Anatomo Psychophysiological Fundamentals
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the student with basic anatomical-physiological knowledge to understand:
- the structure and function of the neuronal cell and synapse;
- the anatomo-functional organization of the nervous system
- mechanisms underlying perception, motor and mental activity, and behavior
- the structure and function of the neuronal cell and synapse;
- the anatomo-functional organization of the nervous system
- mechanisms underlying perception, motor and mental activity, and behavior
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course students will be able to:
- understand physiological processes underlying the nerve signals (generation, transmission and integration);
- describe the structural organization of the nervous system and the neural networks underlying neurological function.
- describe neural mechanisms underlying the sensory systems and the motor system;
- critically evaluate the role of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the functioning of mental processes and its possible alterations;
- clearly explain the notions learned relating to neurophysiology and cognitive neuroscience.
- understand physiological processes underlying the nerve signals (generation, transmission and integration);
- describe the structural organization of the nervous system and the neural networks underlying neurological function.
- describe neural mechanisms underlying the sensory systems and the motor system;
- critically evaluate the role of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the functioning of mental processes and its possible alterations;
- clearly explain the notions learned relating to neurophysiology and cognitive neuroscience.
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
Course syllabus
Introduction to the study of the biological bases of behavior. General organization of the central nervous system. Glial cells and neurons. The cell membrane. Ion channels and resting potential. Electrotonic currents and action potential. Electrical and chemical synapses. Neurotransmitters. The neuromuscular junction. Cutaneous receptors and proprioceptors. Spinal cord reflexes. Ascending pathways of somatic sensitivity. Somatosensory cortices and tactile perception. The eye and the retina. Neural bases of visual perception. Neural bases of auditory function. Cortical motor control. The cerebellum: motor and cognitive functions. Basal ganglia: motor and cognitive functions. Reticular formation, sleep and states of consciousness. Autonomic nervous system and hypothalamus. Elements of connectomics. Neural bases of language. Neural bases of attention. Neural bases of emotions and motivational states. Neuroplasticity.
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
Lectures. Learning materials (papers e slides) will be available online.
Teaching Resources
Bear M., Connor B., Paradiso M.(2015). Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain. Fourth ed. Lippincott Williams
Assessment methods and Criteria
The student's evaluation is based on a written exam consisting of 27 multiple-choice questions (1 point per question) and one open-ended question (from 0 to 4 points). To pass the exam, the student must score at least 18 points in the multiple-choice questions (18 correct answers).
Professor(s)