Ateneo - UPO

The module aims to provide each female and male student with an overview of the evolutionary history of the human musculoskeletal system that supports bipedal posture, with particular reference to the structural aspects characterizing its anatomical architecture.

TESTO:
Dario Cremaschi:
Sulla Strada che Porta all'Uomo.
ed.: edi-ermes
Lecture notes.
Scientific articles available on the course DIR platform.
For further reading, please refer to:
- Human Anatomy textbooks
- Comparative Anatomy textbooks

Upon completion of the module, each female and male student should be able to develop a critical and holistic view regarding the structural adaptations that enable human bipedal posture.

Students are recommended to have a basic knowledge of the following courses:
- Human Anatomy
- Fundamentals of Histology, Embryology, and Functional Anatomy.

Teaching is delivered through oral presentations of the topics, supported by PowerPoint projections, and classroom discussion.
The slideshows used during lectures will be made available to all students enrolled in the course on the relevant DIR pages.

Assessment of learning following course attendance will be carried out through a final course exam.

Male and Female students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) can request dedicated services and specific tools by contacting the Student Careers and Services Development and Coordination Staff and by visiting the dedicated page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti-disabili-e-dsa
Once contact has been established with the University Staff, students with disabilities, SLDs, or SEN may contact the course instructor regarding the customization of exam procedures for pedagogical aspects.

WRITTEN EXAM
The examination consists of a written test administered to all students enrolled in the exam to assess the acquisition of knowledge regarding the course topics.
The exam aims to verify each student's ability to focus on the themes developed throughout the course, demonstrating the capability to specifically direct and apply their knowledge.

The exam will be format-driven as a written test consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions, each with 5 options and only one correct answer.
The questions will focus on topics such as:
- Definitions of concepts;
- Anatomo-functional relationships in the evolution of structures;
- Functional aspects of the structures covered in the course;
- Anatomical specifics of bone and muscle elements.
A passing grade requires 22 or more correct answers. A grade conversion factor of 0.8 will be applied to determine the final evaluation (out of 30) for the exam.

The course syllabus will cover the paleontological evolution of the limb, the conditions of transformation, and the anatomo-functional structure of both the locomotor and vascular components.
• Evolutionary history of skeletal modifications in the evolution of bipedal posture in primates;
• Evolutionary history of morphological changes in the limb;
• Functional relationships and evolutionary significance of the bony and muscular components of:
- Vertebral Column: structure and mobility of the vertebrae; morphological and dynamic properties of the spine;
- Pelvic Girdle: morphology and dynamic properties of the hip bone (coxal bone) and sacrum;
- Lower Limb: morphology and dynamic properties of the thigh, leg, and foot;
- Overview of the functional adaptations of the vascular circulatory system (arterial and venous);
• Postural relationships with the stomatognathic system: skull, mastication, and posture.
GENDER DIMENSION INTEGRATION
Gender differences in locomotor anatomy;
Focus on the evolutionary significance of pelvic differences;
Morpho-functional evaluations and ethical indications in social behavior.

Each female and male student is expected to have acquired a thorough knowledge of the evolutionary framework that led to the development of bipedal posture. Students are also expected to be able to identify and recognize the anatomical and functional specifics characterizing the locomotor elements of the lower limbs, as well as the related morpho-functional adaptations regarding the circulatory system and social life.
Furthermore, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to use the teaching materials for a critical and reasoned study, evolving towards the capacity to independently deepen and update their knowledge through the reading of textbooks and scientific articles.