ID:
511660
Duration (hours):
112.5
CFU:
9
SSD:
ANATOMIA UMANA
Year:
2025
Overview
Date/time interval
Secondo Semestre (23/02/2026 - 05/06/2026)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The course aims to provide students with the cognitive and methodological tools necessary to understand the overall morphology of the skeleton, musculoskeletal system, and thoracic organs using a topographical approach. It also provides an understanding of the macroscopic and microscopic structure of the skeletal, joint, muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, and endocrine systems; to understand the functioning of these systems; and to explain their general functional scheme. The course also demonstrates how to apply the acquired knowledge to understanding the main dysfunctions resulting from congenital or acquired alterations of organ anatomy, through clinical anatomy references. Students will learn about the organization of human anatomy, morphology, location, relationships, and topography of organs, and to understand and relate organ functions, including in relation to major pathologies. Specifically, students must understand the organogenesis of the musculoskeletal system and the mechanisms that enable its postnatal development and the main changes caused by aging. They must be able to describe the skeletal and joint components and understand their biomechanics. Students must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the organization, morphology, and vascularization of the spine, rib cage, pelvis, and limbs. They must be familiar with muscle structures, their classification, function, and their vascular and nervous systems. They must understand, through clinical anatomy, the anatomical basis of the symptoms associated with certain diseases and syndromes affecting these systems. They must be familiar with the main lymph node stations of the limbs and the general characteristics and functions of the Central Nervous System (Spinal Cord) and the spinal nerves in their voluntary and autonomic components. Understand the systemic structure of the peripheral nervous system (plexuses) and its distribution throughout the musculoskeletal and integumentary systems of the body (excluding the skull). Regarding the thorax and abdominopelvic cavity, students must be able to describe the shape, size, position, and relationships of the thoracic organs, describe their topographical and structural aspects, and provide a description of their microscopic anatomy. Furthermore, for each organic and structural component, students must understand the fundamental aspects of functional and clinical anatomy.
Course Prerequisites
In order to optimize learning and achieve specific objectives, it is recommended that students simultaneously attend the other courses offered in the second semester of the first year, since knowledge of the other first-year subjects makes the contents of the Anatomical Bases for Semiotics course more comprehensible.
Teaching Methods
Classroom teaching is supported by 3D anatomical models, digital aids, animations, and simulations.
Interactive teaching is provided by Student Tutors and Part-Time Assistants who, in close collaboration with the instructor, assist freshmen who request it in studying in the Anatomy Room using 3D models. Anatomical demonstrations are also organized using online digital anatomy programs or the Anatomage digital dissection table. Finally, tutoring activities are available for more complex topics.
Interactive teaching is provided by Student Tutors and Part-Time Assistants who, in close collaboration with the instructor, assist freshmen who request it in studying in the Anatomy Room using 3D models. Anatomical demonstrations are also organized using online digital anatomy programs or the Anatomage digital dissection table. Finally, tutoring activities are available for more complex topics.
Assessment Methods
The exam consists of a written test called 500436 (A-L) / 511660 (M-Z), "ANATOMICAL BASES FOR SEMEIOTICS," administered using the KIROTESTING platform, related to the semester program.
The "Anatomical Basis for Semiotics" module (open for exams starting February 2026) is worth 9 credits (CFU) and consists of a multiple-choice test consisting of 30 questions with 4 answers for each question, only one of which must be correct. The time allowed for submission is 45 minutes. Answers are graded according to the following criteria:
1 point for each correct answer
0 points for each missing or incorrect answer.
The test is passed with a score of 18/30 or higher.
Students in ESSE3 who have learning disabilities are entitled to the benefits provided by the Assistance and Inclusion Service for Students with Disabilities and DSA (SAISD).
Students who, despite having passed the exam, wish to improve their grade must reject the results published in ESSE3 within the established deadlines and may retake the exam in subsequent sessions.
The grade obtained for passing the "Anatomical Bases for Semiotics" module will be used to calculate the arithmetic mean of the final exam in "ANATOMY, HISTOLOGY, and EMBRYOLOGY" (511631, 18 credits) and, after registration at the student's expense, will be recorded by the Chair of the Examination Committee for the aforementioned course (511631).
