Principal aim of the course is the acquistion of the theoretical and applicative principles of human physiology. The primary goal is to transmit to students the basic language and the fundamental knowledge for the comprehension:

• of the cellular processes and mechanisms underlying the functions of physiological regulatory systems;
• of the processes and mechanisms underlying the normal functioning of the various organs of the human body;
• of the general principles and basic mechanisms controlling the integrated functions of the various organs and systems under physiological conditions.

The program includes the following themes, here listed in the same order as they will be presented during the course:

• Transport of substances across the cell membrane: diffusion and facilitated diffusion; primary and secondary active transport. Ionic channels; resting membrane potential; action potential; propagation of action potential.
• Nervous system: chemical synapses and electrical synapses; neurotransmitters and their receptors; post-synaptic potential; neuron integration function; action potential; myelin sheath and saltatory conduction; sensory receptors: stimulus transduction and codification; reflexes; Somatosensiory system; nociception and pain; autonomic nervous system.
• Muscle: sarcomere; excitation-contraction coupling; muscle metabolism; isometric and isotonic contraction; twitch and tetanus; neuromuscular junction; motor unit; smooth muscle.
• Cardiovascular system: electrical activity of cardiac cells; cardiac cycle; stroke volume and heart rate regulation; cardiac output, venous return and their regulation; local control of blood flow by metabolic, neural and humoral factors; blood pressure and its short and long term regulation; microvascular exchange and Starling forces.
• Renal system: glomerular filtration; tubular functions: reabsorption and secretion by the renal tubules; solute reabsorption along proximal tubule, loop of Henle, distal tubule and collecting duct; renal mechanisms for urine concentrating and diluting to control extracellular fluid osmolarity and volume; renal clearance.
• Respiratory system: mechanics of pulmonary ventilation; gas exchange between alveoli and pulmonary capillary blood; ventilation-perfusion ratio; transport of oxigen and carbon dioxide in blood; regulation of respiration.
• Gastrointestinal system: motility: electrical and mechanical activity of smooth muscle cells; mastication; swallowing; esophagus motility; stomach motility; movements of small and large intestine; defecation; secretory functions: salivary secretion; gastric secretion; pancreatic secretion; biliary secretion; intestinal secretion; digestion and absorption; nervous and hormonal regulation of gastrointestinal functions.
• Endocrine system: hormones: classification, synthesis and release, action mechanisms; hypothalamus-hypophysis axis; thyroid; adrenal gland; endocrine pancreas.
• Energy metabolism and basal metabolic rate. Control of food intake and of body weight.

Animal Biology; Human Anatomy; Physics

Students are expected to fulfill the learning achievements in accordance with Dublin Descriptors:

D1 - Knowledge and comprehension ability: students shall demonstrate to have learnt the basic principles of Human Physiology and comprehended the fundamental relationships between concepts and principles learned during the course, so as to be able to discuss theoretical aspects of the discipline in a logical and complete fashion;

D2 - Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: students shall be able to discuss applicative problems in the context of Human Physiology;

D3 - Autonomy of judgment: students shall be able to critically and autonomously evaluate different opinions related to the various aspects of Physiology;

D4 - Communication skills: students shall be able to describe principles and concepts in a clear and appropriate fashion, using correct terminology and suitable examples;

D5 - Learning ability: students shall demonstrate to have reached a good level of learning capacity, not only in terms of ability to memorize/retrieve the information studied, but also in terms of ability to elaborate original thoughts about the diverse issues presented during the course.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Besides course books, students will benefit from didactic material displayed during the lessons, available on the platform Moodle.

No seminars, practice activities, or supporting lessons given by persons different from the lecturer will be offered.

Teaching

Frontal lessons

Attendance

There are no specific obligations, although attendance at lessons is strongly recommended.

Course books

• Guyton and Hall, Textbook of Human Physiology, 13° edition, Elsevier
• Silverthorn, Human Physiology, 7° edition, Pearson

Assessment

The final assessment is aimed at verifying the acquisition of knowledge and abilities expected in accordance to Dublin Descriptors. The exam consists of an oral tests, during which questions will be asked on various themes of Human Physiology related to the topics in the program of the course. The final grade will be awarded out of thirty.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Course books

• Guyton and Hall, Textbook of Human Physiology, 13° edition, Elsevier
• Silverthorn, Human Physiology, 7° edition, Pearson

Assessment

The final assessment is aimed at verifying the acquisition of knowledge and abilities expected in accordance to Dublin Descriptors. The exam consists of an oral tests, during which questions will be asked on various themes of Human Physiology related to the topics in the program of the course. The final grade will be awarded out of thirty.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.