ANATOMIA COMPARATA ED EVOLUZIONE BIOLOGICA 2Module ANATOMIA COMPARATA
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: ANNA MARIA PAPPALARDOExpected Learning Outcomes
Course objectives:The course aims to provide an in-depth overview of the anatomical and morphofunctional organisation of vertebrates, taking a comparative approach. To this end, the theoretical description of each organ system will be considered in an evolutionary context, with reference to its macro and microscopic characteristics. This theory will be reinforced by viewing anatomical material during laboratory sessions. The educational objective is to provide students with detailed morpho-functional knowledge of the subphylum Vertebrates, using basic comparative investigation concepts as a scientific methodology.
Expected learning outcomes:
Knowledge and understanding - by the end of the course, students must demonstrate that they: Understand the anatomical and morpho-functional organisation of the subphylum of Vertebrates from a comparative and evolutionary perspective. Are familiar with the fundamental stages of embryonic development, from gametogenesis to organogenesis, in both vertebrates and the main invertebrate model organisms. Identify the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the various organ systems. Place the morphological diversity of vertebrates within the correct phylogenetic context.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: By the end of the course, students should be able to: Use the methodological concepts of comparative study as a scientific tool to analyse animal anatomical structures. Correlate the concepts of descriptive anatomy and embryology to interpret the stages and mechanisms of vertebrate evolution. Recognise anatomical models observed during laboratory sessions. Apply models of circulation, respiration and osmoregulation to explain the adaptation of different taxa to specific environments (freshwater, marine or terrestrial environments).
Independent judgement - by the end of the course, students must demonstrate the ability to independently evaluate the biological and ecological mechanisms that drive evolutionary and adaptive processes in animals. Interpret structural changes in organs as functional responses to selective pressures from the environment. Formulate critical judgements on the relationships of homology and analogy between anatomical components of different classes of vertebrates.
Communication skills: - by the end of the course, students should be able to explain the morpho-functional and phylogenetic dynamics of vertebrates in a clear, rigorous and structured manner. Use the specific technical and scientific terminology of comparative anatomy and developmental biology appropriately. Describe anatomical structures and complex biological processes using appropriate scientific language.
Learning skills - by the end of the course, students should have developed autonomy in consulting and studying advanced scientific texts on anatomy and the ability to keep up to date with methodological developments by integrating macroscopic anatomical knowledge with new discoveries in the fields of molecular embryology and phylogeny.
Course Structure
Lectures and classroom-based practical sessions.
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Introduction to the study of the organ systems of vertebrates and their evolution. Unity of the structure of the Vertebrates. - Protection. Tegument and its derivatives, structure and functions of the skin, the tegument of the fish: the importance of dermal derivatives, the tegument of tetrapods: the importance of dander. - Support. The skull: relations between cranial components and evolution; axial skeleton: the development and evolution of the vertebrae, appendicular skeleton. - Circulation. Evolution of the cardiovascular system of vertebrates. Functional considerations and models of blood circulation. - Excretion and reproduction. The urinary system: structure and evolution of the kidney; osmoregulation in freshwater, sea water and land vertebrates. Reproductive system: development and differentiation of the gonads. Genital ducts. - Coordination and integration. Nervous system and sense organs. The nervous system: outlines, spinal cord and peripheral nerves, the brain and its evolution, the organ of smell, the ear and the eye.
Textbook Information
I -Stingo et al., Anatomia Comparata. Edi. Ermes
II - Liem et al., Anatomia comparata dei Vertebrati una visione funzionale
ed evolutiva. EdiSES.
