.
Sleep-wakefulness rhythms.
Biochemistry
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 1
Lessons: 7 hours
Professor:
Prinetti Alessandro Ennio Giuseppe
Neurology
MED/26 - NEUROLOGY - University credits: 1
Lessons: 7 hours
Professor:
Ratti Antonia
Pharmacology
BIO/14 - PHARMACOLOGY - University credits: 1
Lessons: 7 hours
Professor:
Sala Carlo
Physiology
BIO/09 - PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 21 hours
Professor:
Formenti Alessandro
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment
LITA Segrate/MS Teams