Unit OCULAR ANATOMOPHYSIOPATHOLOGY, WITH ELEMENTS OF CELL BIOLOGY

Course
Optics and optometry
Study-unit Code
A002474
Curriculum
In all curricula
Teacher
Guglielmo Sorci
CFU
9
Course Regulation
Coorte 2026
Offered
2026/27
Type of study-unit
Obbligatorio (Required)
Type of learning activities
Attività formativa integrata

HUMAN AND OCULAR ANATOMY

Code A002484
CFU 3
Teacher Guglielmo Sorci
Teachers
  • Guglielmo Sorci
Hours
  • 21 ore - Guglielmo Sorci
Learning activities Affine/integrativa
Area Attività formative affini o integrative
Sector BIOS-12/A
Type of study-unit Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction Italian
Contents Organization of the nervous system. Orbital cavity. Anatomical structure of the eyeball. Dioptric system of the eye. Functional anatomy of vision. Visual reflexes. Accessory organs of the eye.
Reference texts - Anatomia Umana, Anastasi et al., Edi-Ermes (3rd volume);
- Material given by the Teacher.
Educational objectives To know the anatomical elements at the basis of visual perception. Understanding the correlations between the anatomical structure of various organs and their function. To know the general organization of the nervous system in order to fully understand the vision process and the various aspects connected to it.
Prerequisites For a profitable study and adequate understanding of the subject, basic knowledge of chemistry, physics, cell biology and histology is recommended.
Teaching methods Face-to-face lessons with the use of powerpoint slides. Use of plastic models related to the topics developed at lessons. The education material presented during the lessons (with the exclusion of illustrations protected by copyright) will be made available to the students in electronic format (pdf files) and it does not replace the use of suggested books.
The use of skeleton and anatomical models is integral part of the lessons.
Other information Teacher is available for explanation. Please arrange an appointment contacting him by e-mail (guglielmo.sorci@unipg.it) or telephone (075 5858258).
Learning verification modality Single-choice test (execution time, 1.5 minutes/question; evaluated in basis 30; no penalty for wrong answers; the test is passed if the student reaches a score of at least 18/30).
The test is structured to evaluate the knowledge of the anatomical elements at the basis of visual perception, the understanding of correlations between the anatomical structure of organs and their functions, and the knowledge of the general organization of the nervous system in order to fully understand the vision process and the various aspects connected to it.
The final test is unique for all the modules of which the integrated course is composed, however partial tests on individual modules are possible.

Info on the support service for students with disability and/or DSA can be found at http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa
Extended program General organization of the nervous system. Neurocranium and splanchnocranium. Orbital cavity. Anatomical structure of the eyeball: fibrous tunic (sclera, cornea); vascular tunic (choroid, ciliary body, iris); nerve tunic (retina). Chambers of the eyeball. Dioptric system of the eye (aqueous, crystalline humor, vitreous body). Functional anatomy of vision. Retinal image processing. Optic nerve and visual pathway. Visual areas of the cerebral cortex and their connections. Visual reflexes (pupillary constriction and dilation, fixation reflex, accommodation reflex). Accessory organs of the eye: extrinsic muscles of the eyeball; eyebrow, eyelids, conjunctiva, lacrimal apparatus). General organization of the cranial nerves. Oculomotor nerves.
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile Codes 1, 3, 4

