Ateneo - UPO

The course provides the fundamental knowledge of the physiological mechanisms underlying muscle function, with particular emphasis on the cellular and molecular processes regulating muscle contraction. The principles of excitable cell physiology, the mechanisms of excitation–contraction coupling, and the processes through which the electrical activity of muscle cells is converted into a mechanical response will be examined. The course will focus on the functional characteristics of skeletal and smooth muscle, highlighting their structural differences, the mechanisms regulating force production, and their role in the organization of motor and visceral functions of the human body.

Edi-Ermes, Fisiologia Umana: Fondamenti

At the end of the course, students will have acquired the fundamental knowledge of the physiological mechanisms regulating muscle function, with particular reference to the structure and function of skeletal and smooth muscle. Students will understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying muscle contraction, the processes of excitation–contraction coupling, and the main mechanisms regulating muscle force production.
Students will be able to describe the functional differences between skeletal and smooth muscle, understand the role of calcium and contractile proteins in the regulation of contraction, and interpret the contribution of muscle tissue to motor control and physiological functions of the human body.
Furthermore, students will be able to integrate the acquired knowledge with the general principles of cellular physiology and biological systems, using appropriate scientific terminology and developing the ability to understand physiological textbooks and teaching materials.

Students should be in possession of basic knowledge of Biology, Physics, and Chemistry

PowerPoint presentations are used during lectures, and the DIR platform is used to upload the teaching materials. Particular attention is paid to the use of clear and inclusive language in order to support students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), and Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Office hours require a prior appointment with the lecturer, which can be arranged by contacting: daniele.borzelli@uniupo.it.
Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request dedicated services and support tools by contacting the relevant university office and consulting the dedicated page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studentesse-e-studenti-condizione-di-disabilità-e-dsa. After contacting the University support staff, students may contact the course lecturer to discuss possible adaptations of the examination procedures and to receive support regarding teaching and learning aspects.

Assessment consists of a written examination with multiple-choice questions covering the content of the course modules.

Muscle Physiology
• Organization of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.
• Molecular mechanism of muscle contraction.
• Excitation–contraction coupling.
• Motor unit.
• Regulation of muscle force.
• Mechanical properties of muscle.

At the end of the course, students will have acquired the fundamental knowledge of the structural and functional organization of muscle tissue and of the physiological mechanisms regulating skeletal and smooth muscle contraction. Students will understand the cellular and molecular processes underlying muscle excitability, excitation–contraction coupling, and the regulation of muscle force production.
To achieve the minimum required level of learning, students should be able to describe the main physiological mechanisms underlying muscle contraction, identify the functional differences between skeletal and smooth muscle, and apply the acquired knowledge to interpret the role of muscle tissue in motor and physiological functions of the human body.
Students will also develop transferable skills, including the ability to read, understand, and comment on technical and scientific material related to muscle physiology, correctly use discipline-specific terminology, and integrate the acquired knowledge with the functional aspects of other biological systems.
To achieve an advanced level of learning, students should demonstrate an understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating muscle contraction, the ability to interpret the relationship between muscle structure and function, and the ability to apply this knowledge to the analysis of basic physiological and pathophysiological conditions.