Ateneo - UPO

Systemic PhysiologyCardiovascular SystemRespiratory SystemExcretory SystemDigestive System

FisiologiaC StanfieldEdiSESFisiologia: dalle molecole ai sistemi integratiG. Aicardi, V. Carabelli, e. Carbone, R. MaggEdiSESFisiologia umana. Un approccio integratoD.U. SilverthonPearson

CFU Awarding Method: DE
The course aims to provide female and male students with an advanced understanding of the mechanisms that regulate the integrated functioning of the body’s major physiological systems, with a particular focus on intercellular communication processes, the maintenance of homeostasis, and functional adaptations in response to physiological and pathological stimuli.Upon completion of the course, female and male students will be able to:understand the physiological mechanisms that regulate the functional integration of the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal systems;analyze the cellular and molecular bases of the regulation of physiological functions and homeostatic processes;interpret the interactions between different organ systems under physiological conditions and during adaptation to changes in the internal and external environment;understand the main pathophysiological mechanisms resulting from alterations in regulatory processes;interpret experimental data obtained using advanced physiological methodologies and critically evaluate their biological significance;acquire the tools to read, understand, and critically discuss the international scientific literature in the field of integrated physiology;develop a quantitative and interdisciplinary approach to the study of physiology, integrating knowledge from cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and pharmacology.

A solid understanding of anatomy and histology is recommended, as well as a good grasp of basic physiology—including cellular signaling, membrane transport, nerve excitability, synapses, muscle tissue, the endocrine system, the sensory systems, and blood.

In-person classroom lectures using PowerPoint slides and videos. Classroom interaction and discussion
Submission of a short paper—which does not count toward the exam grade—to gain familiarity with scientific presentation

Female and male students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request specific services and resources designed for them by contacting the Student Development, Career Coordination, and Student Services Staff and consulting the dedicated page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/ it/servizi/servizi-studentesse-e-studenti-condizione-di-disabilità-e-dsa. Once you have contacted the University staff, you may contact the course instructor regarding the specific exam arrangements and teaching-related matters

The exam will be conducted as an oral exam. One question will be asked for each of the four topics covered in the lectures. More specifically:

30-30 L Excellent Excellent and detailed knowledge of biological mechanisms. Outstanding ability to make interdisciplinary connections, scientific rigor, and impeccable use of specialized terminology. Demonstrates critical thinking and independent judgment.
27–29 Very Good In-depth knowledge of the subject matter. Good ability to analyze and synthesize biological processes. Clear, logically structured presentation using appropriate scientific terminology.
24–26 Good Good knowledge of fundamental topics, but with some limitations in details or complex connections. Correct presentation with a predominantly appropriate use of scientific language.
21–23 Fair Fair but largely rote or descriptive knowledge of biological concepts. Limited ability to apply concepts to problems or case studies. Simple but correct language.
19–20 More than sufficient Minimal and fragmented knowledge of the course content. Difficulty understanding the implications of the biological mechanisms covered. Uncertain or limited scientific language.
18 Sufficient The student demonstrates only a descriptive, fragmented, and basic knowledge of the essential biological concepts in the curriculum. Critical thinking skills are absent or severely limited; there is a clear difficulty in connecting biological mechanisms to one another or applying them to complex contexts. The language is understandable but contains uncertainties, terminological inaccuracies, and a limited use of the specialized scientific vocabulary required at the master’s level.

Cardiovascular Systemanatomical and functional characteristics of the heart and circulatory systemheart valves and the fibrous skeleton of the heartthe cardiac muscle: properties and the excitation-contraction couplingthe concept of syncytium in the heartstructure of the myocardial cellelectrical responses of the heart: working myocardium and nodal tissueConduction tissueThe concept of refractoriness and single impulseThe cardiac cycle in the Wiggers and Frank diagramsModification of preload, afterload, and contractilityCardiac metabolism and cardiac hormonesECGRegulation of heart rate and systolic volumeHemodynamics and vascular complianceMean arterial pressure: regulatory factorsPeripheral microcirculation and blood deliveryVenous and lymphatic systemsCoronary circulationRespiratory SystemAnatomical and functional characteristicsRespiratory tree and epithelium of the upper airwaysStructure of the respiratory systemRespiratory membraneLungs and pleuraDonders’ depressionRespiratory mechanics: Boyle-Mariotte’s lawInspiration-expiration cycleSpirometrySurface tension and surfactantAlveolar ventilationVentilation-perfusion ratioAlveolar ventilation equationGas transportNervous and chemical control of respirationExcretory SystemWater compartments and osmosisFunctional anatomy of the kidneyStructure of the nephronFiltration barrierStructure of the tubule:Anatomical and functional characteristicsUrinary tractThe concept of clearance: inulin, glucose, and PAIRenal ultrafiltrationTubular reabsorption and secretion: specific transport mechanismsTubuloglomerular feedbackControl of renal function: the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systemBlood pressure regulation: pressure-dependent diuresis and natriuresisRegulated reabsorption of water and sodiumDiluted urine and concentrated urineAcid-base balanceDigestive SystemTaste and smellAnatomical and functional structureEnteric nervous systemDiffuse hormonal systemEnteric circulationMotor activity: mastication, swallowing, esophageal, gastric, and intestinal motilitySphinctersGastric and intestinal emptyingvomitingsalivary, gastric, and intestinal secretionspancreas, liver, and gallbladderdigestion and absorption of macronutrientsabsorption of minerals and vitaminswater regulationregulation of hunger and satietyGender MainstreamingOne lecture will focus on gender-specific physiological aspects

Upon completion of the course, female and male students will be able to:Describe and interpret the mechanisms that regulate the integrated functioning of the body’s major physiological systems, illustrating their mutual interactions in maintaining homeostasis.Analyze the cellular and molecular bases of physiological processes and understand their organization at the organ and organism levels.Explain neuroendocrine regulatory mechanisms and their role in the body’s adaptation to different physiological and environmental conditions.Interpret the integrated physiological responses of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems under physiological conditions and in response to disturbances in homeostasis.Critically analyze experimental data obtained through cellular, organ, and systemic physiology techniques, evaluating their biological significance.Understand the physiological basis of the main functional alterations and adaptive processes associated with pathological conditions.Consult and critically discuss the international scientific literature, integrating acquired knowledge with the latest research developments in the field of physiology.Communicate rigorously, using appropriate scientific terminology, the principles of systemic physiology and their biological and biomedical implications.