Applied Human Anatomy and Morphology

A.Y. 2026/2027
10
Max ECTS
78
Overall hours
SSD
BIOS-12/A
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course provides knowledge on the anatomy and morphology of the human body and its organization; anatomical and topographical nomenclature, body position and movements; spatial organization of deep organs and superficial anatomic markings and internal body structures as they relate to the skin covering them; macro- and microscopic features of body systems as they relate to organ structure and function.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire: firm knowledge of the architecture and structure of the human body; anatomical and topographical nomenclature, body position and movements; anatomy and function of the locomotor system in relation to movement; an understanding of the relationship between organ structure and function.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Group 1

Responsible
Lesson period
year
Course syllabus
GENERAL ANATOMY

The human body: division into regions. Anatomical planes. Anatomical nomenclature: terms of position and movement. The body (soma) and body cavities. Connective tissue spaces, serous cavities, and neural spaces. Tissues of the human body. Definitions of organs, systems, and organ systems.

INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

General organization of the skin and subcutaneous tissue: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

General organization and constituent organs. Structural characteristics of arteries, veins, and capillaries. Systemic and pulmonary circulation.

Heart: location, anatomical relationships, external and internal anatomy, cardiac valves, conduction system, vascular supply and innervation. Cardiac topography within the thorax. Pericardium.

Arteries and veins of the systemic circulation

Detailed study (origin, principal branches, and areas supplied) of the following arteries:

Aorta
Carotid arteries
Coronary arteries
Subclavian artery
Celiac trunk
Renal arteries
Superior and inferior mesenteric arteries
Iliac arteries
Circle of Willis

Detailed study (origin, principal tributaries, and drainage territories) of the following veins:

Superior vena cava
Jugular veins
Subclavian veins
Inferior vena cava
Iliac veins
Portal vein
Pulmonary circulation

Pulmonary arteries and veins.

Lymphatic system

Definition and anatomical organization. Lymphoid organs: lymph nodes and spleen. Cells involved in immune defense.

Blood

Composition (serum, formed elements, hematocrit). Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

General organization and constituent organs. Location and characteristics of the nose, larynx, trachea, main bronchi and intrapulmonary bronchial tree, lungs, and pleurae. Structure of the alveolar wall. Pulmonary circulation.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

General organization and constituent organs. Location and characteristics of the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, and endocrine pancreas.

Neuroendocrine system: hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and pineal gland. Diffuse endocrine system. Hormones produced and their target organs.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

General organization and constituent organs.

Location and characteristics of:

Oral cavity
Pharynx
Esophagus
Stomach
Duodenum
Small intestine
Large intestine

Accessory organs:

Major salivary glands
Liver and gallbladder
Extrahepatic bile ducts
Pancreas
Endocrine cells of the digestive system

Peritoneum and major peritoneal structures. Anatomical basis of intestinal absorption. Portal circulation.

URINARY SYSTEM

General organization and constituent organs.

Location and characteristics of:

Kidneys
Renal calyces and renal pelvis
Ureters
Urinary bladder
Urethra

Anatomical basis of renal filtration (glomerulus and nephron). Renal circulation.

MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

General organization and constituent organs.

Location and characteristics of:

Testes
Spermatic ducts
Prostate
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

General organization and constituent organs.

Location and characteristics of:

Ovaries
Uterine (Fallopian) tubes
Uterus
Vagina
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
Bones

Organization of the skeleton. General concepts and terminology. External morphology, architecture, and structure. Classification. Morphofunctional characteristics. Bone growth and remodeling. Blood supply and innervation. General features of bone marrow.

Joints

General structural characteristics, classification, and anatomy. Axes of movement and degrees of freedom. Detailed study of joint type, movements, and ligaments.

Muscles

General concepts and terminology. Classification and morphology. Architecture, structure, blood supply, and innervation of skeletal muscle. Morphofunctional characteristics.

Detailed study of muscles, including type, attachments, and actions.

