Functions 2 (a.a. 2023/24)

Function I and II are two strictly related courses which, together, focus on the fundamental mechanisms of body functions. Both courses are organized around the central theme of homeostasis, i.e. how the body maintains the constancy of the internal environment needed for all cells and organs to function properly despite continuously changing external and internal demands.

By combining Physiology and Anatomy, Functions II provides students the functional organization of the nervous system in its somatic and autonomic components, the main principles of the endocrine function, the interplay between endocrine system and nervous system within the Hypothalamic-Hypophyseal axis, main endocrine glands and their role in homeostasis together with their specific functions related to non strictly homeostatic functions as reproduction and growth. The course will also address the skeletal and smooth muscle and the mechanisms adopted by the human body to maintain the homeostasis of the thermal regulation and within the complex biological response to stress and the general entrainment of the body functions with the environment within the circadian rhythmicity.

As a preliminary step, membrane potential and its determinants, synaptic communications, skeletal and smooth muscle contraction will be discussed in Functions I module. 

Specifically Functions II Anatomy and Physiology will be integrated to address the anatomo-functional organization of the sensory system from receptor along the ascending pathway to the higher centers, the modulation of the sensory information and motor systems organization and their interplay on the somatic and on the autonomic division of the nervous system, the special senses, 

The anatomo-functional organization of spinal cord, brain stem. Thalamus, Hypothalamus and Cortex (archi, paleo and neo cortex)

During the course, the topics of the lectures will be reinforced and expanded by practical activities, problem-based learning, problem-based tutorials and seminars.