NEUROSCIENCE (ATT)
cod. 15946

Academic year 2007/08
1° year of course - First semester
Professor
Academic discipline
Fisiologia (BIO/09)
Field
Scienze biologiche e psicologiche
Type of training activity
Basic
30 hours
of face-to-face activities
2 credits
hub:
course unit
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Learning objectives

<br />Acquisition of the knowledge on the mechanisms at the basis of cellular and tissue homeostasis, on transport and communication mechanisms and on resting metabolic rate.<br />Acquisition of the knowledge on the functions of the different organs and apparata, their dynamis integration and the general mechanisms of corntrol of their functions in rest conditions and during physical activity.<br />To know the main functional parameters in healthy individuals

Prerequisites

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Course unit content

<br />GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY<br />The cell membrane<br />Cell membrane structure; membrane proteins; transport mechanisms across membranes.<br />Electrical properties of membranes<br />Electrochemical gradients; passive and active ion channels; resting membrane potential; passive electrical properties of the membrane; action potential, genesis and conduction; classification of nerve fibers.<br />Synaptic mechanisms<br />Electrical and chemical synapses; neuromuscular transmission; synapses in the central nervous system, neurotransmitters; receptors.<br /> <br />AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM<br />Autonomic nervous system; vegetative reflexes<br /> <br />HEART AND BLOOD CIRCULATION<br />Physical principles of hemodynamics; blood physical properties; properties of the heart muscle: autogeneration of action potentials, conduction of action potentials, excitability, contraction; electrophysiology of the heart muscle; mechanical events of the cardiac cycle; cardiac output; regulation of heart functions; circulation system; vasomotor regulation; arterial blood pressure; venous blood pressure and venous blood return<br /> <br />RESPIRATION<br />Physical properties of gases; functional anatomy of the lungs; lung volumes and total lung capacity; mechanics of external respiration; lung compliance; respiratory resistances; Inhaled, alveolar and exhaled air; gases exchanges through the alveolo-capillary barrier; gases transport in the blood; blood flow through the lungs; ventilation-perfusion relationships; regulation of respiration.<br /> <br />KIDNEY<br />Functional anatomy; blood flow through the kidney; glomerulus and glomerular filtration; tubular reabsorption and secretion; clearance; urinary constituents; regulation of the kidney functions; micturition.<br /> <br />DIGESTIVE SYSTEM<br />Functional anatomy; hormonal and nervous control of digestive functions; motility of digestive tract: mastication, deglutition, gastric and intestinal motility; defecation; secretive functions: salivary, gastric, intestinal, pancreatic and bile; digestive and absorption processes.<br />

Full programme

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Bibliography

<br />Fisiologia dell’uomo, edited by P.E. Di Prampero e A. Veicsteinas, Casa Editrice EDI-ERMES, Milano

Teaching methods

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Assessment methods and criteria

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Other information

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