Ateneo - UPO

Cell physiology. Endocrine system. Nervous system. Muscular system and motor control. Sensory systems. Cardiovascular system. Respiratory system. Digestive system. Excretory system. Osmoregulation.Blood properties and hemostatic process

Anna Belfiore, Chiara Berteotti, Gerardo Biella, Mario Rosario Buffelli, Barbara Colombini, Marcello D’Ascenzo,et al. "Fisiologia Umana: Fondamenti" editor Edi-Ermes

2nd choice "Fisiologia Umana: Elementi" editor Edi-Ermes

Another option:Fisiologia: dalle molecole ai sistemi integrati E. Carbone, G. Aicardi, R. Maggi EdiSES

The course is designed to teach students about the functioning of cells and the organs and systems of the human body. Specifically, it provides the foundational knowledge of human physiology (such as membrane transport, electrical properties, action potential, synapse, and muscle) to help students understand how the body's various systems work and how they are influenced by key cellular mechanisms.

Elements of Maths, Physics and General Chemistry. Elements of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry suitable to approach arguments of biology. Elements of Cell Biology and Histology suitable to approach arguments of cell and biomolecular functioning. Elements of Anatomy.

Frontal lessons.
MS-Power Point slides and videos which are important to clarify the physiological mechanisms. All materials used during the lessons can be found on the DIR platform

Check preparation level on the way by collective review. At the end of the course, an exam simulation with quizzes similar to those used for the exam will be available on DIR platform.
After the exam, the public correction of the exam is made under reasonable request.

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/services-
students-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 exam consists of a written test. The written test evaluates the student's ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the course and consists of a single type of question for a total of 32 multiple choice questions. The level of difficulty of the questions corresponds to the program carried out and the reference texts indicated on DIR. For each of the questions, 1 point is awarded for a total of 32 maximum points. The written test is considered passed if the overall evaluation is not less than 18 points. During the written test it is not permitted to consult notes, books or other materials. To achieve a high grade, the student must demonstrate in-depth and accurate knowledge of all the topics covered. The evaluation is expressed in thirtieths (minimum mark 18, maximum mark 30 with honours). ​Students with DSA certifications or disabilities will take the exam with compensatory and dispensatory tools, which "replace or facilitate the performance required in the deficient skill", be it writing, reading or calculation, and allow the student to study and learn effectively. These tools are approved by the competent UPO office, which will notify the Teachers.

Regulation systems
Homesostasis. Vegetative nervous system and its organic implications. Adaptive behavior

Cardiovascular system
Properties of the myocardium, cardiac cycle, cardiac output, arterial pressure. Action potentials (genesis, conduction and propagation). The blood

Digestive system
Composition, secretion and role of digestive juices, intestinal absorption of digestive products, liver functions

Respiratory System
Respiratory mechanics, dead spaces and alveolar ventilation, alveolar gas exchange, nervous and chemical control of the breath, transport of gases in the blood.

Renal system
Processes in the kidney. Nephron: structure and function. Glomerular filtration, mechanisms of reabsorption and tubular secretion, renal clearances, renal threshold. Hydroelectrolyte homeostasis. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Acid-base balance.

Endocrine system
Hormones: synthesis, release, transport, action. Physiological actions of the hormones produced by the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland, the parathyroid glands, the adrenal capsules, the endocrine pancreas and the gonads.

Cell membrane and excitability.
Membrane diffusion and transport. Ionic equilibria and membrane potentials. Electrochemical equilibrium, equilibrium potential, Nernst equation, Genesis of resting membrane potential, Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation. Electrical signals, graded potentials, excitatory potentials (EPSP) and inhibitory potentials (IPSP).

Muscles.
Movement in non-muscle cells.
Skeletal muscle: contractile proteins, sliding theory, the cross-bridge cycle, excitation-contraction coupling, role of Ca2+.
Smooth muscle

Nervous system
Excitable and non-excitable cells. The neuron, genesis of the action potential and its conduction along the axon. Synaptic transmission, neurotransmitters and their receptors.
The main glial cells of the nervous system: macroglia (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells) and microglia. Homeostatic role of astrocytes.
Higher functions of the CNS. Learning and memory. Synaptic plasticity, LTP.

Exteroceptive sensibility and receptors Blood and coagulation

The students should:
(KNOWLEDGE)
-be aware of basic physiologic mechanisms that regulate the function of organs
(COMPETENCE)
-use the knowledge for solving main biotechnologic issues
(TRANSVERSAL ABILITY)
-to be able to read, understand and discuss technical material taken from books, other tests etc;
-to know or find out the international terminology.
Students' involvement in improving the course is an essential element of growth and training not only for students but also for teacher.