Unit PHYSIO-PATHOLOGICAL BASES OF DISEASE
- Course
- Nursing
- Study-unit Code
- GP003938
- Curriculum
- In all curricula
- Teacher
- Stefano Brancorsini
- CFU
- 7
- Course Regulation
- Coorte 2025
- Offered
- 2025/26
- Type of study-unit
- Obbligatorio (Required)
- Type of learning activities
- Attività formativa integrata
PHYSIOLOGY II
| Code | GP003951 |
|---|---|
| CFU | 2 |
| Teacher | Roberto Panichi |
| Teachers |
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| Hours |
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| Learning activities | Base |
| Area | Scienze biomediche |
| Sector | BIO/09 |
| Type of study-unit | Obbligatorio (Required) |
| Language of instruction | Italian |
| Contents | The course addresses the study of the main processes through which the body maintains or restores homeostasis. Particular attention is devoted to the functions of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and digestive systems. In addition, the course highlights the integrative aspects among these systems and examines the structure and function of the major endocrine glands. |
| Reference texts | L. Zocchi, “Principi di Fisiologia”, Ed. EdiSES. AAVV, “Fisiologia dell'uomo” Ed. Edi-Ermes. R. Poltronieri, “Elementi di Fisiologia”, Ed. EdiSES. S.E. Huether, K.L. McCance, “Understanding Pathophysiology” Ed. Elsevier Ed. Elsevier • Textbooks are not mandatory, but they may serve as a valuable resource to support individual study. The instructor will provide students with the teaching materials presented during lectures, which will constitute the primary reference for exam preparation. |
| Educational objectives | The aim of the course is to provide students with the fundamental knowledge needed to understand the functions and mechanisms that ensure the survival and well-being of the organism, with particular reference to the physiological conditions of homeostasis. The course also introduces the basic concepts of pathophysiology needed to understand how diseases can alter normal physiological processes. Special attention will be devoted to the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, and endocrine systems, with an emphasis on the main mechanisms of integration among these systems. |
| Prerequisites | The student should have the fundamental knowledge of: Physics Chemistry Biochemistry Human Anatomy |
| Teaching methods | Face-to-face lessons. Practical training could be carried out. |
| Other information | During the course, meetings and discussions with students are planned for further information and clarification. For information on support services for students with disabilities or DSA, visit http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa. |
| Learning verification modality | Learning is evaluated through a fifteen-minute oral exam. The exam focuses on discussing program topics to assess knowledge and understanding, as well as presentation and language skills. |
| Extended program | Introduction to physiology and the concept of pathophysiology. Physiology of the cardiovascular system. Heart. Cardiac automatism: pacemaker cells of the nodal tissue, rhythmogenesis, and conduction of cardiac action potential. Mechanisms of atrioventricular delay. Cardiac mechanics: Action potential of cardiomyocyte due to electro-mechanical coupling in cardiac fiber. Factors that determine the contractile strength of the heart. Isometric and isotonic contraction and the length-tension relationship in the cardiac fiber. Cardiac cycle: cardiac, arterial, and venous pressure changes. Heart valves and heart sounds. Cardiac output. Regulation of cardiac activity: Intrinsic Mechanisms and Frank-Starling Law. Effects of the autonomic nervous system. Electrocardiogram. Principles of hemodynamics: Physical factors that regulate blood flow in the circulatory system. Relationship between pressure, flow, and resistance. The Hagen-Poiseuille law. Laminar and turbulent flow. Blood viscosity and hematocrit. Vascular compliance. Factors determining blood pressure. Functions of the arteries: elastic and resistance vessels. