Fundament of organs morfology and function Single channel
Chair (Coordinator) and Rapporteur: ANTONIO FILIPPINI
Module 1: Anatomy
- Activity type
- Scienze biomediche
- SSD
- BIO/16
- Year
- N/D
- Semester
- N/D
- CFU
- 3
- Hours distribution
- 36 classroom hours
- Lecturers
- ROSEMARI BRIGITTE HEYN SALINAS
Module 2: Physiology and Food Science
- Activity type
- Scienze biomediche
- SSD
- BIO/17
- Year
- N/D
- Semester
- N/D
- CFU
- 1
- Hours distribution
- 12 classroom hours
- Lecturers
- ANTONIO FILIPPINI
Module 3: Histology
- Activity type
- Scienze biomediche
- SSD
- BIO/09
- Year
- N/D
- Semester
- N/D
- CFU
- 3
- Hours distribution
- 36 classroom hours
- Lecturers
- MASSIMILIANO RENZI
Learning outcomes
The course has a medical orientation, as it is aimed at training health professionist. It comprises 3 disciplines:
a) Human Histology
b) Human Anatomy
c) Physiology
This course is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge concerning the tissues of the human body, always in relation to their specific functions and in the context of the normal, healthy condition of the human organism. In addition to the histophysiology of tissues, organs and system, students will be introduced to the essential foundations necessary for understanding the relationship between tissue function and disease, including—but not limited to—the underlying mechanisms of molecular regulation. For each tissue type, students will be presented with examples of human pathologies resulting from morphological, structural, functional and/or molecular alterations.
Prerequisites
The student should know the structure and
function of the cell, which are part of the biology course.
In particular, they must possess in-depth
knowledge of the structure, function, and
importance of the plasma membrane,
nucleus, and cytoskeleton. It must also
know the structure and function of the main
cellular organelles, such as mitochondria,
smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum,
Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes. Finally, it
must know the main phases of the cellular
cycle and cellular metabolism.
Programme
Module: Anatomy
The training course carried out through frontal teaching is divided into seven lessons of approx. five hours each, emphasizing the basic aspects of the architecture of the organs and systems of the human body.
1. THE MUSCULO-SKELETAL SYSTEM. The axial and appendicular skeleton. The bone and its functions. Classification of bones: long, short, flat, irregular, and sesamoid bones. The effects of aging. The joints (fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial joints). Gross anatomy and organization of the main skeletal muscular system. The effects of aging.
2. THE CARDIOVASCULAR AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS. Size and location of the heart. The structures of the heart (heart wall, the heart chambers). The blood supply to the heart (coronary vessels). Blood flow through the heart (heart valves). General remarks on the main arteries and veins of the body. Fetal circulation. General remarks on the lymphatic system. General structure of the lymphoid organs (spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, the MALT: “Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue”). The effects of aging.
3. THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. Organization of the respiratory system. Blood supply. The upper respiratory tract (nose and nasal cavities). The sinuses. The lower respiratory tract (larynx; trachea; bronchial tree; alveoli). Pleura. Diaphragm. The effects of aging. THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM. The structure of the skin (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis). The accessory skin structures (hair; nails; accessory glands: sebaceous, sweat, and ceruminous glands). The breasts; the ductal system, the terminal ductal lobular unit (TDLU) as the functional unit of the breast. The effects of aging.
4. THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. General organization of the cavities of the body. The mouth (oral cavity). Tongue. Palate. Teeth. Salivary glands. Pharynx. Oesophagus. The peritoneal cavity. Stomach. Small intestine: concept of villi and microvilli. The exocrine pancreas. The liver and the production of bile. The gall bladder. The large intestine; rectum and anus. The effects of aging.
5. THE URINARY SYSTEM. Gross and microscopy anatomy of the kidneys. The retroperitoneal space. Blood supply of the kidney. The nephron as a morpho-functional unit. The juxtaglomerular apparatus. Minor and major calyces. Renal pelvis. The ureters. The urinary bladder. Differences between the male and the female urethra. The effects of aging. THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM. Concepts of endocrine gland and hormones. The hypothalamic-pituitary gland axis, the pineal gland, the thyroid gland, the parathyroid glands, the adrenal glands, the endocrine pancreas. Other structures with endocrine activity. The effects of aging.
6. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. General organization of the nervous system. Sensory division of the peripheral nervous system. Central nervous system. Motor division of the peripheral nervous system. Neuroglia. The meninges. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The brain. The peripheral nervous system (cranial nerves). The spinal cord. The autonomic nervous system (sympathetic division; parasympathetic division). The effects of aging. THE SENSE ORGANS. The sense of smell (olfaction); the olfactory pathway. The sense of taste; taste buds; the gustatory pathway. Aging The special senses of equilibrium and hearing; the structure of the ear (outer, middle, and inner ear), the cochlea and the organ of Corti; the vestibular system. The special sense of sight; the lacrimal apparatus. The eye; the wall of the eye; the nervous sheath (the retina); the chambers of the eye. The effects of aging.
7. THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. Gross and microscopic anatomy. The ovaries, oogenesis and folliculogenesis, the corpus luteum; the uterus; the ovarian and uterine cycles; the fallopian tubes; the uterine cervix; the vagina; the external genitalia (vulva). Brief morpho-functional remarks on aging and menopause. THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. Gross and microscopic anatomy. The testes. The seminiferous tubules, spermatogenesis. The seminal tract (tubuli recti, rete testis, efferent ducts, epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct). Spermatic cord. The external genitalia (scrotum, penis). Accessory glands: the prostate gland, the seminal vesicles, the bulbourethral glands. The effects of aging.
Module: Physiology and Food Science
HISTOLOGY
Methods of study: concepts of fixation and staining. Concepts of histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. The various types of microscopes and their use. Main methods for the study of cells and cellular components
Epithelial tissues. Histogenesis, homeostasis and shelter. Surface epithelium: cell polarity, cytoskeleton, membrane specializations; histogenesis, histological organization, classification, and Reference examples of the relationship structure function (skin, intestinal epithelium, ciliated epithelium, endothelium). Exocrine and endocrine glands: the mechanisms of cellular secretion, histogenesis, histological organization, classification, references to the main exocrine and endocrine glands.
Connective tissues. Histogenesis, mesenchyme. Histological organization: cells, matrix, fibers. Value structure function. Special connectors: reticular tissue, adipose tissue, elastic tissue, mucous tissue. The system of macrophages, the endocytosis and the lysosomes.
Blood and lymph. Work on the composition of blood plasma. Morphology and morpho-functional relationships of the elements corpuscles. Determination of the main blood values.Myeloid and lymphoid tissues. Haemopoiesis and emocateresi.
Cartilage. Histogenesis, histological organization and morpho-functional relationships. The various types of cartilage. The perichondrium. Mechanisms of nutrition and growth of cartilage.
Bone. Histological organization of compact and spongy bone tissue. The periosteum. The various types of ossification. Mechanisms of growth and remodeling of bone. Functions of bone tissue. Organization of teeth.
Muscle tissue. Organization histological and morpho-functional relationships of the striated skeletal muscle tissue, striated, cardiac and smooth. Histogenesis, homeostasis and repair and hints on the mechanisms of regulation.
Nervous tissue. Histogenesis and organization of general morpho-functional relationships. Types of neurons and their morphology. The neuroglia. The synapses. The nerve fiber; general structure of the nerves.
Module: Histology
First month of lectures:
• Homeostasis and Feedback: definition, examples and mechanisms.
• The cell as a fundamental unit. Cell membrane and composition of intra- and extra-cellular milieus. Transports across the membrane. Membrane potential: origin and functions. Local potentials and active potential. Voltage-dependent ion channels. Ligand-gated ion channels. Mechanoceptors. Chemical and electrical synapses.
• Neurotransmitters and synaptic transmission. Principles of the organization of the Nervous System (CSN, PNS) and neuronal and glial cell types. Principles of the cortical, sub-cortical and cerebellar functions of the CNS. Somato-Motor System. Somestesia. Esteroception. Proprioception. Autonomous Nervous System. Sympathetic and parasympathetic ANS. ANS afferent pathways and ANS reflexes. ANS direct and integrative control of target organs and systems.