The "Anatomical Basis for Semiotics" module (open for exams starting February 2026) is worth 9 credits (CFU) and consists of a multiple-choice test consisting of 30 questions with 4 answers for each question, only one of which must be correct. The time allowed for submission is 45 minutes. Answers are graded according to the following criteria:
1 point for each correct answer
0 points for each missing or incorrect answer.
The test is passed with a score of 18/30 or higher.
Students in ESSE3 who have learning disabilities are entitled to the benefits provided by the Assistance and Inclusion Service for Students with Disabilities and DSA (SAISD).
Students who, despite having passed the exam, wish to improve their grade must reject the results published in ESSE3 within the established deadlines and may retake the exam in subsequent sessions.
The grade obtained for passing the "Anatomical Bases for Semiotics" module will be used to calculate the arithmetic mean of the final exam in "ANATOMY, HISTOLOGY, and EMBRYOLOGY" (511631, 18 credits) and, after registration at the student's expense, will be recorded by the Chair of the Examination Committee for the aforementioned course (511631).
Texts
Anatomia Umana, Basi Anatomiche per la Semeiotica;
Anatomia Umana, Basi Anatomiche per le Neuroscienze;
Anatomia Umana, Basi Anatomiche per la Fisiopatologia
(basati sul Prometheus). Autori vari – EDISES.
Werner Platzer, Anatomia Umana, Atlante tascabile, Volumi I, II, III. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
Thomas W. Sadler, Embriologia medica di Langman, Elsevier Masson
Anatomia Umana, Basi Anatomiche per le Neuroscienze;
Anatomia Umana, Basi Anatomiche per la Fisiopatologia
(basati sul Prometheus). Autori vari – EDISES.
Werner Platzer, Anatomia Umana, Atlante tascabile, Volumi I, II, III. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
Thomas W. Sadler, Embriologia medica di Langman, Elsevier Masson
Contents
Knowledge of the morphological, topographical, macroscopic, and microscopic organization of the musculoskeletal system will be developed. Descriptions of the general and functional organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems will be provided. The morphological and functional foundations of the peripheral circulatory system, the lymphatic system, and the endocrine system will also be covered. The anatomy of the thoracic cavity and its organs will be thoroughly illustrated. Basic concepts of the organogenesis of the musculoskeletal system will be provided. The discussion of the various systems may be supported by the use of models and include anatomical and clinical aspects.
Curriculum: General information, composition, and organization of the human body. Cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels; dimensions. Anatomical terminology, position, direction, reference planes and axes of the body, and their clinical relevance. Postural examination. Proportions, percentiles, and body weight. Growth of the body and its surface area, clinical implications. Surface anatomical regions, bony landmarks of the limbs, anatomical regions. Body wall. Body cavities: definition and notes on their genesis. Human phylogeny and ontogeny. Notes on embryonic development: formation of skeletal muscles (somitogenesis), the neural tube (neuromeres), the spinal nerve, and the concept of the dermatome. The skeleton. Development of the skeletal system and its ossification. Growth and remodeling of bones; functions of bone tissue. Classification of bones. Structure of long bones; compact and spongy bone. Development and senescence of the musculoskeletal system. Importance of correct posture. Anatomical and functional basis of osteoarthritis. Osteoporosis. Fracture repair processes. Systematic macroscopic anatomy of the bones that make up the trunk. Biomechanics of the mobile and fixed portions of the vertebral column. Systematic macroscopic anatomy of the bones that make up the upper and lower limbs. Joints: Classification, composition, and microscopic anatomy. Sesamoid bones and their role. Concept of dislocation. Principles of joint mechanics, levers. Relationship between shape, degrees of freedom, and range of joint motion. Concepts of movement, loading, and unloading. Systematic macroscopic anatomy of joint structures. Skeletal muscles: Microscopic anatomy; muscle contraction and its nervous control. Types of muscle fibers, pennate muscles, and parallel-fiber muscles. Accessory structures of muscles: Tendons, muscle fascia, tendon sheaths, synovial bursae. Systematic macroscopic anatomy of skeletal muscles of the trunk and limbs (shape, location, origin and insertion, primary action, synergies and antagonisms). Knowledge of the various joint regions will focus on movement derived from the shape of the joint, limited by ligaments (intrinsic, extrinsic, remote, menisci, labrum, etc.), and promoted/antagonistized by muscles. Clinical Anatomy: Anatomical basis of the symptoms of herniated discs. Abdominal herniations, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar arches, and their anomalies.
