502241 - GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY

courses

ID:

502241

Duration (hours):

72

CFU:

SSD:

FISIOLOGIA

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (29/09/2025 - 16/01/2026)

Course Objectives

This course provides an in-depth introduction to human physiology, from the cell, to the organs, to the entire organism. Through the training course the student will acquire theoretical and applied skills relating to the functioning of human cells, organs and systems. At the end of the course, the student will have acquired detailed knowledge about the general organization of many of the organ systems present in the human organism, with particular reference to the nervous, motor, respiratory, and urinary systems. The expected learning outcomes are the following: - Knowledge of the structure and function of cell membranes, ion channels and transport molecules. - Knowledge of the ways in which a cell's membrane potential and action potentials are generated. - Knowledge of how information is transmitted, with particular reference to synapses. Knowledge of the physiology of the muscle, the kidneys, the respiratory system. - Ability to apply the knowledge acquired to solve problems.

Course Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of: mathematics (functions, logarithms, exponential derivatives, integrals); physics (principles of dynamics, work and energy, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and electricity) and chemistry (fundamental laws of chemistry, chemical bonding, ions and principles of organic chemistry).

Teaching Methods

The course is organized in lectures using Power Point presentations and the blackboard. During the lessons problems will be proposed to the students to verify their learning of the theoretical concepts presented and whose solution will be shown during the next lessons. Frontal lecture for students who regularly attend the course. Inclusive teaching (e.g. private lectures) will be exploited for all the eligible students.

Assessment Methods

For each module, the learning assessment consists of a written test consisting of: - Physiology problems relating to the theoretical topics covered in the classroom; - T/F questions and multiple choice questions, to test the student's ability to answer specific questions; Questions that ask you to explain the meaning or define specific terms, aimed at verifying understanding of the terminology used during lessons; Questions that require a brief description of a physiological process.
The weight (score) of the individual questions/problems is indicated. The use of a calculator is permitted. The results of the written assignment are communicated to the students via email. Numerous examples of exam questions and problems are presented during the lessons. The written test is followed by an oral test on topics relating to the topics covered in the individual modules. The rating scale is in thirtieths. The final exam grade corresponds to the weighted average of the grades for each module.

Texts

1) On line slides of the course on kiro or Google Drive Platforms.
2) Fisiologia Umana - Fondamenti -EdiErmes
3) Casella-Taglietti; Principi di Fisiologia; Ed. EDISES

Part 1 (3 credits). Elements of cell physiology. Structure and function of the plasma membrane.
Passive and active transport mechanisms. Ionic channels. General mechanisms of signal transduction through the plasma membrane.
Ionic bases of action potential and its properties. Synaptic transmission. Neurotransmitters. Cell motility and muscle contraction. Sensory receptors. Reflexes. General sensibility and sensory pathways. Cerebral cortex functions.
Part 2 (3 credits) Electrical and mechanical activity of the heart. The control of the strength and frequency of heart contraction. Principles of hemodynamics. The control of blood pressure and cardiac output.
Part 3 (3 credits). Principles of physiology of the respiratory apparatus. Respiration mechanics. Lung volumes and capacities. Alveolar ventilation and gas exchanges. Roles of the respiratory apparatus in acid-base equilibrium. Control of respiration.
Principles of physiology of the kidney. Glomerular filtration. Tubular tranports: reabsorption and secretion mechanisms. The countercurrent multiplication mechanism. Mechanisms of urine concentration and dilution. Hydro-saline balance and regulation mechanisms thereof. Roles of the kidney in acid-base equilibrium. Digesttive system.

Course Language

Italian

More information

For students with disabilities or DSA, student workers, students involved in caring for their family members, student parents, students at risk of dropping out, student athletes, the teacher will be available "ON DEMAND" through in-person meetings or through online platforms to
understand the student's problems and find the most appropriate solutions.