05181 - Physiology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will have acquired the basic knowledge of the cellular and integrated physiology of the human body. He will also have acquaintance of the neural control of the homeostatic mechanisms.

Course contents

Cellular physiology. Functional systems of the human body. The cell as functional unit of the human body. Concept of body homeostasis. Compositions of the intra- and extra-cellular milieus. Diffusion and transport mechanisms through the plasma membrane. Resting membrane potential

Nervous system. Cells of the nervous system. Communication mechanisms of the information in the nervous system. Central nervous system. Peripheral nervous system.

Endocrine system. Functional properties of hormones. Hormone classification. Control mechanisms of hormone secretion

Muscular system. Properties of the skeletal and smooth muscles. Cellular mechanisms of muscular contraction. Neuromuscular transmission

Cardiovascular system. Functional organization of the cardiovascular system. Electrical and mechanical activities of the hearth. Control of the cardiac activity and blood pressure

Respiratory system. Functional organization of the respiratory system. Pulmonary ventilation. Gas transport in the blood. Regulation of the respiratory activity

Urinary system. Functional organization of the urinary system. Process of urine production. Hormonal and nervous regulation of urine production

Immune system.  

 

Readings/Bibliography

Silverthorn- Human physiology: an integrated approach
Seventh edition; Pearson editor

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons

Assessment methods

The verification of the learning ability will be assessed only through a final oral exam. The exam will consist of a question on one of the arguments of the proposed learning program

Teaching tools

power point presentation

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Ferroni