Introduction to the study of the Nervous System. Neurons and the properties of nerve cells. Types of neurons. Microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue. General architecture of the Central Nervous System (outline) and Peripheral Nervous System: definition, functions, and distinctive characteristics. Notes on the development of the Nervous System. Neural crest cells and their derivatives. Origin and composition of the spinal nerve, the concepts of neuromeres, myomeres, and dermatomeres. Systematics of the Peripheral Nervous System. Autonomic Nervous System: definition, structure, and functions. Role of the ANS in Thermoregulation and Vasomotility. Topographical anatomy of the thorax: Skeletal component of the chest wall. Muscles involved in respiration. Organization and functions of the respiratory system. Surface anatomy: landmarks. Breast: parenchyma, ducts, vascularization, lymph nodes, innervation. Chest wall: innervation and vascularization. Upper and lower airways. Nasal cavity. Larynx. Mediastinum: relationships, vascularization, innervation, lymph nodes of the tracheal and bronchopulmonary tract. Trachea and bronchi. Lungs: parenchyma, bronchial subdivision, alveoli. Pleura, suspensory apparatus, and pleural sinuses. Respiratory centers and control of the respiratory reflex. Embryology of the heart. Pericardium: vascularization, innervation. Cardiac surfaces and margins. Muscle structure and organization, fibrous skeleton: morphology and functional characteristics. Morphological, structural, and functional properties of cardiac chambers. Valvular systems: morphology, functional dynamics. Coronary circulation and lymphatic drainage: morphological aspects and functional dynamics. Cardiac innervation. Conduction system and nodal vascularization. Aspects of clinical anatomy. Circulatory system: Architecture of the circulatory system. Description of the organization, structure, and different types of capillaries, and correlation of morphological characteristics. Architecture of the arterial system, description of the systemic arterial circulation. Architecture of the venous system, description of the deep and superficial venous circulations and valvular systems. Description of the main vessels. Description of the main circulations. Subclavian artery and its branches; axillary, cephalic, and basilic veins, their main tributaries and drainage areas. Muscular branches derived from the iliac arteries. Scarpa's triangle. Femoral artery and its branches. Femoral vein, main tributaries and drainage areas. Definition of the functional aspects of the system with reference to physiopathological conditions. Aspects of clinical anatomy. Lymphatic system: Architecture of the lymphatic system and description of the circulatory system. Classification of lymphatic organs. Description of specific lymphatic organ systems. Morphological description of the lymph nodes and summary of immune function. Definition of the functional aspects of the system with reference to pathophysiological conditions. Clinical anatomy aspects. Endocrine system: Chemistry and mechanisms of action of hormones. Relationships with the nervous system. Architecture of the endocrine system. Morphological and functional description of the hypothalamic-pituitary circulation. Morphological and functional description of the pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenal glands, and endocrine pancreas. Clinical anatomy aspects.
Curriculum: General information, composition, and organization of the human body. Cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels; dimensions. Anatomical terminology, position, direction, reference planes and axes of the body, and their clinical relevance. Postural examination. Proportions, percentiles, and body weight. Growth of the body and its surface area, clinical implications. Surface anatomical regions, bony landmarks of the limbs, anatomical regions. Body wall. Body cavities: definition and notes on their genesis. Human phylogeny and ontogeny. Notes on embryonic development: formation of skeletal muscles (somitogenesis), the neural tube (neuromeres), the spinal nerve, and the concept of the dermatome. The skeleton. Development of the skeletal system and its ossification. Growth and remodeling of bones; functions of bone tissue. Classification of bones. Structure of long bones; compact and spongy bone. Development and senescence of the musculoskeletal system. Importance of correct posture. Anatomical and functional basis of osteoarthritis. Osteoporosis. Fracture repair processes. Systematic macroscopic anatomy of the bones that make up the trunk. Biomechanics of the mobile and fixed portions of the vertebral column. Systematic macroscopic anatomy of the bones that make up the upper and lower limbs. Joints: Classification, composition, and microscopic anatomy. Sesamoid bones and their role. Concept of dislocation. Principles of joint mechanics, levers. Relationship between shape, degrees of freedom, and range of joint motion. Concepts of movement, loading, and unloading. Systematic macroscopic anatomy of joint structures. Skeletal muscles: Microscopic anatomy; muscle contraction and its nervous control. Types of muscle fibers, pennate muscles, and parallel-fiber muscles. Accessory structures of muscles: Tendons, muscle fascia, tendon sheaths, synovial bursae. Systematic macroscopic anatomy of skeletal muscles of the trunk and limbs (shape, location, origin and insertion, primary action, synergies and antagonisms). Knowledge of the various joint regions will focus on movement derived from the shape of the joint, limited by ligaments (intrinsic, extrinsic, remote, menisci, labrum, etc.), and promoted/antagonistized by muscles. Clinical Anatomy: Anatomical basis of the symptoms of herniated discs. Abdominal herniations, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar arches, and their anomalies.
