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PRINCIPLES OF PHYSIOLOGY AND GENERAL PATHOLOGY APPLIED TO BIOTECHNOLOGY 5
Module PRINCIPLES OF PHYSIOLOGY

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: FILIPPO TORRISI

Expected Learning Outcomes

Acquisition of the general principles of the functioning of the organism, from the basic mechanisms at the molecular level to the functions of cells and organs up to the integration of organ functions in complex organisms. The teaching also aims to provide knowledge on the functional integration of the different systems and on the control mechanisms in physiological conditions also for the purpose of maintaining homeostasis. Such knowledge will also provide the student with a necessary framework for the study of physiological and physiopathological mechanisms in the clinical disciplines that they will address in the following years. 

Acquisition of the following skills: 1) ability to analyze and subsequently summarize the topics, i.e. ability to understand the mechanisms in detail and subsequently trace the purposes of the function; 2) ability to expose the topics in an adequate manner, both analytical and synthetic; 3) understanding of the importance of an in-depth knowledge of the topics of Physiology for professions in the medical-health field.

Course Structure

As per the Teaching Regulations of the Degree Course in Biotechnology – L 2:

Lectures (DF): 1 CFU = 7 hours of lectures

Lab exercises (EL): 1 CFU = 12 hours of lab exercises

Principles of physiology 6 CFU = 42 hours divided as follows:

- 5 CFU (DF) = 35 hours of lectures

- 1 CFU (EA)= 12 hours of exercises

Required Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of cell biology as well as basic knowledge of mathematics, chemistry and physics.

Detailed Course Content

1. Introduction to the study of physiology:

Levels of organization of living beings.

Organization of vertebrate organisms.

Compartments of the body.

Hints and reminders of molecular interactions.

Control systems and homeostasis.

Energy and cellular metabolism.

2. Communication, integration and homeostasis:

Osmosis and tonicity.

Transport processes.

Signaling pathways and signal transduction.

Resting membrane potential and introduction of the action potential.

3. Neurons: cellular properties and nervous network:

Organization of the nervous system.

Morpho-functional aspects of the brain and spinal cord.

Genesis and conduction of the action potential.

Synapses.

Neurotransmitters.

Integrations on the transmission of nervous information.

Brain functions: emotions, learning and memory.

Sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic division.

Somatomotor system.

4. Sensory physiology

Somatic senses.

Chemical senses.

Ear: hearing and balance

Eye.

5. Muscles:

Structure of skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle.

Muscle contraction mechanisms.

Excitation-contraction coupling.

Motor control.

Autonomic or visceral reflexes.

Somatic motor reflexes.

6. Physiology of the cardiovascular system:

Overview of the cardiovascular system.

Pressure, volume, flow and resistance.

Morpho-functional aspects of myocardium and heart.

Cardiac electrical activity.

Blood flow and control of blood pressure.

7. Blood:

Plasma and corpuscular elements of the blood.

Hematopoiesis and notes on hemocatheresis.

Defense cells and notes on the immune and lymphatic systems.

Coagulation.

8. Respiratory system:

Notes on the structure and functions of the respiratory tract and lungs.

Respiratory muscles and respiratory mechanics.

Pulmonary alveoli and gas exchange.

Transport of gases in the blood.

Regulation of ventilation.

9. Urinary system:

Notes on the structure and functions of the kidneys.

The nephron: filtration, reabsorption and secretion.

Notes on renal clearance.

Contribution of the kidney in the regulation of blood pressure.

Contribution of the kidney in the regulation of pH.

10. Digestive system

Anatomy of the digestive system.

Functions and processes of the digestive system.

Gastrointestinal motility and enteric nervous system.

Liver

11. Endocrine system

Major endocrine glands and related hormones.

Hypothalamic-pituitary axis and regulation of hormone secretion.

Regulation of energy metabolism.

Control of hunger and satiety.

Sex hormones and notes on the reproductive system.

Textbook Information

Fisiologia umana - Un approccio integrato; Dee Unglaub Silverthorn. Ed. Pearson Italia; 8a Edizione: febbraio 2020. ISBN:978-88-919-0973-2.

Fisiologia umana; Stuart Ira Fox. Ed. Piccin 2020. 15ª Edizione. ISBN: 978-88-299-3040-1

Fisiologia: dalle molecole ai sistemi integrati Copertina flessibile – 23 marzo 2018 di Emilio Carbone (Autore), Federico Cicirata (Autore), Giorgio Aicardi (Autore)

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1The topics reported in the programText reported

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The assessment of skills will take place through an individual oral interview (of variable duration and approximately between 20-25 minutes) aimed at ascertaining knowledge of the topics covered by the course. The candidates, in case of necessity related to their numbers, will be divided into several days according to a calendar determined on the day of the exam or, if possible, in advance based on the reservations received. The scheduling will in this case be appropriately publicized. During the individual interview, knowledge of the contents of the course and the ability to transfer this knowledge in a teaching context will be ascertained; the ability for autonomous reflection, exposition and critical re-elaboration; the use of appropriate language with respect to the specificity of the discipline. The grade will be given in thirtieths and will vary from 18/30 to 30/30 with honors, depending on the level of achievement of the knowledge, skills and abilities indicated. An exam test will be considered excellent if it shows an in-depth, organic and timely knowledge of the proposed contents, mastery of scientific language, critical and in-depth skills. A test will be considered fair if it shows an overall adequate knowledge of the proposed contents or a predominantly mnemonic knowledge, a relative critical and in-depth skills, the appropriate use of scientific language. A test will be considered sufficient if it shows a limited and superficial knowledge of the proposed contents, a reduced critical and in-depth skills, the approximate use of scientific language. A test will be considered insufficient if it shows difficulty in orienting oneself among the contents of the course, the presence of gaps in training and the inappropriate use of scientific language.

Information for students with disabilities and/or learning disabilities (LD)

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with applicable laws, interested students may request a personal interview to plan any compensatory and/or extenuating measures, based on their educational objectives and specific needs. Students may also contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or Learning Disabilities) representative at the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

1) Describe the structure and function of chemical synapses.

2) List the main gastrointestinal hormones and illustrate their function.

3) Describe the mechanisms underlying muscle contraction.

VERSIONE IN ITALIANO