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure. Blood pressure measurement. Physiology of the microcirculation. Mechanisms underlying blood-interstitium exchanges. Role of the lymphatic system Factors determining interstitial edema. Physiology of the venous system: mechanisms of venous return. Regional Control of Blood Flow: Metabolic, humoral and nervous mechanisms. Short, medium, and long term Regulation of blood pressure. Baroceptive and chemoreceptive reflexes. The renin-angiotensin system. The kidney-body fluid system controls the blood pressure. Physiology of the respiratory system. Respiratory mechanics. Lung volumes and capacities. Lung and alveolar ventilation. Spirometric examination. Respiratory muscles. Elastic properties of the lung, intrapleural pressure, pressure-volume curve. Role of the surfactant. Elastic properties of the rib cage. Dynamic resistance to gas flow. Gas exchange - Partial gas pressure in the ambient, inhaled and alveolar air. Oxygen and carbon dioxide transport in the blood. Ventilation/perfusion relationship. Nervous control of breathing. Physiology of the urinary system. The nephron. Glomerular filtration and its regulation. Tubular functions: resorption and secretion. Resorption of water and solutes. Action of antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone and, natriuretic hormones. Excretion. Urination. Renal clearance: meaning, utility. Short-medium and long-term mechanisms of pH control. Physiology of the digestive system. Smooth muscle: functional organization and excitation-contraction coupling. Regulation of electrical activity and contraction of smooth muscle fibers. Functions and processes. Regulation of intestinal motility. Secretion. Phases of digestion: cephalic, gastric, and intestinal. Digestion and absorption. Structure and function of the main endocrine glands. |
MICROBIOLOGY
| Code | GP003952 |
|---|---|
| CFU | 2 |
| Teacher | Claudia Monari |
| Teachers |
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| Hours |
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| Learning activities | Base |
| Area | Scienze biomediche |
| Sector | MED/07 |
| Type of study-unit | Obbligatorio (Required) |
| Language of instruction | Italian |
| Contents | Structure and physiology of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, host-microorganism interaction; mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity. Information on the main pathogenic microorganisms for humans and associated diseases. |
| Reference texts | Principi di Microbiologia Medica (La Placa) Paths, materials and/or assessment methodologies consistent with the needs of disabled and/or DSA students are provided. |
| Educational objectives | Provide the students of the Degree Course in Nursing with the knowledge of Microbiology capable of guaranteeing the skills required to achieve the essential levels of professional performance. |
| Teaching methods | Lectures Paths, materials and/or assessment methodologies consistent with the needs of disabled and/or DSA students are provided. |
| Other information | For clarifications, information: claudia.monari@unipg.it Office hours are agreed periodically with the students |
| Learning verification modality | Oral examination lasting approximately 20 minutes divided into two questions relating to the topics described in the program. A third question on minimum essential knowledge may be asked in case of an unsatisfactory answer to the two main questions. Final grade: arithmetic average of the grades relating to the individual courses. Paths, materials and/or assessment methodologies consistent with the needs of disabled and/or DSA students are provided. For information on support services for students with disabilities and/or DSA visit the page http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa |
| Extended program | Bacterial cell structures (Gram+ e Gram- cell wall, nucleic aid, cytoplasm, cytoplasmatic membrrane, mesosomes). Facultative bacterial cell structures (capsule, pili, flagella, spore). Bacterial virulence factors (toxins, capsule, adhesins, exoenzymes). Metabolism, Nutrition. Colture mediums. Bacterial genetics. General features of Fungi, Viruses, Protozoa. Bacterial microbiota. Routes of transmission of infections. Antibiotic susceptibility tests. Sterilization /Disinfection. Bacteriology: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterobatteri, Neisseria, Legionella, Helicobacter, Mycobacterium. Virology: orthomyxovirus, hepatitis A, B, C, HIV, HPV, Herpesvirus, Coronavirus Micology: Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus. Parasitology: Plasmodium, Giardia, Toxoplasma. |
GENERAL PATHOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
| Code | GP003950 |
|---|---|
| CFU | 3 |
| Teacher | Stefano Brancorsini |
| Teachers |
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| Hours |
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| Learning activities | Base |
| Area | Scienze biomediche |
| Sector | MED/04 |
| Type of study-unit | Obbligatorio (Required) |