510657 - CELL BIOLOGY AND HUMAN ANATOMY

courses

ID:

510657

Duration (hours):

48

CFU:

SSD:

ANATOMIA UMANA

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (29/09/2025 - 23/01/2026)

Course Objectives

The course is aimed at providing the basics of cellular and anatomical-structural biology for understanding molecular, membranous and tissue phenomena of living organisms, particularly humans. Specifically, the educational objectives are: 1. Understand the basic principles of cell biology, including the processes of cell The course is aimed at providing the basics of cellular and anatomical-structural biology for understanding molecular, membranous and tissue phenomena of living organisms, particularly humans. Specifically, the educational objectives are: 1. Understand the basic principles of cell biology, including the processes of cell division, cell structure and their functions. 2. Deepen knowledge of the structure and functions of the major organs and systems of the human body. 3. Analyze the interactions among cells, tissues, organs and systems in the human body. 4. Apply knowledge of cell biology and human anatomy to the understanding of human physiological processes. Learning outcomes include the ability to: 1. explain the basic principles of cell biology, including the structure and function of cells and their organelles. 2. describe the structure and function of the organs and systems of the human body and their interactions. 3. effectively communicate concepts and findings related to cell biology and human anatomy in both written and verbal form. 4. critically evaluate scientific literature and research in the field of cell biology and human anatomy.

Course Prerequisites

Basic concepts of biology at the high school level.

Teaching Methods

The course is organized in frontal lectures conducted through PowerPoint slide presentations

Assessment Methods

Coursework tests consisting of multiple-choice and open-ended questions are provided. The multiple-choice questions could cover a wide range of topics covered during the course, including cell biology concepts such as cell structure and function, as well as human anatomy, including organ systems and their functions. Ppen-ended questions test conceptual understanding and the ability to apply the knowledge obtained during the course. The final exam consists of a written test with open-ended 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 would allow students to demonstrate their thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts and their practical applications in the field of cell biology and human anatomy.

Texts

Martini, Timmons, Tallitsch – Anatomia Umana – EdiSES Tortora, Nielsen- Principi di Anatomia Umana-Casa Editrice Ambrosiana Colombo, Olmo, “Biologia della Cellula”, EDI-ERMES.

Cellular and Tissue Organization: Plasma membrane, cytosol and organelles, nucleus and cell division, cell junctions, epithelial tissue, connective tissue. Integumentary System: Structure and function of the skin, cutaneous appendages. Skeletal System: Bone structure and functions, types of bone segments, bone formation, skull, vertebral column, thorax, upper limb and lower limb skeleton, pelvis. Joints: Fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial joints. Muscular Tissue: Structure and functions of skeletal muscle, contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscle fibers, types of skeletal muscle fibers. Blood: Functions and physical characteristics of blood, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, formation of blood cells. Heart: Structure and function of the heart, blood circulation, cardiac conduction and innervation system, cardiac cycle. Blood Vessels: Structure, arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, veins, systemic circulation, hepatic portal circulation, pulmonary circulation. Nervous System: Organization of the nervous system, neurons, synapses, neuroglia, myelination, gray matter and white matter, spinal cord and spinal nerves, brain and cranial nerves, autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions), somatic senses and motor control. Special Senses: Sense of smell, sense of taste, sense of sight, sense of hearing and balance. Endocrine System: Hormones, hypothalamus and pituitary gland, thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas. Respiratory System: Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, mechanics of pulmonary ventilation, regulation of respiration. Digestive System: Alimentary canal wall, peritoneum, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver and gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine. Urinary System: Anatomy and histology of the kidneys, function of nephrons, transport, storage, and elimination of urine.