Introduction to the study of the Nervous System. Neurons and the properties of nerve cells. Types of neurons. Microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue. General architecture of the Central Nervous System (outline) and Peripheral Nervous System: definition, functions, and distinctive characteristics. Notes on the development of the Nervous System. Neural crest cells and their derivatives. Origin and composition of the spinal nerve, the concepts of neuromeres, myomeres, and dermatomeres. Systematics of the Peripheral Nervous System. Autonomic Nervous System: definition, structure, and functions. Role of the ANS in Thermoregulation and Vasomotility. Topographical anatomy of the thorax: Skeletal component of the chest wall. Muscles involved in respiration. Organization and functions of the respiratory system. Surface anatomy: landmarks. Breast: parenchyma, ducts, vascularization, lymph nodes, innervation. Chest wall: innervation and vascularization. Upper and lower airways. Nasal cavity. Larynx. Mediastinum: relationships, vascularization, innervation, lymph nodes of the tracheal and bronchopulmonary tract. Trachea and bronchi. Lungs: parenchyma, bronchial subdivision, alveoli. Pleura, suspensory apparatus, and pleural sinuses. Respiratory centers and control of the respiratory reflex. Embryology of the heart. Pericardium: vascularization, innervation. Cardiac surfaces and margins. Muscle structure and organization, fibrous skeleton: morphology and functional characteristics. Morphological, structural, and functional properties of cardiac chambers. Valvular systems: morphology, functional dynamics. Coronary circulation and lymphatic drainage: morphological aspects and functional dynamics. Cardiac innervation. Conduction system and nodal vascularization. Aspects of clinical anatomy. Circulatory system: Architecture of the circulatory system. Description of the organization, structure, and different types of capillaries, and correlation of morphological characteristics. Architecture of the arterial system, description of the systemic arterial circulation. Architecture of the venous system, description of the deep and superficial venous circulations and valvular systems. Description of the main vessels. Description of the main circulations. Subclavian artery and its branches; axillary, cephalic, and basilic veins, their main tributaries and drainage areas. Muscular branches derived from the iliac arteries. Scarpa's triangle. Femoral artery and its branches. Femoral vein, main tributaries and drainage areas. Definition of the functional aspects of the system with reference to physiopathological conditions. Aspects of clinical anatomy. Lymphatic system: Architecture of the lymphatic system and description of the circulatory system. Classification of lymphatic organs. Description of specific lymphatic organ systems. Morphological description of the lymph nodes and summary of immune function. Definition of the functional aspects of the system with reference to pathophysiological conditions. Clinical anatomy aspects. Endocrine system: Chemistry and mechanisms of action of hormones. Relationships with the nervous system. Architecture of the endocrine system. Morphological and functional description of the hypothalamic-pituitary circulation. Morphological and functional description of the pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenal glands, and endocrine pancreas. Clinical anatomy aspects.
Course Language
Italian
More information
The course "Anatomical Bases for Semiotics," 500436 (A-L) / 511660 (M-Z), is a module held in the second semester of the first year of the program. Lessons are taught, based on the topic covered, by Professor Gabriella Cusella (Chair of the Examination Committee) , Professor Gabriele Ceccarelli and Professor Piero Micheletti.
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