Unit GENERAL AND SPECIAL VETERINARY PHISIOLOGY

VETERINARY ENDOCRINOLOGY

Code	GP001188
CFU	4
Teacher	Margherita Maranesi
Teachers	Margherita Maranesi
Hours	40 ore - Margherita Maranesi
Learning activities	Base
Area	Discipline della struttura e funzione degli organismi animali
Academic discipline	VET/02
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction	Italian
Contents	General endocrinology overview. Hormones. Organization of the endocrine system. Functions, principal endocrine glands mechanism of action and dysfunction: epiphyses, hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid glands, endocrine pancreas, adrenal gland, gonads, and placenta. Physiology of reproduction and lactation.
Reference texts	Reccomended: Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici; Authors: O.V. Sjaastad, O. Sand, K. Hove, Edizione Italiana; Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. Manuale di Fisiologia Veterinaria; Author: J.G. Cunnigham, Edizione Italiana; Antonio Delfino Editore. Optional: Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici con Elementi di Etologia; Authors: G. Aguggini, V. Beghelli, L.F. Giulio; UTET.
Educational objectives	D1 - KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING ABILITY - the bases for understanding the organization of the endocrine system (endocrine glands and diffuse endocrine system, classification of hormones, synthesis, secretion and transport, circadian rhythms); - the bases for understanding the interactions between the endocrine and nervous and immune systems; - the elements for the understanding of the main endocrine mechanisms that control large animal functions, such as regulation of glycaemia and metabolism, development and growth, water and mineral balance, reproduction and milk secretion, states of emergency and stress; - the elements to anticipate the effects due to "excess" or "defect" of specific hormones. D2 - ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING - critically evaluate functional endocrine parameters and adaptation mechanisms; - identify the main causes capable of altering the normal functioning of the endocrine system; - the basis for understanding the pathophysiology and pathology of the endocrine system and their repercussions on general homeostasis. D3 - AUTONOMY OF JUDGMENT At the end of the training the student will be able to: - assess the presence of dysendocrinias in the animal; - assess the physiological status of the animal with respect to puberty, estrus cycles, pregnancy, lactation; D4 - COMMUNICATION SKILLS At the end of the training the student will be able to: - demonstrate language properties in both written and oral form, as well as the ability to use terminology that is sufficiently appropriate for a correct approach to the profession, which is also important for job interviews. D5 - LEARNING SKILLS At the end of the training the student will be able to: - consult and understand scientific texts, even innovative ones, bibliographic updates, so as to employ them in contexts not only usual for the profession, including research, but also originals, - possess a sufficiently broad mastery of the subject to guarantee an acceptable basis for continuing professional updating throughout life, through ongoing lifelong learning.
Prerequisites
Teaching methods	Course organization: - lectures on all the main topics covered by the program; - journal club on endocrinology issues; -practical activities at the Livestock teaching center/clinic for reproductive physiology and endocrinology. Students will be divided into groups and will follow 2 tutorials, 4 hours and 2 hours respectively; - seminars on topics related to the course: principal hormone dysfunction in domestic animals, physiology of reproduction. The official course material can be downloaded from the Unistudium platform.
