Human Physiology
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course provides a full view of what the human body is capable. It consists of the description of the main molecular mechanisms of cell physiology, the salient features of organ and system functioning, the main control systems, and their reciprocal interaction in response to changes in the internal or external environment. The main objectives are to understand the physiological processes, to analyze their biological meaning, and to lay the foundation for understanding the physiological adaptation process taking place due to a continuously changing environment.
This knowledge is essential for understanding the subsequent courses in biological and medical fields and its application is the basis of officinal plant and natural products use for human well-being.
This knowledge is essential for understanding the subsequent courses in biological and medical fields and its application is the basis of officinal plant and natural products use for human well-being.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student is required to be able to: a) understand and be able to discuss the basic principles of cellular physiology; b) apply these principles for understanding the functions of the different organs, their regulatory pattern, and their interactions; c) to discuss the processes of physiological adaptation to continuously changing environment.
For the students is also essential to use a correct terminology in verbal form. For this purpose, an adequate amount of time is given to questions and discussion on specific topics during the lessons.
For the students is also essential to use a correct terminology in verbal form. For this purpose, an adequate amount of time is given to questions and discussion on specific topics during the lessons.
Lesson period: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Course syllabus
FIRST PART
CONCEPTS OF GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY
Homeostasis; Functional compartments of the organism; Integration and coordination of physiological functions through cellular communication mechanisms. Feedback regulation.
CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
Osmosis and osmotic pressure, oncotic pressure; transmembrane transport; main characteristics of the different tissues; resting membrane potential; Ion channels; Excitability; Action potential; Conduction of the action potential; Synapses; Neurotransmitters; Receptors; Modulation of synaptic activity.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
The central nervous system: General organization; meninges; blood-brain barrier; language; learning and memory; sleep; motor control; sensory functions.
The peripheral nervous system: General organization; autonomic nervous system; motor reflexes.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM General organization. Neuroendocrinology: the pituitary portal system, hypothalamic, and pituitary hormones. The endocrine "axes". Control of blood sugar and calcium levels.
MUSCLE SYSTEM
Mechanisms of contraction and control of the skeletal muscle cell. Characteristics of smooth muscle contraction.
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Male Reproductive System - General Organization - The Spermatic Ducts - The Glands Associated with the Male Reproductive System - Spermatogenesis
Female Reproductive System - General Organization - The Female Reproductive System and Glands Associated with the Male Reproductive System - The Ovarian Cycle and Oogenesis
SECOND PART
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY
Three-dimensional organization of the human body; Anatomical terminology; Body regions; General structure of hollow and full organs.
CARDIOCIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Heart: Gross anatomy of the heart. Small and large club. Myocardiocytes. Electrical activity of the heart. Mechanical activity of the heart. Cardiac cycle, systolic and cardiac output. Regulation of cardiac activity. Circle: Macroscopic anatomy of blood vessels. Principles of circulatory dynamics. Functions of the arterial, venous and capillary districts. Regulatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular system in maintaining blood flow and blood pressure. The lymphatic system. Blood and haemostasis.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Organization of the apparatus. Respiratory muscles. Respiratory mechanics. Respiratory volumes. Gas exchange at the level of the pulmonary alveoli. Hemoglobin. Transport of O2 and CO2. Local and central control of respiratory activity. URINARY SYSTEM Organization of the apparatus. Organization of the nephron. Principles of glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, secretion and excretion. Plasma clearance. Renal glucose threshold. Water/salt homeostasis and renal control.
GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
Organization of the apparatus. Secretions and motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Functions of the pancreas and liver in digestive processes. The hepatic portal system. Bile formation.
CONCEPTS OF GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY
Homeostasis; Functional compartments of the organism; Integration and coordination of physiological functions through cellular communication mechanisms. Feedback regulation.
CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
Osmosis and osmotic pressure, oncotic pressure; transmembrane transport; main characteristics of the different tissues; resting membrane potential; Ion channels; Excitability; Action potential; Conduction of the action potential; Synapses; Neurotransmitters; Receptors; Modulation of synaptic activity.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
The central nervous system: General organization; meninges; blood-brain barrier; language; learning and memory; sleep; motor control; sensory functions.
The peripheral nervous system: General organization; autonomic nervous system; motor reflexes.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM General organization. Neuroendocrinology: the pituitary portal system, hypothalamic, and pituitary hormones. The endocrine "axes". Control of blood sugar and calcium levels.