General morphology of the bones of:
Skull: neurocranium and viscerocranium
Axial skeleton: vertebral column and thoracic cage
Upper limb: shoulder girdle, arm, forearm, and hand
Lower limb: pelvic girdle, thigh, leg, and foot
Joints and muscles of the following body regions
Head
Joints
Detailed study of the temporomandibular joint
Facial expression muscles (general overview)
Detailed study of the muscles of mastication
Trunk

Overview of the vertebral column and physiological curvatures.

General features of vertebrae and distinguishing characteristics of the different vertebral regions.

Overview of the thoracic cage, ribs, and sternum.

Detailed study of:

Vertebral joints
Craniovertebral joints
Costovertebral joints
Sternocostal joints
Vertebral ligaments

Muscles:

Intrinsic back muscles
Cervical muscles (suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles)
Sternocleidomastoid muscle
Scalene muscles
Intrinsic and extrinsic thoracic muscles
Respiratory mechanics
Pectoralis major and minor
Trapezius
Latissimus dorsi
Diaphragm
Rectus abdominis
Transversus abdominis
Internal and external oblique muscles
Quadratus lumborum
Rectus sheath
Linea alba
Inguinal ligament
Inguinal canal
Upper Limb
Shoulder
Scapulothoracic and glenohumeral complex
Glenohumeral joint and capsuloligamentous structures
Sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints
Major muscle groups
Rotator cuff
Principal movements
Elbow
Humeroulnar, humeroradial, and proximal radioulnar joints
Capsuloligamentous structures
Major muscle groups
Principal movements
Wrist
Distal radioulnar joint
Radiocarpal joint
Principal movements
Hand
Joints of the hand
Principal movements
Detailed study of the following muscles

Morphology, location, origin, insertion, and action of:

Deltoid
Biceps brachii
Coracobrachialis
Brachioradialis
Triceps brachii

General overview of forearm and hand muscles (including the thenar eminence).

Lower Limb
Hip
Bony anatomy of the hip joint
Capsuloligamentous structures
Major muscle groups
Principal movements
Knee
Articular surfaces
Femorotibial and patellofemoral joints
Capsuloligamentous structures
Menisci
Major muscle groups
Principal movements
Ankle
Talocrural joint
Principal movements
Foot
Foot joints
General anatomy of foot muscles
Principal movements
Detailed study of the following muscles

Morphology, location, origin, insertion, and action of:

Gluteal muscles
Iliopsoas
Quadriceps femoris
Sartorius
Biceps femoris
Triceps surae (gastrocnemius and soleus)
Tibialis anterior
NERVOUS SYSTEM

General principles of neuroanatomy and basic terminology. General organization and divisions of the nervous system. Synapses and neurotransmitters. Nerve impulse conduction. Neuronal pathways. Receptors. Sensory and motor components. Types of sensation. Muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs.

Central Nervous System

General organization and subdivisions.

Location and anatomical characteristics of the spinal cord and brain.

Ventricular system, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Organization of gray and white matter.

Spinal cord

Macroscopic anatomy and relationships.

Internal organization of gray and white matter.

Major ascending and descending tracts of the anterior, posterior, and lateral funiculi.

Brainstem

Medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain.

Organization of the brainstem.

Cranial nerve nuclei, intrinsic nuclei, and reticular formation.

Cerebellum

Macroscopic anatomy and relationships.

Internal organization.

Cerebellar cortex.

Morphofunctional organization.

Diencephalon

Configuration and boundaries.

Hypothalamus and its connections.

Hypothalamic-pituitary axis and neurosecretion.

Epithalamus.

Thalamus: organization, principal nuclei, and connections.

Telencephalon

Macroscopic anatomy.

Interhemispheric commissures.

Internal capsule.

Structure of the cerebral cortex.

White matter.

Primary sensory and motor cortical areas.

Peripheral Nervous System

Cranial and spinal nerves and ganglia.

Definition and fiber composition of peripheral nerves.

Neuromuscular junctions and motor units.

Spinal nerves

General organization.