• Striated skeletal muscles. Cellular and intra-cellular organization of skeletal muscles. Sarcomeres and filaments. Cross-bridges cycle. Excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscles. Neuromuscular junction: structure and molecular mechanisms. Mechanical properties of striated skeletal muscles. Contraction: from single twitch to tetanic contraction. Isometric and isotonic contraction. Motor unit and innervation ratio. Muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs. Voluntary and involuntary motor control. Muscle tone. Posture, locomotion, reaching and handling. Simple and polysynaptic spinal reflexes. Principles of smooth muscle organization and contraction. Cardiac muscle.
Second month of lectures:
• Heart: structure, excitability, contractility, conduction, refractory property and rhythm. Membrane potentials of cardiac cells. Pacemakers. Excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac muscles. Intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of the heart. Frank-Starling law. Systolic and diastolic pressure. The cardiac cycle. The normal ECG. Blood circulation and principles of haemodynamics. Arterial and venous systems – properties and functions. Cardiac output, venous return and their regulation. Local, nervous and hormonal regulation of blood flow and arterial pressure. Baroceptors. Microcirculation and lymphatic system: blood-tissue exchanges. Cellular and non-cellular elements of the blood. Hematocrit (PCV). Principles of hemostasis and coagulation (thrombogenesis).
• Respiration: structure of the lungs. Pulmonary pressure and ventilation. Pulmonary volumes. Mechanical properties of the lungs: compliance, recoil properties. Pulmonary circulation. Composition of atmospheric and alveolar air. Gas exchange. O2 and CO2 transport in the bloodstream. Haemoglobin: functions and regulation. Ventilation-perfusion coupling. Respiratory nuclei. Chemical control of respiration: response to changes in blood pO2, pCO2 and pH. Peripheral and central chemoceptors.
Third month of lectures:
• Acid-base balance. Body buffer systems for extracellular pH: plasma proteins, bicarbonate buffer and phosphate buffer. Respiratory regulation of the acid-base balance. Unbalance of the acid-base equilibrium and compensatory mechanisms.
• The kidney and the body fluids. Volemia. Body fluid compartments; water and salt equilibrium. Urine formation: glomerular filtration, tubular transport of the electrolytes, tubular water reabsorption and the regulation of fluid osmolarity. The counter-current multiplier system in the Henle loop. Diuresis and regulation.
• Renal mechanisms for the control of blood and extracellular fluid volume. Renal mechanisms for the control of mean arterial pressure. Regulation of the concentration of the principal electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate). Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System, ADH and Atrial Natriuretic Peptide: molecular mechanism and regulative functions. Renal regulation of the acid-base balance.
• Endocrinology: hormone structure and action. Pituitary hormones and hypothalamic control mechanisms. Thyroid hormones. Adrenocortical steroid hormones. Endocrine pancreas: insulin and glucagon. Parathyroid hormone and calcitonin: calcium and phosphate metabolism. Vitamin D.
• Principles of Gastrointestinal physiology: motility, nervous control and blood circulation in the gastrointestinal tract. Food progression and mixing in the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal secretion: salivary, gastric, pancreatic, biliary, intestinal secretions. Food digestion. Absorption of water, nutrients and electrolytes in the small intestine. Absorption in the large intestine.
Books
Module: Anatomy
Combined textbooks of anatomy, histology, and physiology:
-Principles of anatomy & physiology. EMEA Edition. G.J. Tortora-B. Derrickson. Wiley. Textbook and a single-colour study guide.
Tortora's Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 15th Edition, Global Edition | Wiley
-Study Guide for Anatomy & Physiology. Patton-Thibodeau. Elsevier.
https://www.eu.elsevierhealth.com/study-guide-for-anatomy-physiology-9780323316897.html
-Ross and Wilson Anatomy & Physiology in health and Illness. A. Waugh, A. Grant. Elsevier.
Ross & Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health a - 9780323834605 | Elsevier Health
Combined textbook of anatomy and physiology:
-Anatomy and physiology for nurses. Roger Watson, Elsevier.
