39145 - Physiology of Organs and Systems

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has the ability to acquire the notions that deal with the functions of the organism in its different and progressively more complex levels of cellular, tissue, organ and system organization and constitute the prerequisite for understanding the processes inherent to the pathological functioning of the organism.

Course contents

Cellular physiology: - Membrane ion channels; resting membrane potential; action potential and its transmission; synaptic transmission. - Mechanisms of signal transduction in sensory receptors; neuronal coding of stimuli. - General principles of neuromuscular transmission and contractile process in striated muscle and smooth muscle. Endocrine system: General principles of endocrine physiology; Classification of hormones and mechanisms of action; Control mechanisms of hormone secretion; Hypothalamic-pituitary axes. Autonomic nervous system: Anatomical-functional organization of the autonomic nervous system: sympathetic and parasympathetic section. Effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation on various organs and systems. Respiratory system: Pulmonary ventilation; Gas exchange in the lungs and tissues; Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood; Breath control mechanisms. Cardiovascular system: Electrical activity of the heart; Mechanical activity of the heart; Regulation of cardiac output; Regulation of blood pressure. Renal system: Glomerular ultrafiltration; Tubular reabsorptions and secretions; Regulation of water-salt balance and diuresis; Regulation of acid-base balance. Digestive system: Nervous control of the functions of the digestive system; Main motor functions of the digestive system; Main secretory functions of the digestive system; Digestive process and absorption of nutrients.

Readings/Bibliography

Reference textbook: VANDER PHYSIOLOGY. Widmaier Eric P., Raff Hershel, Strang Kevin T.; Ambrosiana Editori, 2018 Recommended books: - PHYSIOLOGY from molecules to integrated systems. Carbone, Cicirata & Aicardi et al., EdiSES 2018. - Physiology, Cindy Stanfield. EdiSES 2017. - Medical physiology. Guyton & Hall, Edra Ed., XIII Italian edition, 2016

Teaching methods

Lectures with the aid of power point presentations. Addition of interactive methods recently learned in UNIBO innovative teaching courses (e.g. Kahoot, Quizizz etc.).

Assessment methods

The final exam consists of an oral exam in which the student will discuss two different topics taken from the program. The exam will be considered passed if the student has demonstrated sufficient knowledge in both topics. The end-of-course exam aims to verify and evaluate the achievement of the educational objectives: knowledge of the mechanisms of generation and transmission of electrical signals in tissues; knowledge of the functional mechanisms of organs and systems and their control. The student's ability to know how to move within the various topics of the program will be assessed. The student's achievement of an organic vision of the topics addressed in class, combined with their critical use, the ability to make connections, the demonstration of mastery of expression and specific language will be assessed with marks of excellence. The final grade will be a mathematical average of the grades obtained in the tests of all the courses that make up the integrated course.

Teaching tools

The teaching material is available on the "Online teaching" website.

Office hours

See the website of Konstantinos Chatzidimitrakis