Plexuses:

Cervical plexus (phrenic nerve)
Brachial plexus (axillary, radial, median, musculocutaneous, and ulnar nerves)
Lumbosacral plexus (femoral, obturator, and sciatic nerves)
Intercostal nerves
Cranial nerves

General features, course, and function of:

Trigeminal nerve
Facial nerve
Vagus nerve
Autonomic nervous system

General organization.

Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Sensory receptors and special senses

Definition of sensory receptors and sensory cells.

Free nerve endings and encapsulated receptors.

Organs of vision, hearing, and balance.

Sensory pathways

General sensory pathways:

Dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway
Spinothalamic tract
Spinocerebellar tract

Special sensory pathways:

Visual pathway
Auditory pathway
Vestibular pathway
Motor pathways
Pyramidal pathways
Extrapyramidal pathways
Prerequisites for admission
The course includes practical sessions, which are MANDATORY in order to be eligible to take the examination during the current academic year.
Teaching methods
The course is delivered through traditional classroom lectures. Attendance at lectures is MANDATORY. Practical sessions on topics related to the musculoskeletal system are also included and are MANDATORY.
Teaching Resources
F. Bucchieri - G. Gobbi - G. Musumeci - Anatomia per le Scienze Motorie - EdiSES
Martini-Timmons-Tallitsch - Anatomia Umana - EdiSES
Arcuri et al. - Anatomia umana. Elementi - Edi-Ermes
Tortora e Nielsen - Anatomia dell'uomo-Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
McKinley, O'Loughlin (Michetti) - Anatomia umana - PICCIN
Michael Schünke - Topografia e funzione dell'Apparato Locomotore - EdiSES
Rezzani et al. Anatomia funzionale dell'apparato locomotore - PICCIN
A.A. V.V. - PROMETHEUS (Testo Atlante di Anatomia Generale e Apparato Locomotore) - EdiSES
A.A. V.V. - PROMETHEUS - Atlante di Anatomia - EdiSES
Netter - Atlante di Anatomia Umana - Edi-Ermes
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final examination consists of both a written and an oral assessment. The written examination is composed of multiple-choice questions and is designed to evaluate the student's knowledge of topics including general anatomy, histology, splanchnology, the musculoskeletal system, and the nervous system. Passing the written examination is a prerequisite for admission to the oral examination, which covers all topics included in the course syllabus.
BIOS-12/A - Human Anatomy - University credits: 10
Exercises: 36 hours
Lessons: 42 hours

Group 2

Responsible
Lesson period
year
Course syllabus
GENERAL ANATOMY

The human body: division into regions. Anatomical planes. Anatomical nomenclature: terms of position and movement. The body (soma) and body cavities. Connective tissue spaces, serous cavities, and neural spaces. Tissues of the human body. Definitions of organs, systems, and organ systems.

INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

General organization of the skin and subcutaneous tissue: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

General organization and constituent organs. Structural characteristics of arteries, veins, and capillaries. Systemic and pulmonary circulation.

Heart: location, anatomical relationships, external and internal anatomy, cardiac valves, conduction system, vascular supply and innervation. Cardiac topography within the thorax. Pericardium.

Arteries and veins of the systemic circulation

Detailed study (origin, principal branches, and areas supplied) of the following arteries:

Aorta
Carotid arteries
Coronary arteries
Subclavian artery
Celiac trunk
Renal arteries
Superior and inferior mesenteric arteries
Iliac arteries
Circle of Willis

Detailed study (origin, principal tributaries, and drainage territories) of the following veins:

Superior vena cava
Jugular veins
Subclavian veins
Inferior vena cava
Iliac veins
Portal vein
Pulmonary circulation

Pulmonary arteries and veins.

Lymphatic system

Definition and anatomical organization. Lymphoid organs: lymph nodes and spleen. Cells involved in immune defense.

Blood

Composition (serum, formed elements, hematocrit). Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

General organization and constituent organs. Location and characteristics of the nose, larynx, trachea, main bronchi and intrapulmonary bronchial tree, lungs, and pleurae. Structure of the alveolar wall. Pulmonary circulation.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

General organization and constituent organs. Location and characteristics of the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, and endocrine pancreas.

