Morphological and molecular basis of the central nervous system and its pathologies
A.A. 2025/2026
Obiettivi formativi
The aim of the course Morphological and Molecular Basis of the Central Nervous System and Its Pathologies is for students to develop knowledge and understanding of the main aspects related to the body's two major integrative systems: the nervous system and the endocrine system. The course covers the anatomy, function, and hormonal regulation of the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems, with developmental anatomy included when relevant. In addition, the course provides general information on neuroanatomy and its applications to environmental sustainability. Students will also be introduced to the pathogenesis of the most significant neurological diseases, as well as the animal models used to study and understand them. During the practical sessions, students will learn about strategies that can be applied in the microscopy laboratory to reduce environmental impact.
Risultati apprendimento attesi
1. Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will have to demonstrate knowledge of the morphology and molecular organization of the nervous and endocrine systems, with specific reference to their anatomy, functions, regulatory mechanisms, and major pathological alterations.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The student will have to demonstrate knowledge and understanding useful for interpreting the structural and functional organization of the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems in physiological and pathological conditions. He/she will have to demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical contexts, such as the analysis of neuroanatomical preparations, the interpretation of laboratory findings, and the evaluation of environmentally sustainable strategies in microscopy and laboratory practice.
3. Making judgments
The student must demonstrate the ability to critically present the information acquired and to independently evaluate scientific data related to neuroanatomy, neuropathology, and endocrine regulation.
4. Communication
The student is expected to use scientifically appropriate language, in particular terminology referring to neuroanatomy, neuropathology, hormonal regulation, and microscopy methodologies. Practical activities and discussion sessions are intended to stimulate the ability to use specific terminology correctly and to develop the capacity to discuss scientific information clearly and effectively with peers.
5. Lifelong learning skills
The student must gain the ability to use acquired knowledge to interpret new scientific scenarios and emerging information in the fields of neuroscience and endocrinology. This includes the ability to autonomously search scientific databases, critically organize new information from the literature, and update knowledge related to neurobiological mechanisms, disease processes, and sustainable laboratory practices.
At the end of the course, the student will have to demonstrate knowledge of the morphology and molecular organization of the nervous and endocrine systems, with specific reference to their anatomy, functions, regulatory mechanisms, and major pathological alterations.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The student will have to demonstrate knowledge and understanding useful for interpreting the structural and functional organization of the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems in physiological and pathological conditions. He/she will have to demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical contexts, such as the analysis of neuroanatomical preparations, the interpretation of laboratory findings, and the evaluation of environmentally sustainable strategies in microscopy and laboratory practice.
3. Making judgments
The student must demonstrate the ability to critically present the information acquired and to independently evaluate scientific data related to neuroanatomy, neuropathology, and endocrine regulation.
4. Communication
The student is expected to use scientifically appropriate language, in particular terminology referring to neuroanatomy, neuropathology, hormonal regulation, and microscopy methodologies. Practical activities and discussion sessions are intended to stimulate the ability to use specific terminology correctly and to develop the capacity to discuss scientific information clearly and effectively with peers.
5. Lifelong learning skills
The student must gain the ability to use acquired knowledge to interpret new scientific scenarios and emerging information in the fields of neuroscience and endocrinology. This includes the ability to autonomously search scientific databases, critically organize new information from the literature, and update knowledge related to neurobiological mechanisms, disease processes, and sustainable laboratory practices.
Periodo: Secondo semestre
Modalità di valutazione: Esame
Giudizio di valutazione: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Corso singolo
Questo insegnamento può essere seguito come corso singolo.
