FISIOLOGIA A - L

• To gain a clear understanding of the cellular mechanisms and networks that enable the human body to function.
• Knowing the integrated functioning of the different organs, apparatus and control systems through which the living organism obtains and maintains homeostasis.
• Clear understanding of the mechanisms that, when abnormal, turn into pathological dysfunctions.

Having participated to Physiology classes, students will achieve knowledge on the mechanisms governing the functioning of the various apparatuses of the body, also acquiring notions of anatomical organization and physiopathology.

Lectures. Attendance is mandatory

PLEASE NOTE: The recent COVID-19 emergency has imposed the adoption of remote teaching and examination. As the emergency is unfortunately still on, remote teaching and examination is to be carried out in the coming months, therefore some changes may occur in order to closely adhere to the program outlined in the syllabus

General part

• Compartmentalization: cells, tissues and organs
• Homeostasis, adaptation and responsiveness.
• Intercellular Communication and modulation of signal transduction.
• Control systems: Feedback Loops.

The Nervous System

• Functional Classification: central and peripheral nervous system
• Cells of the Nervous System.
• Neurons: excitable cells.
• Resting potential and action potential.
• Chemical and electrical synapses
• Post-synaptic responses.
• The central nervous system
• Afferent Pathways
• Efferent Pathways: autonomic nervous system and the somatic motor system.
• The control of body movement: integrated functions of the spinal cord, cerebellum and basal ganglia.

The Endocrine System

• Hormones, chemical characteristics, synthesis and secretion, transport in blood, mode of action.
• Functions of the main endocrine glands: hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas. Regulation of calcium metabolism.
• The Hypothalamus: its fundamental role in the Regulatory Systems of the homeostasis.

Muscle

• Muscular system: functions and mechanism of skeletal, smooth muscle and heart.
• Neuromuscular Junction.

Cardiovascular system

• General properties, electrocardiogram, mechanical cycle of the heart.
• Cardiac output and its regulation.
• Regulation of blood pressure: influence of the vessels and the renin-angiotensin system.
• The baroreflex.

Renal physiology

• Urinary system, nephron, glomerular ultrafiltration, resorption processes and tubular secretion.
• Antidiuretic hormone and aldosterone: the control of diuresis.
• Regulation of acid-base balance. Buffers of human body.
• Urination and its regulation.

Respiratory system

• Breathing and functions of the pleural space.
• Functions of the lung in the regulation of acid-base balance.
• Nervous control of breathing
• Chemical control of breathing
• Control of the respiratory center.

Nutrition physiology

• Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
• Basal metabolic rate, body masses and their determination.
• Water balance: intake and elimination. Regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance by hormones: vasopressin, renin, angiotensin, aldosterone. The thirst center.

Carbone, Aicardi, Maggi - FISIOLOGIA  EdiSES 

Silverthorn - FISIOLOGIA  Pearson Italia 

Stanfield - FISIOLOGIA  EdiSES 

Guyton & Hall - FISIOLOGIA MEDICA  EdiSES 

Fox- FISIOLOGIA UMANA Piccin