Neuroendocrine system: hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and pineal gland. Diffuse endocrine system. Hormones produced and their target organs.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

General organization and constituent organs.

Location and characteristics of:

Oral cavity
Pharynx
Esophagus
Stomach
Duodenum
Small intestine
Large intestine

Accessory organs:

Major salivary glands
Liver and gallbladder
Extrahepatic bile ducts
Pancreas
Endocrine cells of the digestive system

Peritoneum and major peritoneal structures. Anatomical basis of intestinal absorption. Portal circulation.

URINARY SYSTEM

General organization and constituent organs.

Location and characteristics of:

Kidneys
Renal calyces and renal pelvis
Ureters
Urinary bladder
Urethra

Anatomical basis of renal filtration (glomerulus and nephron). Renal circulation.

MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

General organization and constituent organs.

Location and characteristics of:

Testes
Spermatic ducts
Prostate
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

General organization and constituent organs.

Location and characteristics of:

Ovaries
Uterine (Fallopian) tubes
Uterus
Vagina
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
Bones

Organization of the skeleton. General concepts and terminology. External morphology, architecture, and structure. Classification. Morphofunctional characteristics. Bone growth and remodeling. Blood supply and innervation. General features of bone marrow.

Joints

General structural characteristics, classification, and anatomy. Axes of movement and degrees of freedom. Detailed study of joint type, movements, and ligaments.

Muscles

General concepts and terminology. Classification and morphology. Architecture, structure, blood supply, and innervation of skeletal muscle. Morphofunctional characteristics.

Detailed study of muscles, including type, attachments, and actions.

General morphology of the bones of:
Skull: neurocranium and viscerocranium
Axial skeleton: vertebral column and thoracic cage
Upper limb: shoulder girdle, arm, forearm, and hand
Lower limb: pelvic girdle, thigh, leg, and foot
Joints and muscles of the following body regions
Head
Joints
Detailed study of the temporomandibular joint
Facial expression muscles (general overview)
Detailed study of the muscles of mastication
Trunk

Overview of the vertebral column and physiological curvatures.

General features of vertebrae and distinguishing characteristics of the different vertebral regions.

Overview of the thoracic cage, ribs, and sternum.

Detailed study of:

Vertebral joints
Craniovertebral joints
Costovertebral joints
Sternocostal joints
Vertebral ligaments

Muscles:

Intrinsic back muscles
Cervical muscles (suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles)
Sternocleidomastoid muscle
Scalene muscles
Intrinsic and extrinsic thoracic muscles
Respiratory mechanics
Pectoralis major and minor
Trapezius
Latissimus dorsi
Diaphragm
Rectus abdominis
Transversus abdominis
Internal and external oblique muscles
Quadratus lumborum
Rectus sheath
Linea alba
Inguinal ligament
Inguinal canal
Upper Limb
Shoulder
Scapulothoracic and glenohumeral complex
Glenohumeral joint and capsuloligamentous structures
Sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints
Major muscle groups
Rotator cuff
Principal movements
Elbow
Humeroulnar, humeroradial, and proximal radioulnar joints
Capsuloligamentous structures
Major muscle groups
Principal movements
Wrist
Distal radioulnar joint
Radiocarpal joint
Principal movements
Hand
Joints of the hand
Principal movements
Detailed study of the following muscles

Morphology, location, origin, insertion, and action of:

Deltoid
Biceps brachii
Coracobrachialis
Brachioradialis
Triceps brachii

General overview of forearm and hand muscles (including the thenar eminence).

Lower Limb
Hip
Bony anatomy of the hip joint
Capsuloligamentous structures
Major muscle groups
Principal movements
Knee
Articular surfaces
Femorotibial and patellofemoral joints
Capsuloligamentous structures
Menisci
Major muscle groups
Principal movements
Ankle
Talocrural joint
Principal movements
Foot
Foot joints
General anatomy of foot muscles
Principal movements
Detailed study of the following muscles

Morphology, location, origin, insertion, and action of:

Gluteal muscles
Iliopsoas
Quadriceps femoris
Sartorius
Biceps femoris
Triceps surae (gastrocnemius and soleus)
Tibialis anterior
NERVOUS SYSTEM

General principles of neuroanatomy and basic terminology. General organization and divisions of the nervous system. Synapses and neurotransmitters. Nerve impulse conduction. Neuronal pathways. Receptors. Sensory and motor components. Types of sensation. Muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs.

