Biomedical Science

Module Fisiologia

The course allows the student to acquire the knowledge about the vital functions of man and the cellular mechanisms of the major biological systems. It analyzes the integrated functioning of the different organs and systems of control by which the living organism obtains and maintains the homeostasis inside.

Furthermore, the course will contribute to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Goal No. 3 Health and Well-being

Target

3.1 By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births

3.2 By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries targeting neonatal mortality to no more than 12 per 1,000 live births and, for children under 5 years of age, to no more than 25 per 1,000 live births

3.3 By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-related diseases and other communicable diseases

3.4 By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being

3.5 Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including drug abuse and the harmful use of alcohol

3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and diseases from hazardous chemicals and from pollution and contamination of air, water and soil.

3.d Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, to prevent, reduce and manage risks to national and global health

Format

Lecture

Lectures will be held supported by teaching material.  At the end of the lessons, an oral exam will be scheduled according to the calendar of exam sessions. 

Cell membranes

Exchanges between cells and the environment

Ionic flows and electrical effects

Excitable cells

Characteristics of the action potential: refractoriness, accommodation - Conduction of signals along nerve fibers: velocity, myelination - Electrical membrane properties of pacemaker and non-specific myocardial fibers - Skeletal and smooth muscle fibers: electrical, mechanical and metabolic aspects of contraction - Ca2 + ions in muscle contraction.

Communication between cells

Mechanisms, modulation and control of endocrine communication: hormones, receptors, second messengers - Synaptic communication: electrical and chemical synapses, pre- and post-synaptic mechanisms, neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, space-time summation, plasticity (LTP and LTD) - Neuro synapses -muscular.

Coding of sensory information

Control of vegetative functions

Organization of the nervous system

Cardio-circulatory system

Blood: composition, functions, gas transport, hematopoiesis.

Cardiac function: automatism, mechanical and electrical properties, intrinsic and extrinsic regulation.

Ventilation in  terrestrial environments - Mechanical aspects of pulmonary ventilation: dead spaces, respiratory volumes, intrapleural and alveolar pressure, compliance, surface tension - Alveolar-capillary diffusion - Ventilation control: bulb-pontine centers, intrinsic rhythm, chemical and mechanical regulation .

Renal mechanisms: filtration, reabsorption, secretion - Excretion of metabolic waste - Water balance: urine concentration - Volume control, osmolarity and acid-base balance of body solutions.

Digestive system: motility, secretions and absorption - Exocrine pancreas - Role of bile - Nervous and chemical control of gastrointestinal functions.

D.U. Silverthorn, Fisiologia umana, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana;

Fisiologia medica, a cura di F. Conti - EdiErmes

Fisiologia Medica di Guyton e Hall - Elsevier

Examples of questions from the written test

1. Ionic channels

a) voltage-gated are characteristic of excitable cells

b) neuronal for K+ have an opening threshold potential of around -55 mV

c) voltage-gated for Na+ in neurons are always in an open state

d) chemo-dependent are subject to inactivation

2. The action potential

a) of a nerve fiber has a duration of about 20 msec

b) triggers contraction in muscle fiber cells

c) is of greater amplitude in myelinated fibers than in unmyelinated ones

d) is generated at the axon terminal level

3. Oxygen in the blood is transported

a) 98% bound to hemoglobin and 2% dissolved in plasma

b) 98% dissolved in plasma and 2% bound to hemoglobin

c) 98% bound to myoglobin and 2% dissolved in plasma

d) 98% bound to ATP and 2% dissolved in plasma