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Human Physiology
Mara Fabri

Seat Ingegneria
A.A. 2015/2016
Credits 6
Hours 48
Period II
Language ENG

Prerequisites
A good knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Anatomy

Learning outcomes
Know and understand the concepts and advanced knowledge on the physiology of settings, with particular emphasis on the role of the central nervous system

Program
General principles of Physiology. Concept of homeostasis. Fluid compartments. Cell membrane. Transport mechanisms across membranes. Cell physiology. Resting membrane potential. Action potential: origin and conduction. Synaptic transmission. Central nervous system neurotransmitters. Functional organization of the vertebrate nervous system. The autonomic nervous system. Muscle physiology. Morphological and functional characteristics of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle. Muscle contraction. Mechanical and biochemical aspects. Energy sources for muscle contraction. Motor unit. Physiology of movement. Definition of reflex. Spinal reflexes: stretch and withdrawal reflexes. Neural substrate for reflex responses. Control of posture and voluntary motor activity. Role of cortical motor areas. Corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts. Role of cerebellum and basal ganglia. Sensory physiology. Cutaneous, deep and visceral sensation. Neurophysiology of pain. Neurophysiology of vision. Neurophysiology of hearing and equilibrium. Neurophysiology of taste and smell. Cardiovascular physiology. Electrical activity of the heart. The heart as a pump. General hemodynamic principles. Laminar and turbulent flow. Measurement of arterial blood pressure.Capillary exchanges. Blood flow from the major veins to the heart. The regulation of cardiac output and of peripheral circulation. Respiratory physiology. Respiratory mechanics. Lung volumes. Alveolar ventilation. Alveolar gas exchanges. Blood transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Nervous and chemical regulation of respiration. Renal physiology. Kidney functional anatomy. Glomerular filtration and renal blood flow. Absorptive and secretory functions of renal tubules. Homeostatic mechanisms maintaining osmolality and normal volume and ionic composition of extracellular fluids. Micturition. Gastrointestinal physiology. Motility and secretions. Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Nervous and hormonal control of gastrointestinal functions.

Development of the examination
LEARNING EVALUATION METHODS
the learning evaluation method is an oral examination.

LEARNING EVALUATION CRITERIA
to pass the exam, the student must show a complete knowledge of the principle of functioning of human body organs in healthy beings, and of different organs role in the integrate systems. The topics should be presented with the correct scientific terminology.

LEARNING MEASUREMENT CRITERIA
Final mark expressed in 30/30.

FINAL MARK ALLOCATION CRITERIA
The exam is passed if the final mark is at least 18/30. To obtain the highest mark, i.e., 30/30, the student has to display a complete knowledge of the program. The students who demonstrate personal in-depth analysis and excellent presentation can pass the exam with distinction". "

Recommended reading
E. Widmaier, H. Raff, and K. Strang , Vander's Human Physiology, Mc Graw Hill; Berne & Levy, Principles of Physiology, CEA; Stanfield, Germann, Principles of Human Physiology, Pearson, Benjamin Cummings.

Courses

• Biomedical Engineering (Corso di Laurea Magistrale (DM 270/04))