FISIOLOGIA 1
Module FISIOLOGIA II

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: SIMONA DENARO

Expected Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide students with an understanding of how the organs and systems of the human body function, analyzing the fundamental principles that regulate their physiological activities and the mechanisms responsible for maintaining homeostasis. Students will also develop the ability to explain the basic functioning of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and renal systems, as well as how their functions are integrated with one another

Course Structure

Frontal lectures. If the course will be delivered via distance learning or mixed, the appropriate changes with respect to what was stated may be introduced in order to deliver the entire program reported in the syllabus.

Required Prerequisites

Biochemistry and Anatomy are prerequisite courses

Attendance of Lessons

Mandatory, according to the regulations of the Degree Course.

Detailed Course Content

Introduction to the Physiology of Organ Systems

Physiology of the Cardiovascular System

Structure and functions – Pressure, flow and resistance – Cardiac function – Action potential of cardiac fibers – Mechanical events and myocardial contraction – Cardiac cycle – Electrocardiogram – Neuro-hormonal control of cardiac function – Arterial system – Arterial pressure – Microcirculation and veins – Blood

Physiology of the Respiratory System

Structure and functions – Pulmonary ventilation – Volumes, flows and pressures of the respiratory cycle – Gas exchange: alveoli and capillaries – Gas transport in the blood – Nervous control of breathing – Chemoreceptors

Physiology of the Urinary System

Structure and functions – The nephron – Processes of urine formation: filtration, reabsorption and secretion – Regulation of filtration – Control of micturition – Renal control of water and salt balance and homeostasis – Renal regulation of blood pressure

Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System

Structure and functions – Mastication and swallowing – Gastric and intestinal motility – Gastrointestinal secretions – Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, water and mineral salts.

Human Nutrition

Energy balance and regulation of nutrient intake – Energy metabolism – Foods and nutrients – Nutrition in specific physiological conditions.



Textbook Information

Human physiology: an integrated approach. Author: Silverthorn - Ed. Pearson

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Physiology of the cardiovascular system: structure and functionsRecommended textbooks
2Hemodynamics: pressure, flow and resistance. Arterial system and blood pressureRecommended textbooks
3Cardiac function: action potential, myocardial contraction, cardiac cycle and electrocardiogramRecommended textbooks
4Arteries, veins, microcirculation and bloodRecommended textbooks
5Physiology of the respiratory system: pulmonary ventilation and respiratory mechanicsRecommended textbooks
6Gas exchange and transport. Neural control of breathing and chemoreceptorsRecommended textbooks
7Physiology of the urinary system: nephron and urine formationRecommended textbooks
8Renal regulation: filtration, micturition, water homeostasis and blood pressureRecommended textbooks
9Physiology of the gastrointestinal system: motility, secretions, digestion and absorptionRecommended textbooks
10Human nutrition: energy balance, energy metabolism and nutrientsRecommended textbooks

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The final assessment consists of a written and an oral examination, which the student may take during any of the scheduled exam sessions. Mid-term tests are planned to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching and learning processes. The final assessment and the learning evaluations may also be conducted online, should circumstances require it.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

  • Describe the processes of renal filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.
  • Explain the mechanisms that control pulmonary ventilation.
  • Describe the difference between the pacemaker potential and the action potential of contractile cardiomyocytes.
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