510576 - CELLULAR AND GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY

courses

ID:

510576

Duration (hours):

48

CFU:

SSD:

FISIOLOGIA

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Secondo Semestre (02/03/2026 - 19/06/2026)

Course Objectives

The course focuses on the study of the biological processes that take place within cells, including the molecular and biochemical mechanisms that regulate their function. In addition, it aims to provide a broad and fundamental understanding of the principles and processes that govern the functioning of the human body and organisms in general. Educational objectives: 1. Understand the basic principles of cell biology and general physiology. 2. Analyze and understand the structure and function of cells and physiological systems in various organisms. 3. Explore the molecular, biochemical and physiological mechanisms involved in cellular and systemic processes. 4. Apply the concepts of cellular physiology to the understanding of physiological processes in organisms. 5. Integrate knowledge of cellular physiology with that of physiological systems to understand the interaction and coordinated regulation of biological functions. Learning Outcomes: 1. Identify and describe the structure and function of cells and their components. 2. Explain cellular communication mechanisms, including hormonal, nerve and paracrine signals. 3. Evaluate and explain cellular responses to environmental stimuli and changes in physiological conditions. 4. Apply the concepts of cellular physiology to the understanding of physiological systems, such as the nervous, endocrine, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and renal systems. 5. Use acquired knowledge to formulate hypotheses, and solve problems related to cellular and general physiology.

Course Prerequisites

Basic concepts of biology, physics and chemistry at the high school level.

Teaching Methods

Il corso è organizzato in lezioni frontali svolte mediante presentazione di slides in Power Point. Per gli studenti con esigenze specifiche, che non possono frequentare di persona le attività didattiche e che hanno fatto domanda per Modalità Didattiche Inclusive, sarà disponibile materiale didattico adeguato a un proficuo studio autonomo. Se richiesto, l'autoapprendimento potrà essere supportato da attività di tutorato di didattica integrativa, e da incontri dedicati, anche online, con flessibilità di orario a seconda delle esigenze.

Assessment Methods

Coursework tests consisting of multiple-choice and open-ended questions are provided. Multiple-choice questions could cover a wide range of topics covered during the course, including concepts of cellular physiology, such as the function of nerve cells , as well as general physiology, including organ systems and their functions. Open-ended questions could test conceptual understanding and the ability to apply the knowledge obtained during the course. The final exam consists of a written test with open questions in which the student will have to demonstrate knowledge on the topics covered in the lectures. This type of structure of coursework and final examination allows students to demonstrate their thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts and their practical applications in the field of cellular and general physiology

Texts

V. Taglietti e C. Casella, Principi di Fisiologia e Biofisica della cellula, Vol. II – Scambi tra cellula e ambiente. Ed. La Goliardica Pavese, 2005. D.U. Silverthorn, Fisiologia, un approccio integrato. Ed. Pearson, quinta edizione, 2010. C. L. Stanfield - Fisiologia

Cellular Physiology: Transport of substances across the plasma membrane: free diffusion, facilitated diffusion, primary and secondary active transports. Equilibrium and diffusion potentials. Resting membrane potential. Action potential and its ionic genesis. Cellular communication: membrane receptors and chemical messengers. Synaptic transmission: excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Sensory receptors: transduction and encoding processes. Contraction in skeletal and smooth muscle. Physiology of Organs: Blood and its functions. Cardiac function: general properties of the myocardium, cardiac cycle, cardiac output and its control. Circulation: functions of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, and veins. Arterial pressure. Local control of circulation and cardio-circulatory control. Respiratory function: respiratory mechanics, pressures, and volumes. Oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange at the alveolar level. Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Respiratory control mechanisms. Gastrointestinal function: digestion and absorption. Renal function: glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption and secretion processes. Kidney and water-electrolyte balance. Kidney and acid-base balance. Renal and respiratory pH regulation. Control Systems: Functional organization of the nervous system, somatosensory pathways, and motor control. Central integrative systems: learning, memory, and language. Autonomic nervous system. Endocrine control: mechanisms of hormone action. Hypothalamic and thyroid hormones. Pancreatic endocrine hormones. Adrenal and gonadal hormones.