Ateneo - UPO

The module focuses on the physiological mechanisms responsible for body homeostasis, with particular emphasis on acid-base balance, cardiovascular physiology and the functional anatomy of the cranial nerves. The physiological principles of invasive and non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring and their clinical interpretation will also be introduced.

Topics include:

Acid-base homeostasis.
Buffer systems and respiratory and renal regulation.
Arterial blood gas analysis and acid-base disorders.
Cardiac electrophysiology.
Cardiac cycle and pump function.
Cardiac output, preload, afterload and contractility.
Neurohormonal regulation of cardiovascular function.
Arterial pressure and microcirculation.
Principles of invasive and non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring.
Anatomy and physiology of the twelve cranial nerves.
Anatomical and clinical correlations.

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The course aims to provide students with in-depth clinical insight based on an understanding of cardiovascular physiology, the mechanisms regulating acid-base balance, and the anatomical and functional organization of the cranial nerves. Particular attention will be paid to integrating basic physiology with clinical applications, fostering the ability to interpret key physiological, hemodynamic, and blood gas parameters.

Physiology

PowerPoint presentations will be used to review key physiological concepts, integrating them with the discussion of clinical cases. Regarding cardiovascular physiology, the group will engage in practical exercises introducing the principles of basic cardiac ultrasound.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects

The laboratory is practical in nature and does not involve a formal exam; instead, it delves into topics covered in the physiology course, highlighting their clinical relevance.

1. Physiology of Acid–Base Balance
Homeostasis.
pH and hydrogen ion concentration.
Physiological buffer systems.
Bicarbonate buffer system.
Phosphate, protein and hemoglobin buffers.
Respiratory regulation.
Renal regulation.
Hydrogen ion secretion and ammonium production.
Arterial blood gas interpretation.
Metabolic and respiratory acidosis and alkalosis.
Physiological compensation mechanisms.
2. Cardiovascular Physiology
Electrical properties of the myocardium.
Cardiac conduction system.
Action potentials of contractile and pacemaker cells.
Cardiac cycle.
Cardiac mechanics.
Stroke volume and cardiac output.
Preload, afterload and contractility.
Frank-Starling mechanism.
Neural and hormonal cardiovascular regulation.
Systemic arterial pressure.
Systemic and pulmonary circulation.
Microcirculation and capillary exchange.
Venous return.
Blood flow autoregulation.
3. Hemodynamic Monitoring
Physiological basis of cardiovascular monitoring.
Non-invasive monitoring:
non-invasive blood pressure;
heart rate;
pulse oximetry;
electrocardiography;
capnography;
point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and basic echocardiography.
Invasive monitoring:
invasive arterial pressure;
central venous pressure;
arterial catheterization;
central venous catheterization;
principles of pulmonary artery catheterization;
cardiac output monitoring;
dynamic assessment of fluid responsiveness.
Interpretation of the main hemodynamic variables.
4. Anatomy and Physiology of Cranial Nerves
Brainstem organization.
Motor, sensory and autonomic nuclei.
Apparent and true origins of cranial nerves.
Anatomy and physiology of the twelve cranial nerves.
Cranial nerve reflexes.
Ocular movements.
Trigeminal system.
Facial nerve.
Vestibular and cochlear physiology.
Swallowing and phonation.
Cranial autonomic control.
Major anatomical-clinical correlations.

At the end of the course students will be able to:

describe the physiological mechanisms regulating acid-base balance;
correctly interpret arterial blood gas analysis;
understand cardiac physiology and circulation;
explain the determinants of cardiac output and arterial pressure;
understand the physiological principles of invasive and non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring and interpret the main hemodynamic variables;
describe the anatomy and physiology of the cranial nerves;
integrate physiological knowledge into clinical reasoning.