Integrative physiology

Knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of homeostasis in relation to internal and environmental modifications. Knowledge of the mechanisms involved in autonomic nervous functions and endocrinology.

The different organs and systems are not isolated but they act as a unitary and integrated system, by means of the coordinating functions provided by the nervous and endocrine systems, which allow the maintaining of homeostasis and the right behavioural responses to the environmental stimuli. This series of lessons will explain the structure and functions of central nervous system and nerves, with a particular attention to sensory-motor integration and the control of homeostasis, by means of autonomic nervous system and hormones.

Students will familiarize themselves with different brain functions, including consciousness, sleep, learning and memory, and so on. They will also become aware that many biological problems are still unsolved and many other theories would probably change as a consequence of research advances.

The contents of the course will be illustrated by the teacher during seminars. All materials (slides) will be provided to the students. Learning assessment may also be carried out remotely, by using online platforms, should epidemiological conditions and regulations require it. In this case, it would be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme outlined in the Syllabus. 

Basic knowledge of Physiology and Anatomy.

Students should have acquired knowledge of cell physiology, including transport mechanisms and the ionic basis of the membrane potential and action potential. They should have basic knowledge concerning hormones, neurotransmitters and their receptors, and about synapses. Furthermore, basic knowledge about sensory systems and about the main functions of musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular and renal systems is required.

- The organism as an integrated system: omeostasis and regulatory mechanisms.

- Central nervous system: anatomical and functional organization. Cerebrospinal fluid: chemical and physical properties and its function. Blood-brain barrier.

- Cerebral cortex: structure and functional organization. Cortical areas. Intracortical, ascending and descending projections. Electrical activity of the cerebral cortex. Imaging systems.

- Sleep and its stages. Electroencephalografic rhythms. Neural systems involved in sleep control and circadian rhytms. Hypotheses about the physiological role of sleep.

- Brainstem and spinal cord: ascending and descending pathways. Cranial and spinal nerves.

- Sensory systems: transduction of the stimulus. Receptors: classification, mechanisms of action, threshold, adaptation. Classification of nerve fibers.

- Somatic sensory system: skin, muscle and articular receptors. Pain and its modulation. Receptive fields. Ascending pathways. Sensory cortex.

- The eye and vision: optical properties of the eye. The retina and the physiology of photoreceptors. Visual cortex. Stereopsis and binocular vision.

- Physiology of smell and taste.

- The ear: the coclear receptors and transduction of sound stimuli. Auditory cortex.

- Vestibular system: structure and function. Response to linear and angular acceleration of the head.

- Motor control. Spinal reflexes: extension and stretch reflex; alpha-gamma loop; withdrawal reflexes. Central pattern generators and their control.

- Descending pathways: corticospinal, rubro-spinal, vestibulo-spinal, reticulo-spinal pathways.

- Muscle tone and posture regulation.

- Vestibular reflexes. Ocular movements.

- Cerebellum: functional anatomy of archi-, paleo- and neo-cerebellum.

- Basal ganglia and their anatomical and functional organization.

- Motor cortex and overview of the voluntary movement regulation and control.

- Neurophysiology of behavior: generalities. Limbic system. Emotions and their functional roles. Motivation, reward and addiction.

- Higher functions of the central nervous system: cortical association areas and integrative processes. Learning and memory. Conditioning. Brain lateralization and dominance. Perception. Language. Consciousness.

- Regulatory systems: hypothalamus, autonomic nervous system, endocrine system. Definition and hormone classification. Biosynthesis, secretion, transport, activation and inactivation of hormones. Mechanisms of action.

- Sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Catecholamines and adrenal medulla.

- Neuroendocrine systems: hypothalamus and posterior pituitary gland.

- Adrenal gland and response to the stress. Chemical properties and functions of steroid hormones.

- Prostaglandins, endorphins ed endocannabinoids.

- Thyroid hormones and their functions. Physiopathology of the thyroid gland.

- Physiopathology of the endocrine pancreas and regulation of glucose levels.

- Calcium and phosphate metabolism; bone physiology. Hormonal control of calcium and phosphate ions.

- Physiology of human reproduction. Functions of female reproductive organs: ovarian, uterine and hormonal cycle.Physiology of pregnancy and birth. Lactation and its neuroendocrine regulation. Functions of male reproductive organs: functional anatomy of seminal ducts and glands. Spermatogenesis. Hormonal regulation of male reproductive functions.

Suggested books:

- Human Physiology: An integrated Approach. By D.U. Silverthorn. Ed. Pearson. 8th edition.

- Textbook of Medical Physiology. By Guyton and Hall. Ed. Elsevier. 14th edition.

Knowledge will be tested by means of a written examination (true/false test).

The evaluation will primarily check the ability to handle the logical flow of the discipline, and secondarily the acquisition of detailed contents.

The written examination may be followed by an oral exam, at the discretion of the lecturer or if requested by individual students.

Online oral exams will be possible in particular circumstances, should epidemiological conditions or anti-Covid regulations require it.