Physiology
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
Understand how the application of Physico-chemical principles to cellular functions is essential in understanding cellular mechanisms.
Examine body function at all level, from cell to organ, examining how different system work together to maintain coordinated functions
Examine body function at all level, from cell to organ, examining how different system work together to maintain coordinated functions
Expected learning outcomes
Students are expected to enhance their knowledge, and logical and critic skills that will allow a rigorous scientific understanding of physiological topics to approach toxicological issues. Capability to recognize physico-chemical basis of phenomena, broadening ability of exposition of concepts and description of problematics are expected as well
Lesson period: First semester
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
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
During the emergency teaching phase the course program and the reference material will not change.
Teaching methods:
One third of the course will be made in presence (if possible) or by videoconference using the Teams platform; the remaining lectures of the course will be made with asynchronous lectures (audiolectures with PowerPoint ). The course is organized into three lectures per week, two of which will be in synchonous way, the other in asynchronous. Rules and criteria for participating to lectures in presence will be published in due time on the Ariel pages of the course as well any notice related to Covid-19 regulation changes.
Learning verification : The exam is oral and takes place with the use of the Teams platform. The details and calendars of the oral examinations are published and constantly updated in the online course.
Teaching methods:
One third of the course will be made in presence (if possible) or by videoconference using the Teams platform; the remaining lectures of the course will be made with asynchronous lectures (audiolectures with PowerPoint ). The course is organized into three lectures per week, two of which will be in synchonous way, the other in asynchronous. Rules and criteria for participating to lectures in presence will be published in due time on the Ariel pages of the course as well any notice related to Covid-19 regulation changes.
Learning verification : The exam is oral and takes place with the use of the Teams platform. The details and calendars of the oral examinations are published and constantly updated in the online course.
Course syllabus
Cellular and molecular physiology- Cell membrane. Osmosis. Movement of solutes across the cell membrane: diffusion, facilitated diffusion, active transport.
Excitability- Intracellular recording. Resting membrane potential and its ionic basis. Ion channels. Nernst and Goldman equations. Excitable cells. Action potential.
Nervous system activities- Synapsis. Neurotransmitters. Receptors. Post synaptic potentials. Sensory receptors. Transduction and analog to digital conversion. Reflexes. Muscle tone and posture. Sensorial activation of the CNS.
Autonomic nervous system- Fundamentals
Muscular contraction- Sliding filament theory. Neuromuscular junction. End plate potential. Isotonic and isometric contraction. Tetanic contraction. Smooth muscle.
Renal function- Glomerular filtration. Tubular function. Clearance. Fluid and electrolyte balance.
Gatrointestinal function- Secretory activity and motility of gastro-enteric apparatus. Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.
Body fluids- Extra and intracellular fluids. Blood. Plasma. Blood cells. Hemostasis.
Cardiovascular function- Mechanic and electric properties of cardiac fiber. Pacemakers. ECG. Work of the cardiac pump. Starling law. Hydraulic model of blood flow. Arterial blood pressure. Gravity effects. Neuro-humoral control.
Respiration - Respiratory mechanics. Respiratory volumes. Gas diffusion. Hemoglobins. O2 and CO2 transports. Control of breathing. Hypoxia.
Endocrinology - Fundamentals
Reproductive system - Introduction. Female reproductive system. Hormonal control of female sexual response. Male reproductive system. Hormonal control of male sexual response.
Excitability- Intracellular recording. Resting membrane potential and its ionic basis. Ion channels. Nernst and Goldman equations. Excitable cells. Action potential.
Nervous system activities- Synapsis. Neurotransmitters. Receptors. Post synaptic potentials. Sensory receptors. Transduction and analog to digital conversion. Reflexes. Muscle tone and posture. Sensorial activation of the CNS.
Autonomic nervous system- Fundamentals
Muscular contraction- Sliding filament theory. Neuromuscular junction. End plate potential. Isotonic and isometric contraction. Tetanic contraction. Smooth muscle.
Renal function- Glomerular filtration. Tubular function. Clearance. Fluid and electrolyte balance.
Gatrointestinal function- Secretory activity and motility of gastro-enteric apparatus. Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.
Body fluids- Extra and intracellular fluids. Blood. Plasma. Blood cells. Hemostasis.
Cardiovascular function- Mechanic and electric properties of cardiac fiber. Pacemakers. ECG. Work of the cardiac pump. Starling law. Hydraulic model of blood flow. Arterial blood pressure. Gravity effects. Neuro-humoral control.
Respiration - Respiratory mechanics. Respiratory volumes. Gas diffusion. Hemoglobins. O2 and CO2 transports. Control of breathing. Hypoxia.
Endocrinology - Fundamentals
Reproductive system - Introduction. Female reproductive system. Hormonal control of female sexual response. Male reproductive system. Hormonal control of male sexual response.
Prerequisites for admission
To take the exam of Physiology, students must have passed Physics, Biology and Anatomy, and General Chemistry
Teaching methods
Taught class
Teaching Resources
Luciano Zocchi "Principi di Fisiologia"- II edizione-EdiSES
Silverthorn «Fisiologia umana. Un approccio integrato» settima edizione Pearson
Carbone Aicardi Maggi «Fisiologia dei sistemi integrati» II edizione EdiSES
Silverthorn «Fisiologia umana. Un approccio integrato» settima edizione Pearson
Carbone Aicardi Maggi «Fisiologia dei sistemi integrati» II edizione EdiSES
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam. Open questions on at least three topics. Students will pass the exam if reach at least the passing grade (18/30) for each question
Professor(s)