FISIOLOGIA 1

Module FISIOLOGIA II

The course aims to provide the student with knowledge of the functioning of organs and systems of the human body and to analyze the general principles underlying their physiological functions and the mechanisms of homeostatic control. The student will acquire the ability to describe the basic functioning of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and renal systems and the integration of their functions.

Knowledge and understanding

Particular attention and in-depth study will be devoted to the cardiac apparatus, the circulatory system, and the respiratory system given their primary importance in physical exercise and sports performance. To know the fundamentals of cellular bioenergetics and the biochemical principles of nutrition.

To know the morpho-functional organization of the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, and digestive systems. To know and understand the mechanisms and processes that support the functioning of the organs of the human body; the dynamic integration of organs into systems; the general mechanisms of functional control under normal conditions.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

To understand the implications that knowledge of the human body and its functioning have with respect to the maintenance of homeostasis at rest and during physical activity.

To understand the levels of integration and increasing complexity of the human organism.

Autonomy of judgment

To be able to critically analyze scientific information and experimental data relating to human health.

To be able to formulate reasoned personal judgments to solve analytical and complex problems and to independently seek scientific information.

To be able to formulate informed hypotheses, collect and critically evaluate data, in order to solve simple problems related to human health.

Communication skills

Ability to listen carefully in order to extract and synthesize the most relevant information on the most common lifestyles and share information and potential suggestions with peers.

Learning skills

To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the human sciences, being able to reflect on and discuss their influence on the science of kinesiology.

To collect, organize, and critically interpret new scientific knowledge.

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.

Introduction to physiology
Cardio-circulatory system
Function and physiology of the heart and blood vessels
Mechanical cycle of the heart - electrical phenomena - circulation
Regulation of cardiac activity
Blood Vessels and Cardiovascular Control - The Blood
Pressure - Volume - Flow - Resistance
Respiratory system
Function and physiology of the respiratory system
The alveolus - mechanics of breathing
Transport and diffusion of respiratory gases
Control of ventilation and alveolar blood flow
Urinary system
Function and physiology of the urinary system
The nephron structure and function
Hydro-electrolytic homeostasis - Control of osmolarity and volume
Excretion and clearance - Urination
Renal regulation of blood pressure and hydro-saline and acid-base balance
Digestive system
Function and physiology of the digestive system
Functioning and phases of digestion
Oral cavity, stomach functions and intestinal secretions
Movements and absorption
Human nutrition
Foods
The constituents of living matter
Energy requirement and balance
Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals
Thermoregulation Thermogenesis - body temperature and metabolic adaptations
Response to heat and response to cold

The final assessment consists of a written and an oral exam that the student can take in one of the exam sessions scheduled in the calendar. Ongoing assessments are planned in order to monitor the effectiveness of the learning and teaching processes. The final assessment and the learning assessments may also be carried out remotely, should conditions require it. The exam allows verification of: i) the level of general knowledge and understanding of the subject; ii) the ability to apply such knowledge to solve specific problems and to develop autonomy of judgment; iii) clarity of exposition; iv) proper use of medical-scientific language. 

Grade 29–30 cum laude: the student has an in-depth knowledge of the required topics, is able to promptly and correctly integrate and critically analyze the situations presented, independently solving even highly complex problems; has excellent communication skills and masters medical-scientific language. 

Grade 26–28: the student has a good knowledge of the required topics, is able to integrate and critically and coherently analyze the situations presented, is able to solve fairly independently complex problems, and presents the topics clearly using appropriate medical-scientific language. 

Grade 22–25: the student has a fair knowledge of the required topics, although limited to the main subjects; is able to integrate and critically analyze the situations presented, though not always coherently, and presents the topics fairly clearly with a reasonable command of language. 

Grade 18–21: the student has the minimum knowledge of the required topics, has a modest ability to integrate and critically analyze the situations presented, and presents the topics in a sufficiently clear manner, although language proficiency is poorly developed. 

Exam not passed: the student does not possess the minimum required knowledge of the main contents of the course. The ability to use specific language is very limited or absent, and the student is not able to independently apply the acquired knowledge.

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.