Physiology of the Skin
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide knowledge regarding the physiology of the skin and to describe in depth the specific functions carried out by this complex organ and the annexes for the well-being of the organism. Alterations in pathological conditions will also be considered.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course students will be able to describe the mechanisms involved in the normal functions carried out by the skin and skin annexes and the alterations characterizing pathological conditions.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
Skin morphology
-Specific functions of the skin layers (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and skin annexes (hair, nails, sweat glands and sebaceous glands).
Skin functions
-Protective functions of the skin: mechanical, physical (from radiation, control of temperature), chemical and biological protection. Permeability of the skin.
-Immunological function and skin microbiota.
-Secretory functions and modulation of electrolyte equilibrium. Synthesis of vitamin D.
-Sensory functions: physiology of sensory receptors for touch, propriocetion, thermoception, pain perception (somatosensory system); adequate stimuli, signal transduction mechanisms, genesis and propagation of bioelectric signals, ascending nerve pathways.
-Thermoregulatory functions: vascularization of the skin, autonomic regulation, thermogenesis and thermodispersion mechanisms.
Skin aging
-Physiological changes in the integumentary system during aging. Skin lesions, skin cancer.
-Specific functions of the skin layers (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and skin annexes (hair, nails, sweat glands and sebaceous glands).
Skin functions
-Protective functions of the skin: mechanical, physical (from radiation, control of temperature), chemical and biological protection. Permeability of the skin.
-Immunological function and skin microbiota.
-Secretory functions and modulation of electrolyte equilibrium. Synthesis of vitamin D.
-Sensory functions: physiology of sensory receptors for touch, propriocetion, thermoception, pain perception (somatosensory system); adequate stimuli, signal transduction mechanisms, genesis and propagation of bioelectric signals, ascending nerve pathways.
-Thermoregulatory functions: vascularization of the skin, autonomic regulation, thermogenesis and thermodispersion mechanisms.
Skin aging
-Physiological changes in the integumentary system during aging. Skin lesions, skin cancer.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of human general physiology is required
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures are planned, were the attendance of students is warmly recommended but not mandatory.
The slides presented during the lectures will be available to students on the Ariel website of the course.
The slides presented during the lectures will be available to students on the Ariel website of the course.
Teaching Resources
Lecture' s slides and reference material will be provided by the teacher and available on the Ariel web site of the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be carried out in oral form. The student will be asked two different questions and the knowledge of the topic covered , the clarity and the deepening shown in the discussion will be evaluated. Evaluation will be expressed as out of thirty.
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment
Via Trentacoste 2, Milano