Programma e organizzazione didattica
Edizione unica
Responsabile
Periodo
Secondo semestre
Programma
The course is structured in two series of lectures/practices:
A - Morphological and molecular basis of the central nervous system
B - Molecular basis of the central nervous system pathologies
A-Morphological and molecular basis of the central nervous system
Lectures (24 hours):
CNS organization, Neurons, Ganglia and Nerves (2 hours)
Internal capsule and ventricles & Willis circulatory system (1 hour)
CNS: Brain and cortical areas, pons, midbrain, diencephalon, basal ganglia, cerebellum (3 hours)
Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators of the SNC, Spinal cord (1 hour)
Ascending pathways, somatosensory systems. Descending pathways, motor systems (2 hour)
Development of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. (1 hour)
Neurogenic areas in the brain (1 hour)
Gene regulation of neurogenesis, differentiation of neural progenitors. (1 hour)
The neurogenic niche. Engrafting and homing of neural progenitorsi. Neuro-phenotype-related experiments using knock -out mice (2 hours)
Sympathetic System (1 hour)
Paraympathetic System (1 hour)
Enteric (1 hour)
Neuroendocrine: Hypotalamus, Pituitary and Pineal glands (2 hours)
Action Potentials and nervous transmission. Myelinization and salutatory transmission (2 hours)
Synapsis. Neuro-muscular junctions. Eccitatoty and inhibitory Neurotransmitters, Reuptake (3 hours)
Practical training (12 hours):
Microscopy session on Neurons, Ganglia and Nerves (2 hours)
Microscopy session on Neural tissue sections (2 hours)
Microscopy session on Spinal cord (C3;T2,L4) (2 hours)
Confocal images of Pituitary and Pineal glands (2 hours)
Microscopy session on Sciatic Nerve (2 hours)
Gap junctions and Synapsis (2 hours)
Data acquisition and analysis from confocal images (2 hours)
Data acquisition and analysis from MRI images (2 hours)
B - Molecular basis of the central nervous system pathologies
Lectures (12 hours):
Aging (2 hours)
Inflammation and structure of CNS (2 hours)
Multiple sclerosis (2 hours)
Conformational diseases (TSE, Alzheimer, Parkinson) (8 hours)
Practices (12 hours):
Neuropathology in animal models (2 hours)
Purification of blood monocytes as microglia models (2 hours)
Seminars on microbiome, exososmes, ageing in livestock (Erasmus class; 8 hours)
A - Morphological and molecular basis of the central nervous system
B - Molecular basis of the central nervous system pathologies
A-Morphological and molecular basis of the central nervous system
Lectures (24 hours):
CNS organization, Neurons, Ganglia and Nerves (2 hours)
Internal capsule and ventricles & Willis circulatory system (1 hour)
CNS: Brain and cortical areas, pons, midbrain, diencephalon, basal ganglia, cerebellum (3 hours)
Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators of the SNC, Spinal cord (1 hour)
Ascending pathways, somatosensory systems. Descending pathways, motor systems (2 hour)
Development of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. (1 hour)
Neurogenic areas in the brain (1 hour)
Gene regulation of neurogenesis, differentiation of neural progenitors. (1 hour)
The neurogenic niche. Engrafting and homing of neural progenitorsi. Neuro-phenotype-related experiments using knock -out mice (2 hours)
Sympathetic System (1 hour)
Paraympathetic System (1 hour)
Enteric (1 hour)
Neuroendocrine: Hypotalamus, Pituitary and Pineal glands (2 hours)
Action Potentials and nervous transmission. Myelinization and salutatory transmission (2 hours)
Synapsis. Neuro-muscular junctions. Eccitatoty and inhibitory Neurotransmitters, Reuptake (3 hours)
Practical training (12 hours):
Microscopy session on Neurons, Ganglia and Nerves (2 hours)
Microscopy session on Neural tissue sections (2 hours)
Microscopy session on Spinal cord (C3;T2,L4) (2 hours)
Confocal images of Pituitary and Pineal glands (2 hours)
Microscopy session on Sciatic Nerve (2 hours)
Gap junctions and Synapsis (2 hours)
Data acquisition and analysis from confocal images (2 hours)
Data acquisition and analysis from MRI images (2 hours)
B - Molecular basis of the central nervous system pathologies
Lectures (12 hours):
Aging (2 hours)
Inflammation and structure of CNS (2 hours)
Multiple sclerosis (2 hours)
Conformational diseases (TSE, Alzheimer, Parkinson) (8 hours)
Practices (12 hours):
Neuropathology in animal models (2 hours)
Purification of blood monocytes as microglia models (2 hours)
Seminars on microbiome, exososmes, ageing in livestock (Erasmus class; 8 hours)
Prerequisiti
Basic knowledge of histology, anatomy and pathology
Metodi didattici
Lectures and practices. Lectures are available via ARIEL learning platform and updated every year.
Materiale di riferimento
Handouts
Modalità di verifica dell’apprendimento e criteri di valutazione
Written exam on all the topics covered during lessons and practices.
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Multiple Choice Questions
A- Morphological and molecular basis of the central nervous system
16 MCQ- 2 points per Question answered correctly
B- Molecular basis of the central nervous system pathology
Students have the option to take two intermediate tests (30 MCQ) or one test (60 MCQ). In either case, the score will be 0.5 points per question answered correctly.
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Multiple Choice Questions
A- Morphological and molecular basis of the central nervous system
16 MCQ- 2 points per Question answered correctly
B- Molecular basis of the central nervous system pathology
Students have the option to take two intermediate tests (30 MCQ) or one test (60 MCQ). In either case, the score will be 0.5 points per question answered correctly.
VET/01 - ANATOMIA DEGLI ANIMALI DOMESTICI - CFU: 5
VET/03 - PATOLOGIA GENERALE E ANATOMIA PATOLOGICA VETERINARIA - CFU: 3
VET/03 - PATOLOGIA GENERALE E ANATOMIA PATOLOGICA VETERINARIA - CFU: 3
Esercitazioni: 24 ore
Lezioni: 36 ore
Lezioni: 36 ore
Siti didattici
Docente/i
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Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali- Stanza 172
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