III - E. Giavini, E. Menegola, Manuale di Anatomia Comparata. EdiSES
IV - G.C.Kent, Anatomia comparata dei Vertebrati. Ed Piccin.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1. The Chordates | V - I (Cap.2) |
| 2 | 2. Evolutionary history of Vertebrates | V - I (Cap.2) |
| 3 | 3. General concepts of Embryology | V - I (Cap. 3) |
| 4 | 4. Early developmental stages of Vertebrates | V - I (Cap. 3) |
| 5 | 5. Vertebrate organisation plan | V - I (Cap. 1) |
| 6 | 6. Integumentary apparatus: integument of primitive aquatic vertebrates | V - I (Cap.4) |
| 7 | 7. Tegumentary apparatus: integument of terrestrial ectothermic vertebrates (Amphibians and Reptiles) | V - I (Cap.4) |
| 8 | 8. Tegumentary apparatus: tegument of terrestrial endothermic vertebrates (Birds and Mammals) | V - I (Cap.4) |
| 9 | 9. Generalities on the skeletal system | V - I (Cap.5) |
| 10 | 10. Skull: development of the cranial box and splanchnocranium | V - I (Cap.5) |
| 11 | 11. Evolution of the splanchnocranium: appearance of the jaws | V - I (Cap.5) |
| 12 | 12. Attachment of the jaws to the skull. | V - I (Cap.5) |
| 13 | 13. The evolution of the cranium proper | V - I (Cap. 5) |
| 14 | 14. Evolution of the dermatocranium | V - I (Cap. 5) |
| 15 | 15. Hearth development | V - I (Cap. 7) |
| 16 | 16.The evolution of the cardiac cavity | V - I (Cap. 7) |
| 17 | 17. Development of the arterial system | V - I (Cap. 7) |
| 18 | 18. The evolution of aortic arches | V - I (Cap. 7) |
| 19 | 19. The evolution of the venous system | V - I (Cap. 7) |
| 20 | 21. Models of blood circulation | V - I (Cap. 7) |
| 21 | 22. Respiratory system: general information | V - I (Cap. 8) |
| 22 | 23.The respiratory system of fish: gills | V - I (Cap. 8) |
| 23 | 24. Lungfish | V - I (Cap. 8) |
| 24 | 25. The lungs of tetrapods | V - I (Cap. 8) |
| 25 | 26. Renal system: general information | V - I (Cap. 10) |
| 26 | 27. Embryonic origin of renal structures | V - I (Cap. 10) |
| 27 | 28. Structures of the neuron | V - I (Cap. 10) |
| 28 | 29. Osmoregulation in fish | V - I (Cap. 10) |
| 29 | 30. Excretion of nitrogenous products | V - I (Cap. 10) |
| 30 | 33. The nervous system: an overview | V - I (Cap. 14) |
| 31 | 34. Development of the nervous system | V - I (Cap. 14) |
| 32 | 35. The spinal cord: general information, spinal nerves and development | V - I (Cap. 14) |
| 33 | 37. Medulla oblongata | V - I (Cap. 15) |
| 34 | 38. Cerebellum | V - I (Cap. 15) |
| 35 | 39. Midbrain | V - I (Cap. 15) |
| 36 | 40. Diencephalon | V - I (Cap. 15) |
| 37 | 41.Telencephalon | V - I (Cap. 15) |
| 38 | 42. Cranial nerves | V - I (Cap. 14) |
| 39 | 44. Embryonic development of the eye | V - I (Cap. 16) |
| 40 | 47. Embryonic development of the inner ear | V - I (Cap. 16) |
| 41 | N.B. Knowledge of the topics marked with an asterisk is a necessary but not sufficient condition for passing the exam. Answering the questions on these topics to a more than satisfactory standard does not guarantee that you will pass the exam. |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The final oral examination will be preceded by a preliminary written test, comprising 10 multiple-choice questions, 2 open-ended questions and 1 diagram. Each multiple-choice answer will be worth 1 mark, whilst the answers to the open-ended questions will be marked on a scale of 0 to 7 and the diagram on a scale of 0 to 6, taking into account the completeness and relevance of the answer.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
1. Example of a multiple-choice question:
What are placodes (1 correct answer):
a. Thickening of the endoderm located in the head and neck region
b) Sensory cells associated with the sense organs
c) Vesicles associated with the sense organs
d. Thickening of the ectoderm located in the head and neck region
2. Example of an open-ended question:
Describe the various stages of metanephros organogenesis.