FISIOLOGIA 1Module FISIOLOGIA I
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: SIMONA DENAROExpected Learning Outcomes
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.
Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD: To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the department
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Homeostasis – Molecular Interactions – Cells and Tissues
Metabolism and CommunicationCell membrane and cellular communication – Transport and energy
Cellular and Molecular Physiology of the Nervous System
Cells of the nervous system: neurons – glial cells – equilibrium potential – graded potential – action potential
Ion channels: classification – structure and function – types – selectivity – modulation
Receptors and signal transduction: principles of communication – neurotransmitters – receptors and signaling pathways
Morpho-functional Organization of the Central and Peripheral Nervous System
Central nervous system and neural networks – Brain – Spinal cord – Cerebral functions
Physiology of the Nervous System: Efferent Pathways
Autonomic nervous system: organization and transmission – sympathetic – parasympathetic – neuroeffector junction – adrenal medulla
Somatic motor system: organization and transmission – neuromuscular junction
Enteric nervous system
Sensory Physiology
General properties of sensory systems: sensory receptors – receptive fields – intensity – duration – modality of the stimulus
Somatic senses: somatic and visceral sensitivity – touch and pressure – temperature – pain – pain modulation
Chemical senses: olfaction and taste
Ear: hearing and balance
Eye: vision
Physiology of Movement
Voluntary movement: organization of voluntary motor control – cortical areas – descending motor pathways – motor control – cerebellum – basal ganglia
Reflex movements: reflexes and integrated movement control – proprioceptors – proprioceptive reflexes – exteroceptive reflexes
Postural movements
Associative cortical areas – Emotions – Learning and memory – Sleep and wakefulness
Physiology of Skeletal MuscleStructure of skeletal muscle
Contractile mechanism: neuromuscular junction – excitation–contraction coupling – cross-bridge cycle
Metabolism of skeletal muscle: phosphocreatine system – anaerobic glycolysis – oxidative phosphorylation – muscle fatigue
Types of skeletal muscle fibers: slow oxidative fibers – fast oxidative–glycolytic fibers – fast glycolytic fibers – motor units and recruitment – muscle fiber plasticity
Skeletal muscle contraction: length–tension relationship – twitch and tetanic contraction
Mechanics of body movement: isotonic and isometric contraction – functional capacity of muscles
Physiology of Smooth and Cardiac Muscle
Tonic and phasic muscles – Organization – Contraction – Relaxation – Calcium regulation mechanisms – Cardiac muscle
Endocrine System and Human Reproduction
Hormones and mechanisms of action: communication pathways – hormone classification – control of hormone release – hormonal interactions
Hypothalamic–pituitary axis: neuroendocrine system – anterior pituitary hormones
Major endocrine glands
Textbook Information
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homeostasis, metabolism and cellular communication | Recommended textbooks |
| 2 | Nervous system cells, equilibrium potential, graded potentials and action potential, ion channels, neurotransmitters | Recommended textbooks |
| 3 | Organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Autonomic nervous system | Recommended textbooks |
| 4 | Somatic and enteric systems | Recommended textbooks |
| 5 | Sensory physiology: general principles and somatic senses. Chemical senses, hearing, balance, and vision | Recommended textbooks |
| 6 | Physiology of movement: voluntary and reflex | Recommended textbooks |
| 7 | Higher functions of the nervous system | Recommended textbooks |
| 8 | Physiology of skeletal muscle | Recommended textbooks |
| 9 | Mechanics of movement and physiology of smooth and cardiac muscle | Recommended textbooks |
| 10 | Endocrine system and reproduction | Recommended 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.
Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD: To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the department