Central Nervous System

General organization and subdivisions.

Location and anatomical characteristics of the spinal cord and brain.

Ventricular system, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Organization of gray and white matter.

Spinal cord

Macroscopic anatomy and relationships.

Internal organization of gray and white matter.

Major ascending and descending tracts of the anterior, posterior, and lateral funiculi.

Brainstem

Medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain.

Organization of the brainstem.

Cranial nerve nuclei, intrinsic nuclei, and reticular formation.

Cerebellum

Macroscopic anatomy and relationships.

Internal organization.

Cerebellar cortex.

Morphofunctional organization.

Diencephalon

Configuration and boundaries.

Hypothalamus and its connections.

Hypothalamic-pituitary axis and neurosecretion.

Epithalamus.

Thalamus: organization, principal nuclei, and connections.

Telencephalon

Macroscopic anatomy.

Interhemispheric commissures.

Internal capsule.

Structure of the cerebral cortex.

White matter.

Primary sensory and motor cortical areas.

Peripheral Nervous System

Cranial and spinal nerves and ganglia.

Definition and fiber composition of peripheral nerves.

Neuromuscular junctions and motor units.

Spinal nerves

General organization.

Plexuses:

Cervical plexus (phrenic nerve)
Brachial plexus (axillary, radial, median, musculocutaneous, and ulnar nerves)
Lumbosacral plexus (femoral, obturator, and sciatic nerves)
Intercostal nerves
Cranial nerves

General features, course, and function of:

Trigeminal nerve
Facial nerve
Vagus nerve
Autonomic nervous system

General organization.

Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Sensory receptors and special senses

Definition of sensory receptors and sensory cells.

Free nerve endings and encapsulated receptors.

Organs of vision, hearing, and balance.

Sensory pathways

General sensory pathways:

Dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway
Spinothalamic tract
Spinocerebellar tract

Special sensory pathways:

Visual pathway
Auditory pathway
Vestibular pathway
Motor pathways
Pyramidal pathways
Extrapyramidal pathways
Prerequisites for admission
The course includes practical sessions, which are MANDATORY in order to be eligible to take the examination during the current academic year.
Teaching methods
The course is delivered through traditional classroom lectures. Attendance at lectures is MANDATORY. Practical sessions on topics related to the musculoskeletal system are also included and are MANDATORY.
Teaching Resources
F. Bucchieri - G. Gobbi - G. Musumeci - Anatomia per le Scienze Motorie - EdiSES
Martini-Timmons-Tallitsch - Anatomia Umana - EdiSES
Arcuri et al. - Anatomia umana. Elementi - Edi-Ermes
Tortora e Nielsen - Anatomia dell'uomo-Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
McKinley, O'Loughlin (Michetti) - Anatomia umana - PICCIN
Michael Schünke - Topografia e funzione dell'Apparato Locomotore - EdiSES
Rezzani et al. Anatomia funzionale dell'apparato locomotore - PICCIN
A.A. V.V. - PROMETHEUS (Testo Atlante di Anatomia Generale e Apparato Locomotore) - EdiSES
A.A. V.V. - PROMETHEUS - Atlante di Anatomia - EdiSES
Netter - Atlante di Anatomia Umana - Edi-Ermes
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final examination consists of both a written and an oral assessment. The written examination is composed of multiple-choice questions and is designed to evaluate the student's knowledge of topics including general anatomy, histology, splanchnology, the musculoskeletal system, and the nervous system. Passing the written examination is a prerequisite for admission to the oral examination, which covers all topics included in the course syllabus.
BIOS-12/A - Human Anatomy - University credits: 10
Exercises: 36 hours
Lessons: 42 hours