MUSCLE SYSTEM
Mechanisms of contraction and control of the skeletal muscle cell. Characteristics of smooth muscle contraction.
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Male Reproductive System - General Organization - The Spermatic Ducts - The Glands Associated with the Male Reproductive System - Spermatogenesis
Female Reproductive System - General Organization - The Female Reproductive System and Glands Associated with the Male Reproductive System - The Ovarian Cycle and Oogenesis
SECOND PART
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY
Three-dimensional organization of the human body; Anatomical terminology; Body regions; General structure of hollow and full organs.
CARDIOCIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Heart: Gross anatomy of the heart. Small and large club. Myocardiocytes. Electrical activity of the heart. Mechanical activity of the heart. Cardiac cycle, systolic and cardiac output. Regulation of cardiac activity. Circle: Macroscopic anatomy of blood vessels. Principles of circulatory dynamics. Functions of the arterial, venous and capillary districts. Regulatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular system in maintaining blood flow and blood pressure. The lymphatic system. Blood and haemostasis.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Organization of the apparatus. Respiratory muscles. Respiratory mechanics. Respiratory volumes. Gas exchange at the level of the pulmonary alveoli. Hemoglobin. Transport of O2 and CO2. Local and central control of respiratory activity. URINARY SYSTEM Organization of the apparatus. Organization of the nephron. Principles of glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, secretion and excretion. Plasma clearance. Renal glucose threshold. Water/salt homeostasis and renal control.
GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
Organization of the apparatus. Secretions and motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Functions of the pancreas and liver in digestive processes. The hepatic portal system. Bile formation.
Prerequisites for admission
Being a first-year exam, it does not require any prerequisites beyond the standard entry requirements for the degree programme.
Teaching methods
The course utilizes an integrated teaching methodology, including traditional lectures, video tutorials, and practice quizzes. This is combined with asynchronous learning, where students review introductory presentations on core concepts prior to in-class discussion and practical application.
Teaching Resources
Notes and schemes taken from the lessons, videos, on the MyAriel website of the course (not exhaustive).
"Human physiology, an integrated approach". D.U. Silverthorn, Pearson Publishing House.
"Human physiology, an integrated approach". D.U. Silverthorn, Pearson Publishing House.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Examination Methods
The exam is identical for both attending and non-attending students and is divided into two oral tests, each consisting of two or three questions:
Part One (4 CFU - starting from February): focuses on the general principles of physiology, the functions of the nervous and muscular systems, and the endocrine and reproductive systems.
Part Two (4 CFU): focuses on the general physiology of the other organ systems covered during lectures.
Passing the first test (minimum grade 18/30) is a prerequisite for taking the second one.
Assessment Criteria
The oral examination will assess the depth of study, the structure of the presentation, and the appropriate use of scientific terminology.
The final grade is based on the average of the two tests and is subject to the student's acceptance.
Grading is based on the following criteria:
Pass (18-23/30): sufficient baseline preparation.
Good (24-27/30): good knowledge of all the topics covered.
Excellent (28-30/30): excellent knowledge of the topics and excellent presentation skills.
Cum Laude (With Honors): awarded if the student also demonstrates an advanced depth of knowledge and independent insight.
The exam is identical for both attending and non-attending students and is divided into two oral tests, each consisting of two or three questions:
Part One (4 CFU - starting from February): focuses on the general principles of physiology, the functions of the nervous and muscular systems, and the endocrine and reproductive systems.
Part Two (4 CFU): focuses on the general physiology of the other organ systems covered during lectures.
Passing the first test (minimum grade 18/30) is a prerequisite for taking the second one.
Assessment Criteria
The oral examination will assess the depth of study, the structure of the presentation, and the appropriate use of scientific terminology.
The final grade is based on the average of the two tests and is subject to the student's acceptance.
Grading is based on the following criteria:
Pass (18-23/30): sufficient baseline preparation.
Good (24-27/30): good knowledge of all the topics covered.
Excellent (28-30/30): excellent knowledge of the topics and excellent presentation skills.
Cum Laude (With Honors): awarded if the student also demonstrates an advanced depth of knowledge and independent insight.
BIOS-06/A - Physiology - University credits: 8
Lessons: 64 hours
Professors:
Galbiati Mariarita, Montagnani Marelli Marina
Professor(s)
Reception:
monday - friday 8.30-17.30 by appointment
via Balzaretti, 9 piano 4 stanza 5020