Comparative anatomy
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: VENERA FERRITOExpected Learning Outcomes
The teaching aims to provide an insight into the anatomical and morpho-functional organization of vertebrates through a comparative approach . Macro and microscopic characters of organs will be analyzed within an evolutionary context. The theoretical description of each apparatus will be accompanied by the analysis of anatomical models during practical laboratories. The students will then have to acquire detailed knowledges morpho-functional of vertebrates using the basic concepts of comparative surveys as scientific methodology.
Expected results
Knowledge and understanding – By the end of the course, students should demonstrate an understanding of the anatomical and morpho-functional organisation of the groups belonging to the subphylum of Vertebrates, from a comparative and evolutionary perspective. They should be familiar with the fundamental stages of embryonic development, from gametogenesis to organogenesis, in vertebrates. Identify the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the various organ systems. Interpret the morphological diversity of vertebrates within an appropriate 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 analysis as a scientific tool to analyse animal anatomical structures; to correlate the concepts of descriptive anatomy and embryology in order to interpret the stages and mechanisms of vertebrate evolution; to apply knowledge of descriptive anatomy and organ function in the recognition and description of anatomical specimens and 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 that they are able to independently assess the biological and ecological mechanisms that drive evolutionary and adaptive processes in animals; to interpret structural changes in organs as functional responses to selective pressures from the environment; and to form critical judgements on the relationships of homology and analogy between the anatomical components of different classes of vertebrates.
Communication skills – By the end of the course, students must be able to present the morpho-functional diversity of vertebrates within a phylogenetic context in a clear, rigorous and structured manner; to use the specific technical and scientific terminology of comparative anatomy and developmental biology appropriately; and to describe complex biological processes using appropriate scientific language.
Learning skills – By the end of the course, students should have developed the ability to independently consult and study advanced scientific texts on anatomy, as well as the capacity to keep their methodological knowledge up to date by integrating macroscopic anatomical knowledge with the findings of new research conducted in the fields of molecular embryology and phylogeny
Course Structure
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Introduction to the study of comparative anatomy. An overview of the systematics and phylogeny of vertebrates. Fundamental aspects of vertebrate embryogenesis. Structural units of vertebrates and their organisational plan. Integument: structure and function of the integument and its derivatives. Skeletal system: general principles of the vertebral column. Anatomy and development of the vertebrae. Organogenesis and anatomy of the neurocranium. Dermatocranium. Splanchnocranium. Appendicular skeleton. Circulatory system: organogenesis, morphology and evolution of the heart. Evolution of the aortic arch system. Simple circulation, incomplete double circulation and complete double circulation. Urinary system: organogenesis of the vertebrate urinary system. An overview of renal function. Structure of the kidney in anamniotes and amniotes. Nervous system: Organogenesis, anatomy and evolution of the central nervous system. Peripheral nervous system. Sense organs: Organogenesis and anatomy of the eye. Organogenesis and anatomy of the vestibulo-cochlear organ.
Textbook Information
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Chordates | V - I Cap. 2 |
| 2 | The evolutionary history of vertebrates | V - I Cap. 2 |
| 3 | General concepts of Embryology | V - I Cap. 3 |
| 4 | The early stages of vertebrate development | V - I (Cap. 3) |
| 5 | Vertebrate body plan | V - I Cap. 1 |
| 6 | Integument of primitive aquatic vertebrates | V - I Cap. 4 |
| 7 | ectotermi terrestri (Anfibi e Rettili) | V - I Cap. 4 |
| 8 | endotermi terrestri (Uccelli eMammiferi) | V - I Cap. 4 |
| 9 | An overview of the skeletal system | V - I Cap.5 |
| 10 | Development of chondrocranium and splanchnocraniusm | V - I (Cap.5) |
| 11 | Evolution of splanchnocranium and origin of jaw | V - I (Cap.5) |
| 12 | Type of jaw suspension | V - I (Cap.5) |
| 13 | Evolution of chondrocranium | V - I (Cap.5) |
| 14 | Evolution of dermatocranium | V - I (Cap.5) |
| 15 | Embryonic development of vertebrae | V - I (Cap.5) |
| 16 | Embryonic development of the cardiovascular system | V - I Cap. 7 |
| 17 | Evolution of heart chambers | V - I Cap. 7 |
| 18 | Evolution of arterial vessels system | V - I Cap. 7 |
| 19 | Evolution of aortic arches | V - I Cap. 7 |
| 20 | Evolution of venous vessels system | V - I Cap. 7 |
| 21 | Evolution of lymphatic system | V - I Cap. 7 |
| 22 | Blood circulation models | V - I Cap. 7 |
| 23 | Overview of urinary system | V -I Cap.10 |
| 24 | Embryonic development of urinary system | V- I Cap. 10 |
| 25 | Nefron structure | V- I Cap. 10 |
| 26 | Osmoregulation in fishes | V- I Cap. 10 |
| 27 | Excretion of nitrogen metabolism products | V- I Cap. 10 |
| 28 | Overview of Nervous system | V - I Cap.14 |
| 29 | Embryonic development of nervous system | V - I Cap.14 |
| 30 | Overview on spinal cord, spinal nerves and evolution | V - I Cap.14 |
| 31 | Medulla oblongata | V - I Cap.14 |
| 32 | Cerebellum | V - I Cap.14 |
| 33 | Midbrain | V - I Cap.14 |
| 34 | Diencephalon | V - I Cap.14 |
| 35 | Telencephalon | V - I Cap.14 |
| 36 | Cranial nerves | V - I Cap.14 |
| 37 | Eye embryonic development | V - I Cap.14 |
| 38 | Inner ear embryonic development (vestibular and auditory systems) | V - I Cap.14 |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Oral exam
In itinere text
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
Development of the eye
Double and incomplete circulation
Kidney types
Cerebellum