Anatomical-Physiological Bases of the Cognitive Processes

A.Y. 2023/2024
9
Max ECTS
60
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/09 MED/26
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing students with basic knowledge of the anatomy and the physiology of the nervous system, which are essential for an understanding of the main integrative functions of the brain. The teaching course is organized into two modules. Specifically, the "Physiology" module will illustrate the concepts relative to the functioning and organization of the nervous system (both central and peripheral) supporting behavior. This knowledge constitutes the fundamental prerequisites for understanding the bases of higher cognitive functions typical in health and neurological pathology.
The main topics covered in the "Physiology" module will be:
- anatomy of the nervous system
- physiology of excitable cells
- communication between nerve cells (synapses)
- learning and synaptic plasticity
- organization of motor and sensory systems
- sense organs: sight and hearing
- EEG and sleep
- neurophysiological basis of consciousness
The "Neurology" module will provide students with knowledge regarding higher cognitive functions and the related syndromes caused by brain injury.
The main topics covered in the "Neurology" module will be:
- neuroanatomy
- principles of neuromodulation
- neuroimaging
- language
- attention
- memory
- frontal lobes and executive functions
- neuropsychological evaluation
- anatomical and physiological bases of cognitive disorders: aphasia, apraxia, amnesia, prefrontal syndrome, dementia
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will have acquired knowledge on:
- the main cognitive functions and on the biological substrate from which they originate
- the main consequences of acquired brain injuries and on the consequences of neurodegenerative processes
- the main neurophysiological investigation techniques
- the main diagnostic and intervention techniques applied in the management of patients with cognitive disorders
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment of learning takes place through a final test. This test is composed of multiple-choice questions and verifies the acquisition of the knowledge of the theoretical and conceptual bases, as well as the main empirical evidence of the topics dealt with. The exam is considered passed if the student has achieved a minimum score of 18 points in the written test.
The booking on the UNIMIA portal, within the dates established for each appeal, is mandatory for the examination.
Physiology
Course syllabus
- anatomy of the nervous system
- physiology of excitable cells
- communication between nerve cells (synapses)
- learning and synaptic plasticity
- organization of motor and sensory systems
- sense organs: sight and hearing
- EEG and sleep
- neurophysiological basis of consciousness
- principles of neuromodulation
- neuroimaging
- language
- attention
- memory
- frontal lobes and executive functions
- neuropsychological evaluation
- anatomical and physiological bases of cognitive disorders: aphasia, apraxia, amnesia, prefrontal syndrome, dementia
Teaching methods
The course is divided into a series of lectures with slide shows in Power Point. The lectures slides are uploaded to the Ariel website.
Teaching Resources
- "Neuroscienze: esplorando il cervello" Terza edizione a cura di: Clara Casco Laura Petrosini Massimiliano Olivieri
- "Manuale di neuropsicologia clinica. Clinica ed elementi di riabilitazione" Terza edizione (2018) a cura di G.Vallar, C.Papagno, Ed. Il Mulino, Bologna. Capitoli VI, IX, X, XIII, XVIII.
- Slides.
Neurology
Course syllabus
- neuroanatomy
- principles of neuromodulation
- neuroimaging
- language
- attention
- memory
- frontal lobes and executive functions
- neuropsychological evaluation
- anatomical and physiological bases of cognitive disorders: aphasia, apraxia, amnesia, prefrontal syndrome, dementia
Teaching methods
The course is divided into a series of lectures with slide shows in Power Point. The lectures slides are uploaded to the Ariel website.
Teaching Resources
- "Neuroscienze: esplorando il cervello" Terza edizione a cura di: Clara Casco Laura Petrosini Massimiliano Olivieri
- "Manuale di neuropsicologia clinica. Clinica ed elementi di riabilitazione" Terza edizione (2018) a cura di G.Vallar, C.Papagno, Ed. Il Mulino, Bologna. Capitoli VI, IX, X, XIII, XVIII.
- Slides.
Neurology
MED/26 - NEUROLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Physiology
BIO/09 - PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor: Sarasso Simone