FISIOLOGIA 1

Module FISIOLOGIA I

The course aims to provide students with knowledge of the functioning of human organs and systems, and to examine the general principles underlying their physiological functions and mechanisms of homeostatic control. Students will acquire the ability to describe the regulatory processes of nervous, muscular, and endocrine functions, recognizing their integration in maintaining homeostasis and in the functional response to physical exercise

Biochemistry and Anatomy are prerequisite courses

Homeostasis – Molecular Interactions – Cells and Tissues

Metabolism and Communication

Cell 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

Higher Functions of the Nervous System

Associative cortical areas – Emotions – Learning and memory – Sleep and wakefulness

Physiology of Skeletal Muscle
Structure 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

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

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.

Muscle contraction mechanism. Movement control mechanisms. Hypothalamus–pituitary axis. Autonomic nervous system