Other information
Learning verification modality
Extended program	Theoretical lessons: Lesson 1: Course introduction. General Endocrinology. Hormones as specific chemical messengers. Endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine action. Hormones: chemistry, synthesis, secretion. Lesson 2: Hormones: transport, metabolism. Main receptors and second messengers. Lesson 3: Organization of the endocrine system and interaction with the S.N.C. Epiphysis. Hypothalamus. Hypothalamic pituitary connections. Adenohypophysis. Neurohypophysis. Somatotropic hormone. Physiology of reproduction: Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Sexual determinism and sexual differentiation. Lesson 4: Gonads. Physiology of puberty. Regulation of ovarian hormones secretion. Estrous cycle: general aspects and species-specific characteristics. Seasonal reproductive activity. Hormonal control of the estrous cycle. Lesson 5: Follicular phase: Follicular wave and ovulation. The luteal phase: corpus luteum. Lesson 6: Luteolysis: peculiarity of species. Male reproductive system: hormonal regulation of the reproductive function. Gametogenesis, fertilization and embryo development. Lesson 7: The endocrinology of pregnancy and parturition. Placental hormones and maternal recognition of pregnancy. Postpartum. Physiology of lactation: mammary development and growth, lactogenesis, and galactopoiesis. Milk ejection. Endocrine control of lactation. Lesson 8: The thyroid. Lesson 9: Parathyroid glands and hormones regulating calcium and phosphate homeostasis (parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, and calcitonin. Lessons 10 – 11: The endocrine pancreas. Gastrointestinal hormones. Lesson 12: The adrenal glands. Adrenal cortex. Lesson 13: Mineralocorticoids. Renin-angiotensin system. Glucocorticoids. The adrenal medulla. For each endocrine gland, the main hormonal dysfunctions will also be treated. Practical lessons: Training at the Livestock Teaching Center/ clinic of reproductive physiology and endocrinology. Students will be divided into groups and will follow guided practices of 2 hours each: 1) reproductive physiology and endocrinology training (4 h). Self-directed learning: 1) journal club on endocrinology themes (2 h).

VETERINARY PHISIOLOGY I

Code	A000603
CFU	6
Teacher	Olimpia Barbato
Teachers	Olimpia Barbato
Hours	60 ore - Olimpia Barbato
Learning activities	Base
Area	Discipline della struttura e funzione degli organismi animali
Academic discipline	VET/02
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction	Italian
Contents	Overview of the electrical activity of the heart, electrophysiology and physiology of muscle contraction. Sensory physiology. Vegetative nervous system. Somatic nervous system: spinal cord, reflexes and muscle tone; segmental brain and cranial nerves; cerebellum; basal ganglia, thalamus and cerebral hemispheres. Limbic system and primary and secondary cerebral cortex. Regulation of waking and sleep, biological rhythms. The limbic system: control of behavior and emotions. Cerebral cortex and control and regulation activities of higher centers. Physiology of cognition and relationship. Attachment theory and animal sociality. Empathy. Learning.
Reference texts	Books: Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici con Elementi di Etologia; Autori: G. Aguggini, V. Beghelli, L.F. Giulio; UTET. "Neuroscienze", Purves D., Augustine G.J., Fitzpatrick D., Katz L.C., LaMantia A-S., McNamara J.O., 2000. Zanichelli, Bologna. ¿ Suggested Books: Fisiologia degli animali. Dai geni agli organismi. 2010. Sherwood L., Klandorf H. Yancey P., Zanichelli, Bologna.
Educational objectives	Educational objectives D1 - KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING ABILITY The student must demonstrate to possess: - basic knowledge of electrophysiology, the physiology of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle contraction; - the functions of the nervous system and sensory perception, in particular of pain, in animals; - understand how these physiological functions are involved in the relationship life, in the cognitive, learning and adaptation processes of all animal species. D2 - ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING At the end of the training activity the student must demonstrate: - know how to set up the treatment of application problems in the general veterinary physiology; - critically evaluate the functional parameters and mechanisms of nerve impulse conduction and muscle contraction; - identify the main causes capable of altering the normal functioning of the nervous system; - understand the basic mechanisms of pathophysiology concerning the nervous system and muscle tissues, including the heart; - know how to establish links between the various topics covered, and in particular between animal physiology and behavior, in order to be able to adequately deal with subsequent studies of animal ethology and welfare, pathology and veterinary clinic. D3-AUTONOMY OF JUDGMENT The student must have acquired knowledge that allows him to: - to evaluate the mechanisms underlying electrophysiology, the physiology of skeletal muscle contraction, cardiac and smooth muscle, nervous system functions and sensory perception; - assess independently any different opinions on problematic aspects of general veterinary physiology. D4-COMMUNICATION SKILLS At the end of the course, the student will be able to: - organize one's own thoughts in an appropriate way around the different topics of the course; - know how to expose the topics in an organic form and with a scientific language with which to express adequately the acquired knowledge, in both written and oral form; - know how to use a terminology that is sufficiently appropriate for a correct approach to the profession, which is also important for job interviews. D5-LEARNING SKILLS The student must be able to: - examine and understand scientific texts, magazines in the field and scientific dissemination, in such a way as to employ them in everyday contexts in the continuation of their educational path and their working career; - possess a sufficient mastery of the subject to guarantee an acceptable basis for continuing professional updating during his future profession.
