Integrated Systems Physiology
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The course is aimed to enhance knowledge in the functional integration of organ systems for the maintenance of body homeostasis. In particular, the course is designed to challenge and stimulate the student's interest in how the complex integration of organ systems is necessary for the body wellness and how alteration can explain diseases and drugs' side-effects.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course the students will be able:
to recognize the role played by the different physiological systems in the body's integrated responses;
to apply this knowledge to understand the disease onset mechanisms that may allow the identification of new therapeutic targets and the design of new biotechnological drugs.
to recognize the role played by the different physiological systems in the body's integrated responses;
to apply this knowledge to understand the disease onset mechanisms that may allow the identification of new therapeutic targets and the design of new biotechnological drugs.
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
The lessons will be held in person but can be followed remotely, on the teams platform in synchronous mode, by students unable to attend.
Course syllabus
The course will cover the following topics:
Sensation and sensory processing
(Sensory systems and perception. Organization of sensory system: how peripheral sensory information is elaborated at integrated at the CNS. Insights: Nociception)
Movement and its central control
(The organization of the motor system: how a brain-programmed action is translated into motion. Processes that program and control the execution of actions, their interaction with motion perception. Insights: mirror neurons)
Learning and Memory.
(The neural and functional organization of short and long term memory processes and their role in human cognition. Molecular and cellular bases; neuronal plasticity; brain aging)
Speech and language.
(Origins of language; language acquisition; the brain areas dedicated to language, the Broca area and the Wernicke area; aphasia; the lateralization of language; dyslexia; reading processes and considerations on the writing process).
The sleep.
The functional and neural structure of sleep control; biochemistry and physiology of sleep.
Control of body temperature
(Body temperature balance: heat production, gain and loss. Peripheral and central mechanisms of control).
Sex differences in Physiology
Chromosomal and Endocrinological Origins of Sex. Steroid Hormones. Sex and Neural signalling. Neurological control of body function. Hypothalamus -pituitary axis. Sex and Behaviour.
Sex differences in Physiology, body composition and metabolism.
(Immune system, cardiovascular system, pulmonary physiology, renal physiology, gastrointestinal physiology, body composition and metabolism, skeletal muscle)
Human methodologies in the study of sex differences.
Sensation and sensory processing
(Sensory systems and perception. Organization of sensory system: how peripheral sensory information is elaborated at integrated at the CNS. Insights: Nociception)
Movement and its central control
(The organization of the motor system: how a brain-programmed action is translated into motion. Processes that program and control the execution of actions, their interaction with motion perception. Insights: mirror neurons)
Learning and Memory.
(The neural and functional organization of short and long term memory processes and their role in human cognition. Molecular and cellular bases; neuronal plasticity; brain aging)
Speech and language.
(Origins of language; language acquisition; the brain areas dedicated to language, the Broca area and the Wernicke area; aphasia; the lateralization of language; dyslexia; reading processes and considerations on the writing process).
The sleep.
The functional and neural structure of sleep control; biochemistry and physiology of sleep.
Control of body temperature
(Body temperature balance: heat production, gain and loss. Peripheral and central mechanisms of control).
Sex differences in Physiology
Chromosomal and Endocrinological Origins of Sex. Steroid Hormones. Sex and Neural signalling. Neurological control of body function. Hypothalamus -pituitary axis. Sex and Behaviour.
Sex differences in Physiology, body composition and metabolism.
(Immune system, cardiovascular system, pulmonary physiology, renal physiology, gastrointestinal physiology, body composition and metabolism, skeletal muscle)
Human methodologies in the study of sex differences.
Prerequisites for admission
To address this course, it is required that the student has already achieved the basic knowledge of anatomy and human physiology in order to better understand the integrated functions described in the course.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons supported by audio-visual tools.
The course includes 1 ECTS of laboratory exercises which will consist in simulations of physiological processes using the Laboratory Simulation Software PhysioEX.
The course includes 1 ECTS of laboratory exercises which will consist in simulations of physiological processes using the Laboratory Simulation Software PhysioEX.
Teaching Resources
- "Neuroscience" by Purves, Augustine, Fitzpatrick et al., Sinauer Oxford University Press.
- "Sex Differences in Physiology" by Neigh and Mitzelfelt, Academic Press
- "Human Physiology- An integrated approach" by Dee Unglaub Silverthorn, Pearson International Edition, Benjamin Cummings.
- "Sex Differences in Physiology" by Neigh and Mitzelfelt, Academic Press
- "Human Physiology- An integrated approach" by Dee Unglaub Silverthorn, Pearson International Edition, Benjamin Cummings.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be oral and will consist of four questions about the topics covered in the course. Both professors will be present at the exam.
Students should be able to identify the role of each organ in the integrated functions for maintaining homeostasis but are also expected to understand the synchrony of many systems interacting simultaneously (e.g. neural control of cardio-vascular response to maintain the heart rate and blood pressure).
Students should be able to identify the role of each organ in the integrated functions for maintaining homeostasis but are also expected to understand the synchrony of many systems interacting simultaneously (e.g. neural control of cardio-vascular response to maintain the heart rate and blood pressure).
BIO/09 - PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Castagna Michela, Marciani Paola
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment
Via Trentacoste 2, Milano