BASES OF CELLULAR HYSTOLOGY

Code A002475
CFU 3
Teacher Lorella Marinucci
Teachers
  • Lorella Marinucci
Hours
  • 21 ore - Lorella Marinucci
Learning activities Affine/integrativa
Area Attività formative affini o integrative
Sector BIOS-13/A
Type of study-unit Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction Italian
Contents Morphological study of cells and tissues: methods and means of investigation. Notes on the optical microscope and the electron microscope. Definition and classification of tissues. Epithelial lining tissue; glandular epithelial tissue; hints of exocrine and endocrine glands. The connective tissue proper. The adipose tissue. The blood. Striated and smooth muscle tissue. The nervous tissue.
Reference texts G. Istologia per le professioni sanitarie G.Sica et al. Ed. Idelson Gnocchi
Educational objectives Acquisition of histological terminology as a basis for the definition and critical interpretation of morphological knowledge. Know and describe through specific terminology the main structural and ultrastructural characteristics of cells and tissues in relation to their specific activity. Acquire the ability to integrate data deriving from the study of the morphology of cells and tissues and the related correlations between structure and function, as an indispensable cultural background for understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of the organs and systems of the human body.
Prerequisites In order to be able to understand and apply the majority of the contents described within the course, the student must have acquired basic knowledge of cellular biology and chemistry.
Teaching methods Face to face with slide projections
Other information The teacher is available for clarifications by appointment, contacting her via e-mail (lorella.marinucci@unipg.it) or telephone (075 5858232).
Learning verification modality The final exam consists of a written test which includes at least 30/40 multiple choice questions on Histology topics (approximate time 30 minutes). The written test is aimed at verifying the ability to correctly apply theoretical knowledge and the ability to understand the proposed problems. The final grade will be the arithmetic average of the grades obtained in the individual disciplines. For information on support services for students with disabilities and/or DSA visit the page http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa
Extended program General characteristics, functions and classification of the lining epithelia. Structural organization, functions and classification of exocrine and endocrine secreting epithelia. Morphological and functional characteristics of the different types of connective tissues. Morphological, structural and functional characteristics of the connective tissue itself and of the adipose tissue. Blood: plasma and figurative elements. Morphology and structure of skeletal muscle fibrocells. Morphology, structure, functions and distribution of smooth muscle cells and myocardial cells. Notes on muscle contraction. Structure of neurons and their distribution in the central and peripheral nervous system. Morphology of the nerve, structure and function of the synapse. Notes on the conduction of nervous impulses.
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile Zero poverty Health and wellness Decent work and economic growth

CELL BIOLOGY

Code A002483
CFU 3
Teacher Letizia Mezzasoma
Teachers
  • Letizia Mezzasoma
Hours
  • 21 ore - Letizia Mezzasoma
Learning activities Affine/integrativa
Area Attività formative affini o integrative
Sector BIOS-10/A
Type of study-unit Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction Italian
Contents Characteristics of living organisms. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Structure and function of the plasma membrane and cellular organelles. Genome organization. Gene expression and its regulation. Cell cycle and its regulation.
Reference texts S. Bonaldo, S. Suga, R. Pierantoni, P. Riva, M.G. Romanelli – Biology and Genetics – EdiSES.
Teaching materials are also made available through the University's e-learning platform (Unistudium).
Students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are entitled to all compensatory and dispensatory measures provided by current legislation, in accordance with the University's guidelines.
Educational objectives The aim of the Course is to provide an integrated study of the cell and living organisms, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms involved in the following processes: biogenesis of membranes, organelles, and cellular structures; interactions among cells and between cells and the extracellular environment; replication and transmission of genetic information, its expression and regulation; and cell proliferation and its control.
Prerequisites To successfully attend the course, students are expected to have acquired basic knowledge of Chemistry and Biology, in accordance with the curricula established by the Italian Ministry of Education and covered in upper secondary schools. In particular, to understand biological terminology and concepts, students should possess a general knowledge of cell structure, atomic structure, chemical bonding, and simple inorganic and organic molecules.
Teaching methods Face to face lessons
Other information The teaching activities, as well as the schedule of lessons and exams will be published on the web site of the Degree Course.
Learning verification modality The exam will be integrated with the other modules. It will be a written test.
The final grade will be the result of the weighted average of the three disciplines.
Extended program Biological Organization
Characteristics of living organisms.
Levels of biological organization.
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
The Molecular Basis of Life
Structure and function of the major biological macromolecules: proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates.
The Cell and Its Functions
Plasma membrane: structure, properties, and functions.
Membrane transport and cell communication.
Cellular compartmentalization and functions of organelles:
nucleus and genome organization;
endoplasmic reticulum;
Golgi apparatus;
lysosomes and peroxisomes;
mitochondria and energy metabolism.
Genetic Information Flow and Basic Molecular Genetics
Organization of the eukaryotic genome.
Chromatin and chromosomes.
Structure of the eukaryotic gene.
DNA replication.
Gene expression: transcription, RNA processing, and translation.
Principles of gene expression regulation.
Mutations: definition, general classification, and functional consequences.
Cell Cycle
Phases of the cell cycle.
Mitosis and regulation of cell proliferation.
Overview of apoptosis and neoplastic transformation.
Applications to Ocular Biology
Cellular specialization in ocular tissues.
Role of membranes, cell junctions, and intercellular communication in maintaining ocular homeostasis.
Overview of cellular mechanisms involved in major ocular diseases.
Basic genetic aspects of selected inherited ocular disorders
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile Health and wellness