Physiology
A.Y. 2023/2024
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 can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
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. Sensorial Transduction. 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.
Endocrinology - Fundamentals
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.
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.
Reproductive system - Introduction. Female reproductive system. Hormonal control of female sexual response. Male reproductive system. Hormonal control of male sexual response.
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. Sensorial Transduction. 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.
Endocrinology - Fundamentals
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.
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.
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
The course is based on frontal teaching, by using slides and/or videos. Material of lectures will be provided on UNIMI-Ariel website.
Teaching Resources
Luciano Zocchi "Principi di Fisiologia"- II edizione-EdiSES
Silverthorn «Fisiologia umana. Un approccio integrato» settima edizione Pearson
Silverthorn «Fisiologia umana. Un approccio integrato» settima edizione Pearson
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam organized into three questions that require the discussion of the proposed topic and the ability to connect it to other topics so as to evaluate, in addition to the knowledge acquired, the ability to reason and the acquisition of a correct scientific language . The exam lasts about thirty minutes and the mark is expressed out of thirty.
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)