Veterinary Physiology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The educational activities of the course will cover the functionality of different cell systems present in the animal organism and the physiology and dynamics of different intra and extracellular fluids and extracellular matrix. We will proceed with the functional specificities of different systems, in particular: nervous system, cardio-circulatory system, respiratory and renal system, digestive system, endocrine, reproductive, mammary and locomotor system. The educational aspects relating to animal ethology and welfare will be characterized by being linked to the functionality of the various systems and placed in relation to age, the environment in which the animals live, and the relationships with people and other animals. In this context will be analyzed the phylogeny and ontogenesis of different behaviors, such as : learning, eating behaviors, sexual reproductive, parental care, aggression, communication systems and stress response.
Expected learning outcomes
The student is expected to acquire, for the first time in his university life, a lot of fundamental physiological information about the "live animal" during the different stages of life: development, maintenance of homeostasis, nutritional and reproductive characteristics. They will acquire useful information to understand the behavioral expression of different animal species and breeds in different conditions of development, breeding, environment and with different relationships between humans and other animals. The educational process of Veterinary Physiology will allow the student to face the educational objectives of subsequent courses in a brilliant and quick way and the information received will have practical repercussions on more professional subjects, scientific research and technology transfer.
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
Introduction to the course; information on exams, practicals, teaching materials; organization of student groups (2 hours)
Physiology of the extracellular matrix (3 hours)
Physiology of the male reproductive system: basics of semen analysis; male sexual behavior (5 hours)
Physiology of the female reproductive system: seasonality, estrous cycles, estrous behavior, ovulation, fertilization, pregnancy (6 hours)
Physiology of parturition and postpartum period (4 hours)
Physiology of the respiratory system: gas exchange; control of the acid-base balance (6 hours)
Feeding behavior, food prehension, and species-specific characteristics (2 hours)
Physiology of the digestive system in monogastrics; control and regulatory mechanisms (5 hours)
Secondary functions of the digestive system: energy and water storage and turnover, thermic effect of food (3 hours)
Physiology of the portal system, hepatic and pancreatic function (3 hours)
Mutualistic symbiosis and role of the microbiota (1 hour)
Physiology of the mammary gland, lactation, and milk (5 hours)
Basic physiology of the urinary system: urine production and species-specific characteristics; basics of renal physiology (3 hours)
Physiology of the extracellular matrix (3 hours)
Physiology of the male reproductive system: basics of semen analysis; male sexual behavior (5 hours)
Physiology of the female reproductive system: seasonality, estrous cycles, estrous behavior, ovulation, fertilization, pregnancy (6 hours)
Physiology of parturition and postpartum period (4 hours)
Physiology of the respiratory system: gas exchange; control of the acid-base balance (6 hours)
Feeding behavior, food prehension, and species-specific characteristics (2 hours)
Physiology of the digestive system in monogastrics; control and regulatory mechanisms (5 hours)
Secondary functions of the digestive system: energy and water storage and turnover, thermic effect of food (3 hours)
Physiology of the portal system, hepatic and pancreatic function (3 hours)
Mutualistic symbiosis and role of the microbiota (1 hour)
Physiology of the mammary gland, lactation, and milk (5 hours)
Basic physiology of the urinary system: urine production and species-specific characteristics; basics of renal physiology (3 hours)
Prerequisites for admission
The prerequisites necessary for passing the exam are knowledge of the anatomy of the respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, as well as biochemistry basics
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons in the classroom.
Practical exercises in classrooms, canine centers, and working dog training areas.
Practical exercises in classrooms, canine centers, and working dog training areas.
Teaching Resources
Albertini et al., Fisiologia Veterinaria. Point Veterinaire Italie; 2024.
Sjaastad, Sand e Hove, Fisiologia degli animali domestici. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana; 2013.
.Avallone, Caola, Clement et al., Fisiologia Veterinaria. Point Veterinaire Italie; 2010.
. Cunningham James G. - Manuale di fisiologia veterinaria. Delfino Antonio Editore; 2005
. G. Aguggini, V. Beghelli, L.F. Giulio - Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici con elementi di Etologia. UTET; 1998
. The slides of the course are available on the Ariel site.
Sjaastad, Sand e Hove, Fisiologia degli animali domestici. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana; 2013.
.Avallone, Caola, Clement et al., Fisiologia Veterinaria. Point Veterinaire Italie; 2010.
. Cunningham James G. - Manuale di fisiologia veterinaria. Delfino Antonio Editore; 2005
. G. Aguggini, V. Beghelli, L.F. Giulio - Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici con elementi di Etologia. UTET; 1998
. The slides of the course are available on the Ariel site.
Assessment methods and Criteria
For physiology, the exam consists of a written test, composed of 31 true/ false
VET/02 - VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 7
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Vigo Daniele
Professor(s)
Reception:
Appointment by email
Office