Teaching methods	Theoretical activity: The course is organized as follows: - Classroom lessons on all subjects of the course. Practical activity: - two hours guided exercises each held in the classroom and at the laboratory of Veterinary Physiology and Animal Ethology and Wellness (LEBA) at the Canile Sanitario di Collestrada (PG) with the RandAgiamo project; Students will be divided into 4 groups (maximum 20 students) - Supervised lessons - expert seminars in the field of the program carried out - written tests in classroom
Extended program	Introduction to the course. Physiology of the cell: Principles of general physiology of the cell, water compartments and forces that regulate the passage of substances through the membranes. Electrophysiology: excitable tissues: nerve cells, striated and smooth muscle cells, myocardium; rest and action potential. (3 hours). Electrophysiology: bioelectric phenomena of plasma membranes. Nervous tissue, excitabilit¿ fibers and impulse conduction. Synapses: Synaptic and junctional transmission. Neurotransmitters. (2 hours). Physiology of excitable tissues: striated muscle tissue, neuro-muscular transmission. Electrical excitation and contractile response. Simple shake and tetanus. Basics of biomechanics. (4 hours). Physiology of excitable tissues: smooth muscle tissue. Mechanical, electrophysiological properties, nervous and humoral control. (3 hours). Physiology of excitable tissues: myocardial muscle tissue. Cardiac innervation, conduction tissue, cardiac electrophysiology. (3 hours). Physiology of the nervous system: The somatic nervous system, evolution and functional organization. The blood-brain barrier. (2 hours). Sensory physiology: The sense organs and receptors: classification, coding of sensory information. Role of neuromediators and their modulation in the nervous system. (4 hours). Physiology of the nervous system: vegetative nervous system: sympathetic and parasympathetic: analogies and differences between vegetative and somatic reflex arc. Neurochemical transmission. (4 hours). Physiology of the nervous system: Conduction and trophic functions of the spinal cord. Ascending paths. (4 hours). Physiology of the nervous system: Conduction and trophic functions of the spinal cord. Descending pathways. (2 hours). Sensory physiology: Coding of sensory information: the perception of pain. (2 hours). Physiology of the nervous system: Reflex functions of the spinal cord. (4 hours). Physiology of the nervous system: Brain trunk and cranial nerves, implications for neurological examination. Cerebellum and its relationship with the segmentary brain. (2 hours). Physiology of the nervous system: Basal ganglia. Regulation of balance, voluntary and involuntary movement. Thalamus and cerebral hemispheres. (2 hours). Physiology of the nervous system: The hypothalamus as the homeostatic center of the organism. The limbic system: control of behavior and emotions. (2 hours). Physiology of the nervous system: Regulation of waking and sleep, biological rhythms. Sensory physiology (taste, smell, hearing, balance, vision) and sensory abilities in different species of zootechnical and loving interest. (3 hours). Physiology of the nervous system: Primary and secondary cerebral cortex. Cerebral cortex and control and regulation activities of higher centers. Associative areas. (2 hours). Physiology of cognition and relationship: Physiology of attachment theory and animal sociality. Concept of empathy: neurophysiological substrates. (2 hours). Physiology of cognition and relationship: Learning: classical and operative conditioning, imitative, latent and intuitive learning, cognitive-relational approach. (2 hours). PRACTICAL LESSONS: Supervised lesson. Electrophysiology and muscles (2 hours). Practical activities: Drama Learning, group work. (2 hours). The spinal frog: the reflexes. The cerebellum. (2 hours). Dog learning. Group work in the field. (2 hours).

VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY II

Code	A000602
CFU	3
Teacher	Margherita Maranesi
Teachers	Margherita Maranesi
Hours	30 ore - Margherita Maranesi
Learning activities	Base
Area	Discipline della struttura e funzione degli organismi animali
Academic discipline	VET/02
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction	ITALIAN
Contents	The heart, functions and neuroendocrinological control. Cardiovascular system: blood and hemostasis, hemodynamics, arterial system, microcirculation, peripheral circulation control. Respiratory system: respiratory mechanics, pulmonary circulation and pulmonary ventilation, perfusion, distribution, gas transport, respiratory control.
Reference texts	Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici; Authors: O.V. Sjaastad, O. Sand, K. Hove, Edizione Italiana; Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. Manuale di Fisiologia Veterinaria; Author: J.G. Cunnigham, Edizione Italiana; Antonio Delfino Editore. Optional: Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici con Elementi di Etologia; Authors: G. Aguggini, V. Beghelli, L.F. Giulio; UTET.
Educational objectives	D1 - KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING ABILITY The main objective of the module is to provide students with an adequate knowledge of the physiology of domestic animals, with particular emphasis on the general principles and the control mechanisms that regulate the functions of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems that participate in an integrated way in maintaining the homeostasis of 'body. The main knowledge acquired will provide: - the bases for understanding the functioning of specific bodies / systems; - the bases for the understanding of the regulation mechanisms of the single organs / systems and of the functional interactions between the different organs / systems; - the essential elements for understanding homeostasis and the causes that modify it. D2 - ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING The main skills arising from the application of the knowledge described above will be: - critically evaluate functional parameters and adaptation mechanisms; - identify the main causes capable of altering the normal functioning of the cardio-circulatory and respiratory system; - the basis for understanding the pathophysiology and pathology of the cardio-circulatory and respiratory system. D3 - AUTONOMY OF JUDGMENT At the end of the training the student will be able to: - evaluate the main physiological parameters relative to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems; - recognize the presence of alterations in the physiological state of the cardiovascular and respiratory system; D4 - COMMUNICATION SKILLS At the end of the training the student will be able to: - demonstrate language properties in both written and oral form, as well as the ability to use terminology that is sufficiently appropriate for a correct approach to the profession, which is also important for job interviews. D5 - LEARNING SKILLS At the end of the training the student will be able to: - consult and understand scientific texts, even innovative ones, bibliographic updates, so as to employ them in contexts not only usual for the profession, including research, but also originals, - possess a sufficiently broad mastery of the subject to guarantee an acceptable basis for continuing professional updating throughout life, through ongoing lifelong learning.
Prerequisites
Teaching methods	The course is organized as follows: - classroom lectures on all the topics in the program; - exercises in the AZD / clinic of physiology of the cardiovascular system and respiratory system. Students will be divided into groups and will practise 4 hours of practical activity; - classroom seminars on topics related to the course: scientific databases (Wos, Scopus, Pubmed, Google Scholar) and their use for bibliographic research. The slides and material produced in the official course can be downloaded from the Unistudium platform.
Other information
Learning verification modality
Extended program	THEORETICAL LESSONS: Lesson 1-2: Physiology of cardiovascular system. The heart: heart cycle. The heart as a pump: the electrical conduction of the heart. Role of the pacemakers. Lesson: 3-4: Cardiac electrophysiology: the electrocardiogram (ECG). Lesson 5: Mechanics associated with the heart cycle and their repercussions on the vascular system (wrist, tones). Cardiac output, control factors (nervous, hormonal) and regulation. Lesson 6: Nervous heart control, afferent and efferent nerves, receptor system (bariceptors and chemoceptors), and heart regulation centres. The heart: Bainbridge reflex and sinus respiratory arrhythmia, regulating aspects of the nervous system. Responses to Exercise. Integrated cardiovascular functions. Lesson 7: Pressure, volume, flow and resistance. Blood vessels. Blood pressure and its regulation. Arterial resistance. Lesson 8: The distribution of blood to the tissues. Exchange at capillary level. The lymphatic system. Blood physiology: the blood. Plasma and cellular component. Blood physiology: homeostasis, platelet and coagulation. Lesson 9: Respiratory apparatus physiology: Introduction: the respiratory system. Ventilation. Gas exchange and transport. Lesson 10: Respiratory Mechanics. Mechanics: pulmonary volumes and respiratory cycle. PRACTICAL LESSONS: Heart and respiratory function evaluation (4 hours).

VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY

Code	A000601
CFU	3
Teacher	Massimo Zerani
Teachers	Massimo Zerani
Hours	30 ore - Massimo Zerani
Learning activities	Base
Area	Discipline della struttura e funzione degli organismi animali
Academic discipline	VET/02
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction	Italian
Contents	Digestive and polygastric digestive system functions. Renal System: Functional renal transport elements, solute and water along the nephron and tubular function, fluid volume control and osmolality, renal regulation of ions and acid-base.
Reference texts	"Physiology of Domestic Animals" 2nd edition Sjaastad O.V., Sand O., Hove K. 2010, Scandinavian Veterinary Press. Material provided by the teacher.
Educational objectives	D1 - KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING The student must - have the necessary knowledge to understand the physiological mechanisms regulating the activities of the renal and digestive systems in animals of veterinary interest. D2 - APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING At the end of the training activity the student must: - be able to evaluate the functional parameters of the digestive and renal systems; - be able to evaluate the homeostatic alterations of the physiological state of the digestive and renal systems. D3 - MAKING JUDGMENT At the end of the training the student must be able to: - to evaluate the appropriateness of technical-scientific publications in the field of the physiology of the digestive and renal systems. D4 - COMMUNICATION At the end of the training activity, the student must be able to: - organize, prepare and present, with appropriate evaluations and arguments, to an audience of equal technical-scientific level, a presentation on renal or digestive function of animals of veterinary interest, - demonstrate language skills in both written and oral form, as well as the ability to use terminology sufficiently appropriate for a correct approach to the profession which is also important for job interviews. D5 - LIFELONG LEARNING SKILL At the end of the training the student should be able to: - research and consult the appropriate technical-scientific publications to be used in the professional field; - have a sufficient command of the subject to face, through continuous training, the future and necessary professional updates.
Prerequisites
Teaching methods	The course is organized as follows: - lectures on all subjects of the program; - seminars in the classroom on topics of particular interest; - possible observations in the farm carried out at the experimental teaching farm of the Department of Veterinary Medicine; students will be divided into groups (maximum 10 students); - simulation of a written exam
Other information	Attendance is compulsory as established by the Study Council. The teaching activity is carried out during the first semester of the second year of the course. The student is invited to consult the page on the calendar of lessons on the website of the Department of Veterinary Medicine (http://www.medvet.unipg.it/) for further details on the start and end dates of the teaching activities. Lessons and seminars will be held at the Educational Pole (Department of Veterinary Medicine), Educational Laboratories of the Department. Some exercises will be carried out at the Didactic Animal Husbandry Company (Sant'Angelo di Celle) or in other classrooms/structures according to the needs.
Learning verification modality
Extended program	THEORETICAL LESSONS Introduction to the course. Digestive physiology: digestive function, chewing, salivation (2 hours) Digestive physiology: monogastric stomach (2 hours) Digestive physiology: Liver and pancreas (2 hours) Digestive physiology: Small intestine monogastric (2 hours) Digestive physiology: Monogastric crude intestines and digestion in polygastric animals (2 hours) Digestive physiology: the ruminal environment. Saliva (2 hours) AGV, Ruminary Cycles, Rumination (2 hours) Digestive physiology: omaso, abomasum (2 hours) Kidney physiology: Fundamental renal processes, renal function (2 hours) Kidney physiology: VFC filtration and regulation (2 hours) Kidney physiology: Active and passive absorption (2 hours) Renal physiology: Angiotensin and aldosterone renin system (2 hours) Kidney physiology: Tubular secretion and clearance (2 hours) Kidney physiology: Urine and water balance (2 hours) PRACTICAL LESSONS Databases and scientific publications (2 hours) Simulation of a written exam (2 hours)