The course provides knowledge to understand the functioning of the various organs and systems and their regulatory mechanisms and homeostatic control, with particular reference to gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, renal, endocrine function and the mechanisms of hunger and satiety. The course contains useful insights into the relationship between alterations in normal physiological processes and the onset of disease.
FISIOLOGIA UMANA - FONDAMENTI, Autori vari, Edi.Ermes
Learning Objectives
- Know the physiological mechanisms underlying the functioning of the various organs and systems of the human body
- Acquired the basic knowledge of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and renal function, the mechanisms of hunger and satiety and the sensory perception of food
- Understand the processes of regulation and integration of the various systems
- Understand the concept of homeostasis and the mechanisms of homeostatic control
- Obtain a specific knowledge of the physiological mechanisms of digestion and nutrient absorption and the ability to apply this knowledge to recognise the effects of malnutrition
- Describe the mechanisms of taste perception and hormonal regulation of appetite and acquire the ability to evaluate the interaction of these mechanisms with eating behaviour
- Understand the importance of the consequences of alterations in the body's homeostasis mechanisms and their role in the pathogenesis of disease
- Recognise alterations in physiological processes and risk factors leading to cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, digestive, endocrine and metabolic disorders
- Acquire the ability to apply knowledge of the physiological mechanisms studied to understand the complex relationship between nutrition and disease.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of physics, histology, anatomy, cellular and human physiology.
Teaching Methods
Lectures.
Further information
Program and teaching available on the website
https://e-l.unifi.it/course/view.php?id=30531
Type of Assessment
Written examination (10 sessions per year; 25 min duration) assessing i) the acquisition of appropriate knowledge of the physiological functions of the human body; ii) the degree of development of the scientific attitude to the study.
Course program
- FUNCTIONS OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Mechanical and electrical properties of the heart. Cardiac cycle. Cardiac output and regulation. Blood vessels and hemodynamic principles. Systemic pressure. Arteriolar tone. Mechanisms of cardiovascular control: nervous control of arterial pressure (short-term regulation of blood pressure). Capillary exchanges.
- RENAL FUNCTION
Glomerular filtration rate and control mechanisms. Tubular functions. ADH and aldosterone. Homeostatic functions: regulation of extracellular fluid (osmolality, volume and pH), long-term regulation of systemic pressure. Renal clearances.
- FUNCTIONS AND PROCESSES OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
Gastrointestinal motility and secretion. Composition, function and control of salivary, gastric, pancreatic, biliary and intestinal secretions. Digestion and absorption. Gastrointestinal hormones and peptides. Gastrin, histamine, cholecystokinin, somatostatin. Enteric nervous system.
- NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
Autonomic nervous system
Functions of the hypothalamus
Taste perception
- NUTRITION PHYSIOLOGY
Nutrient function and energy balance. Regulation of appetite and energy expenditure. Mechanisms of hunger and satiety. Hypothalamus and regulation of food intake. Mediators of eating behaviour. Peripheral mechanisms regulating food intake. Short- and long-term regulation of food intake. Ghrelin, leptin and adiponectin.
- ENDOCRINE FUNCTIONS
Endocrine function of pancreas and kidney. Hypothalamus. Adipose tissue. Parathyroid hormone.