Learning objectives
to develop an understanding og the general physiological principles associated with the function of the different body systems in the horse
Course unit content
<p>Physiology of the cardiovascular system- Functional organization of the cardiovascular system. Blood vessel characteristics. Structure and function of the heart . Eletrical activity of the heart. The cardiac cycle. Blood circulation and cardiac activity. Cardiovascular responses to exercise.</p>
<p>Physiology of respiration- Overview of respiratoty function: ventilation of the lung. Gas exchange. Gas transport in the blood. Respiratory adaptations to exercise.</p>
<p>Digestive physiology- Overview of digestive function and its control. Pregastric digestion. Gastric function: secretion and motility. Pancreatic juice. Role and composition of bile. Chemical digestion and absorption in the intestine. Intestinal motility and its contrl. Fermentative digestion in the large intestine.</p>
<p>Regulation of body temperature- Thermal homeostasis. Thermoregulatory mechanisms. Heat loss in the athletic horse. </p>
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Bibliography
<p>L. Sherwood, H.Klandorf, P.Yancey "Fisiologia degli animali", ed. Zanichelli</p>
<p>J.G. Cunningham "Manuale di Fisiologia Veterinaria", Antonio Delfino Editore</p>
<p>O.V. Sjaastad, K. Hove, O.Sand "Physiology of domestic animals", Scandinavian Veterinary Press.</p>