Ateneo - UPO

The course will focus on the study of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, renal and digestive systems and their integrated functioning in the body

G. Aicardi, V. Carabelli, E. Carbone, R. Maggi. Fisiologia: dalle molecole ai sistemi integrati (terza edizione). EdiSES, 2025. ISBN 9788836232308 L. Sherwood, Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems Brooks/Cole Pub Co C.L. Stanfield-W.J. Germann, FISIOLOGIA, EdiSES Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology Elsevier - Health Sciences Division

The course aims to provide an integrated view of the physiology and especially of the interaction existing between the various apparatuses of our organism having as a fundamental starting point the maintenance of the internal homeostasis of a living organism. One of the aims is to provide a cooperative view of the various apparatuses of our organism and to put the female and male students in a position to “jump” with ease from one apparatus to another manifesting a clear understanding of the profound interaction that exists in our organism.

A good command of Anatomy and General Physiology is recommended. Notions of Biochemistry also facilitate understanding of the functions of the digestive system

Teaching will be delivered in the classroom with the help of Power Point files that will still be provided to female and male students via the DIR platform. Lectures will involve close interaction with Q&A and problem-solving with female and male students to stimulate curiosity and interest in the subject and topics covered. Links with online animations of basic physiological processes and examples of correlation with common diseases will be provided. A two-hour lecture will be devoted as a seminar on gender differences in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. A two-hour lecture will be given on physiological aspects of the cardiovascular system that differ between females and males.

The student component with disabilities or with Specific Learning Disorders (DSA) or Special Educational Needs (BES) can request specific dedicated services and tools by contacting the Career Development and Coordination Staff and Services to the student component and consulting the dedicated page of the Athenaeum website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti disabled-e-dsa DSA, BES subjects, once they have made contact with the Athenaeum Staff, can contact the teacher in charge of the teaching in relation to the declination of the examination modalities, regarding the teaching aspects. A two-hour lecture will be given on physiological aspects of the cardiovascular system that differ between females and males.

The exam consists of a single oral test comprising 5-6 questions on the topics covered during the course. The oral test aims to assess the student's level of knowledge and understanding of the course content and to evaluate their independent judgment, learning ability, and communication skills. To pass, students must answer 3 out of 5 questions correctly, clearly, and using appropriate language, demonstrating mastery and reasoning skills. In addition, when appropriately stimulated, they must demonstrate the ability to recognize mistakes and identify the correct answers; finally, they must be able to present topics in an understandable way. To achieve excellence, in addition to the 5-6 basic questions, the student will be asked a more specific and difficult question. Failure to answer does not compromise previous answers.

Circulatory system: structure and function of the cardiovascular system in vertebrates (background on invertebrates); the heart as a pump (electrical and mechanical activity of the heart), Blood vessels and circulation: blood pressure and velocity, capillaries and exchanges with tissues. Regulation and adaptations of the cardiovascular system. Respiratory system: general principles. Mechanics of respiration and diffusion of gases through respiratory surfaces. Respiratory function of blood: transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, buffering function of blood. Nerve and chemical regulation of respiration, respiratory adjustments and muscle activity. Digestive system: functional anatomy of the alimentary canal, control of gastrointestinal function, motility, secretion and absorption in the different districts of the digestive system, concepts of energy balance and metabolism, evolution of the digestive system. Renal function: morpho functional organization, processes of filtration, absorption and secretion in the nephron, variety of tubular structures. Water and salt balance

Each female and male student is expected to acquire: KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: Female and male students will learn about and understand the physiological mechanisms underlying the functioning of the human body. Students will learn to express themselves using appropriate scientific terminology. ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: Female and male students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired in all disciplines that require knowledge of the physiological mechanisms of the human body. INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT: Female and male students will acquire the ability to independently and critically analyze elements related to the physiological mechanisms of the human body in conditions of health and disease. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Female and male students will acquire the ability to disseminate the knowledge they have acquired using specific and appropriate vocabulary in order to be able to communicate professionally and competently in academic and later professional contexts. In addition, they will acquire the ability to convey the knowledge they acquired in a clear and understandable way to a general audience. LEARNING SKILLS: Female and male students will acquire the ability to use the teaching materials provided for a critical and reasoned study of the topics covered and will also be able to independently explore and update their knowledge of issues related to the subject by reading scientific texts and articles.