Anatomy and Physiology for Nurses - 9780702077418 | Elsevier Health
Module: Physiology and Food Science
Combined textbooks of anatomy, histology, and physiology -Principles of anatomy & physiology. EMEA Edition. G.J. Tortora-B. Derrickson. Wiley. Textbook and a single-color study guide. Tortora's Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 15th Edition, Global Edition | Wiley èStudy Guide for Anatomy & Physiology. Patton-Thibodeau. Elsevier. https://www.eu.elsevierhealth.com/study-guide-for-anatomy-physiology-9780323316897.html -Ross and Wilson Anatomy & Physiology in Health and Illness. A. Waugh, A. Grant. Elsevier. Ross & Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health a - 9780323834605 | Elsevier Health · Combined textbook of anatomy and physiology èAnatomy and physiology for nurses. Roger Watson, Elsevier. Anatomy and Physiology for Nurses - 9780702077418 | Elsevier Health
Module: Histology
Textbook of human anatomy: Introduction to the human body. Tortora-Derrickson. Wiley
Bibliography
Module: Anatomy
See textbooks described above.
Module: Physiology and Food Science
N/D
Module: Histology
Further reading / references provided during lectures, if any
Lessons mode
Module: Anatomy
The lessons are given in presence, in English, from November 2025 to January 2026, once a week on Fridays in blocks of about 5 h each at the New Didactic Building of Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Room 15 (first floor; FMP S. Andrea RM 154), Via di Grottarossa 1035-1039, Rome.
Module: Physiology and Food Science
N/D
Module: Histology
PHYSIOLOGY
Attendance of lectures is obligatory.
Students are strongly encouraged to participate actively during the lessons by the Lecturer, who stimulates them asking questions and problem solving. Students are also prompted to ask questions based on skills and knowledge previously acquired.
The request for clarification is also strongly encouraged, whenever needed (student reception: BY APPOINTMENT).
Recalls of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology and Human Anatomy will be given during the lecture when needed.
Essential for this Course is i) the use of the textbook chosen in agreement with the Lecturer; ii) proactive participation during lessons; and, iii) the exam program.
Frequency
Mandatory attendance at at least 67% of lectures.
Exam mode
The student must demonstrate to:
• Know the main procedures for the LM
observation of histological samples
• Know the main ultrastructural structures
of sub-cellular components relative to
different tissues;
• Know the morpho-functional
characteristics of the different cellular
components as well as of various tissues
The grade is given in thirtieths.
The exam is passed when the grade is
equal or greater than 18/30. It is expected
that the maximum number of the grade
will be awarded with honour (30 and honour). Honour is attributed only after
the interview when the student
demonstrates full subject maste
Example exam questions
Histologiacl organization of the skin
Arguments
Module: Anatomy
- Friday, November 7th, 2025 -08:30-13:30 h THE MUSCULO-SKELETAL
SYSTEM.
General organization of the cavities of the body. The axial and appendicular
skeleton. The bone and its functions. Classification of bones: long, short,
flat, irregular, and sesamoid. The effects of aging. The joints (fibrous,
cartilaginous, and synovial joints). Gross anatomy and organization of the main
skeletal muscular system. The effects of aging. - Friday, November 14th, 2025 -08:30-13:30 h THE
CARDIOVASCULAR AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS. Size and location of the heart. The
structures of the heart (heart wall, the heart chambers). Heart’s
vascularization (coronary vessels). The blood flow through the heart (heart
valves). General remarks on the main arteries and veins of the body. Fetal
circulation. General comments on the lymphatic system. General structure of the
lymphoid organs (spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, the MALT: “Mucosa Associated
Lymphoid Tissue”). The effects of aging. - Friday, November 21st, 2025 -08:30-13:30 h THE
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. Organization of the respiratory system. Blood supply.
The upper respiratory tract (nose and nasal cavities). The sinuses. The lower
respiratory tract (larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli). Pleura.
