GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY
Stampa
Enrollment year
2017/2018
Academic year
2019/2020
Regulations
DM270
Academic discipline
BIO/09 (PHYSIOLOGY)
Department
DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Course
NATURAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES
Curriculum
PERCORSO COMUNE
Year of study
Period
1st semester (01/10/2019 - 15/01/2020)
ECTS
6
Lesson hours
48 lesson hours
Language
Italian
Activity type
ORAL TEST
Teacher
ROSSI PAOLA (titolare) - 3 ECTS
BOTTA LAURA - 3 ECTS
Prerequisites
The knowledge of basic chemistry, physics and anatomy is required to be successfully followed. In particular with regard to chemistry the notions required are
Macromolecules, their structure
Endergonic and exergonic reactions
As for physics:
gas laws: Boyle, Dalton, Henry
Ohm's law
LaPlace law
Fick's law
Teorell equation
Learning outcomes
The course aims to offer an overview of the mechanisms which allow control and harmonization of the physiological functions. After a first part which will cover the general principles of animal Physiology, the functions of various organs and systems will be illustrated
Course contents
Part 1: Exchanges between cell and environment, membrane transport. Membrane and action potential . Cellular electrical communication: neurons, synapses, sensory receptors. Reflected functions.

Chemical communication between cells, chemical receptors, hormones, neurotransmitters.
Functional organization of SNC, motor function, sensory function and SNV.
Osmoregulation and excretion: renal function.
Gaseous exchanges between body and environment. Respiratory respiratory system. Respiratory gas transport. Nervous and humoral adjustment of breathing.

Part 2: Muscle system: structure, mechanism and contraction control in various types of muscle.
Circulatory system: circulation in the vertebrates. Mechanical and electrical properties of the heart.
Circulatory Tree; Exchanges at the capillary level and regulation of cardiovascular function.

Digestion and absorption. General organization of the digestive system. Nervous and humoral adjustment of digestive processes.
The endocrine system. Main hormones and their functions. Nervous system integration - endocrine system.
Teaching methods
The course is organized in frontal lectures by presenting slides in Power Point.
Reccomended or required readings
1 - L. Zocchi - Principi di Fisiologia - EdiSES 2012
2 - Vander – Fisiologia - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. 2° ed. 2018
Assessment methods
The exam consists of an oral exam in which the student will have to demonstrate that he has gained knowledge on the topics dealt with during the lessons and has processed the information by operating logic links.
Further information
Sustainable development goals - Agenda 2030