Integrated Systems Physiology
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the student with an overall view of the integrated physiological systems involved in complex responses and maintenance of homeostasis. Attention will be devoted to emphasizing the evolutionary aspects and the plasticity of the involved systems.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course the students will be able:
- to recognize the role played by the different 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 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: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Course syllabus
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. In-sights: mirror neurons.
Complex brain functions
Learning and Memory. The neural and functional organization of short and long term memory processes and their role in human cognition. Insights: Molecular and cellular bases. Neuronal plasticity. Brain aging.
Speech and language; origins of language; use of symbols in the animal world; 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.
Homeostatic behaviors
Cardiovascular physiology and function integration. Neural control of cardio-respiratory response to maintain the heart rate and blood pressure.
Regulation of body temperature. Body temperature balance: heat production, gain, loss and mechanisms of control.
Food Behavior. Energy homeostasis and food behavior. Notions on metabolism. Regulation of food intake. Nerve structures involved in the control of hunger and satiety. Interaction of central and peripheral energy metabolism control signals.
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. In-sights: mirror neurons.
Complex brain functions
Learning and Memory. The neural and functional organization of short and long term memory processes and their role in human cognition. Insights: Molecular and cellular bases. Neuronal plasticity. Brain aging.
Speech and language; origins of language; use of symbols in the animal world; 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.
Homeostatic behaviors
Cardiovascular physiology and function integration. Neural control of cardio-respiratory response to maintain the heart rate and blood pressure.
Regulation of body temperature. Body temperature balance: heat production, gain, loss and mechanisms of control.
Food Behavior. Energy homeostasis and food behavior. Notions on metabolism. Regulation of food intake. Nerve structures involved in the control of hunger and satiety. Interaction of central and peripheral energy metabolism control signals.
Prerequisites for admission
The course requires basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
Teaching methods
The course includes lectures and journal clubs on the topics covered. Laboratory exercises are planned (1ECTS, 16 hours) in which programs and websites will be used for the simulation and analysis of physiological events.
The attendance of the laboratory exercises is mandatory, that of the lectures strongly recommended.
The attendance of the laboratory exercises is mandatory, that of the lectures strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Neuroscienze, Purves et al. - Ed. Zanichelli
Fisiologia, D'Angelo e Peres - Ed. Edi-Ermes
Principi di Neuroscienze, Kandel, -Schwarts, Jessell - Ed. C.E.A.
Research articles on the topics covered in class
Fisiologia, D'Angelo e Peres - Ed. Edi-Ermes
Principi di Neuroscienze, Kandel, -Schwarts, Jessell - Ed. C.E.A.
Research articles on the topics covered in class
Assessment methods and Criteria
Exam will be oral and will consist of two different questions. To pass the exam students will have to answear sufficiently to both questions and 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. The ability to organize knowledge in an effective speech, the ability to reason critically on the study carried out, the competence in the use of specific terminology and the quality of the presentation will also contribute to the final evaluation. The evaluation will be expressed out of thirty.
BIO/09 - PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Castagna Michela
Shifts:
Professor:
Castagna Michela
Turno 1
Professor:
Castagna MichelaTurno 2
Professor:
Castagna MichelaEducational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment
Via Trentacoste 2, Milano