Diaphragm. The effects of aging. THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM. The structure of the skin (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis). The accessory
skin structures (hair, nails, accessory glands: sebaceous, sweat, and
ceruminous glands). The breasts, the ductal system, the physiological
and gender changes of the mammary gland (normally resting, active in pregnancy
and lactation). The effects of aging. - Friday, November 28th, 2025 -08:30-13:30 h THE
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. The mouth (oral cavity). Tongue. Palate. Teeth. Salivary
glands. Pharynx. Esophagus. The peritoneal cavity. Stomach. Small intestine:
concept of villi and microvilli. The exocrine pancreas. The liver and the
production of the bile. The gall bladder. The large intestine: cecum, colon,
rectum, and anus. Concept of fecal continence. Feces. The effects of aging. - Friday, December 5th, 2025 -08:30-13:30 h THE
URINARY SYSTEM. Gross
and microscopical anatomy of the kidneys. The retroperitoneal space. Blood
supply of the kidney. The nephron as a morpho-functional unit. The
juxtaglomerular apparatus. Minor and major calyces. Renal pelvis. The ureters.
The urinary bladder. Concept of urinary incontinence. The urethra and gender differences.
The effects of aging. THE FEMALE
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. Gross and microscopic anatomy. The ovaries, oogenesis,
and folliculogenesis, the corpus luteum. The uterus, the ovarian and uterine
cycles. The fallopian tubes. The uterine cervix. The vagina. The external
genitalia (vulva). Brief morpho-functional remarks on aging and menopause. THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. Gross and
microscopic anatomy. The testes. The seminiferous tubules, spermatogenesis. The
seminal tract (tubuli recti, rete testis, efferent ducts,
epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct). Spermatic cord. The external
genitalia (scrotum, penis). Accessory glands: the prostate, seminal vesicles,
and bulbourethral glands. Brief morpho-functional remarks on aging and
infertility. - Friday, December 12th, 2025 -08:30-14:30 h THE
NERVOUS SYSTEM. General organization of the nervous system. Sensory division of the
peripheral nervous system. Central nervous system. Motor division of the
peripheral nervous system. Neuroglia. The meninges. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
The brain. The peripheral nervous system (cranial nerves). The spinal cord. The
autonomic nervous system (sympathetic division; parasympathetic division). Pain.
The
effects of aging. THE SENSE ORGANS. The sense of smell (olfaction); the olfactory pathway. The sense of taste,
taste buds, the gustatory pathway. Aging. The special senses of equilibrium and
hearing. The ear structure (outer, middle, and inner ear), the cochlea, and the
organ of Corti. The vestibular system. The sense of sight, the lacrimal
apparatus. The eye, the wall of the eye, the nervous sheath (the retina), and the
eye chambers. The effects of aging. - Friday, December 19th, 2025 -08:30-13:30 h THE
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM. Concepts of endocrine gland and hormones. The
hypothalamic-pituitary gland axis, the pineal gland, the thyroid gland, the
parathyroid glands, the adrenal glands, and the endocrine pancreas. Other
structures with endocrine activity. The effects of aging.
Module: Physiology and Food Science
Module: Histology
- Lectures will start on Wed, 7th Jan 2026 and will be held every day at 2-6pm as shown in the teaching calendar.Below is reported the predicted plan for topics/lectures,Changes may occur.
- Lecture 1Intro; cell membranes; passive and active transports; osmosis; membrane potentials
- Lecture 2Membrane excitability; ion channels; cellular neurophysiology; synaptic
transmission; Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). Central and Peripheral Nervous
Systems (CNS, PNS, ANS) - Lecture 3Muscles; Motor control; Spinal reflexes; Heart: emo-dynamics and conductivity
- Lecture 4Cardiovascular system and MAP homeostasis
- Lecture 5Respiratory system
- Lecture 6pH buffer and homestasis
- Lecture7Renal system: structures, functions, regulations; integrative renal
physiology; hemorrhage; water intoxication (2) - Lecture 8Renal system: structures, functions, regulations; integrative renal
physiology; hemorrhage; water intoxication (2) - Lecture 9(Neuro)endocrine system (bases)
Sustainability goals
- Academic year2026/2027
- Degree program to which the course belongsNursing - Roma Azienda Ospedaliera Sant’Andrea
- Mandatory presenceNo
- Languageita
- CFU7 CFU, distributed among 3 integrated didactic modules
- Total duration84 hours