Biologia umana: basi anatomiche e funzionali
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
To provide the basic elements of human anatomy (both macroscopic and microscopic) and cell Biology in order to understand the biology and function of the human body, adaptation to the environment, alterations due to aging and the " Interaction with the environment itself. In the course of the course some aspects will be investigated with reference to functional, cellular and evolutionary aspects. Some aspects of relationship between body and environment will be discussed, recalling some of the structural and functional alterations resulting from aging and the interaction between man and the environment.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will know the functional features of the human organs, and of the immune system.
He/she will be able to grasp the functional meaning in relationship with evolution, physiology and pathology.
He/she will be able to grasp the functional meaning in relationship with evolution, physiology and pathology.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
General Composition of the Human Body. Terminology and anatomical coordinates. Organ classification and structural patterns. Body spaces and cavities.
Locomotor system: structure and organization of cartilage and bone tissue. Architecture and classification of bones, muscles and joints. Ossification mechanisms. Structure and organization of the skeletal muscle system (skull, spine, rib cage, pelvis and limbs). Basic notions of physical anthropology.
Respiratory system: structure, organization and function of the respiratory system.
Introduction to the digestive system, with particular reference to the anatomy and function of the liver and pancreas.
Integumentary system: the human body as a barrier to the environment, the skin, melanocytes and UV damage. From anatomy to function. The epithelial barrier. The skin and its appendages.
Introduction to the cardiovascular system: development of structural and functional alterations of the cardiovascular system in the modern age (e.g. arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis).
Introduction to the anatomy of the immune system and the evolutionary meaning of T cells. Recognition of self and modulation of the immune response during life in autoimmune processes and in cancer. Anatomo-functional interaction between symbiotic bacteria and the immune system.
Urogenital apparatus: organization and function.
Endocrine organs: organization and function.
Nervous System: structural organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Modifications of the nervous system during life (adolescence and aging). Basic notions of the evolution of the mammalian brain.
Locomotor system: structure and organization of cartilage and bone tissue. Architecture and classification of bones, muscles and joints. Ossification mechanisms. Structure and organization of the skeletal muscle system (skull, spine, rib cage, pelvis and limbs). Basic notions of physical anthropology.
Respiratory system: structure, organization and function of the respiratory system.
Introduction to the digestive system, with particular reference to the anatomy and function of the liver and pancreas.
Integumentary system: the human body as a barrier to the environment, the skin, melanocytes and UV damage. From anatomy to function. The epithelial barrier. The skin and its appendages.
Introduction to the cardiovascular system: development of structural and functional alterations of the cardiovascular system in the modern age (e.g. arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis).
Introduction to the anatomy of the immune system and the evolutionary meaning of T cells. Recognition of self and modulation of the immune response during life in autoimmune processes and in cancer. Anatomo-functional interaction between symbiotic bacteria and the immune system.
Urogenital apparatus: organization and function.
Endocrine organs: organization and function.
Nervous System: structural organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Modifications of the nervous system during life (adolescence and aging). Basic notions of the evolution of the mammalian brain.
Prerequisites for admission
A basic knowledge of cytology and histology is recommended.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods are based on interactive frontal lessons supported by the projected material. Students will be stimulated to actively participate in the lesson/discussion to improve their critical skills, analyzing the literature and communicating the concepts appropriately. In-person attendance: strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Copies of the projected materials will be available in Ariel along with a selection of proposed articles. Online information on textbooks will be made available.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam (6 CFU) consists of two parts:
-A written test (1 hour), with 4 open-ended questions covering the integumentary system, the immune system, and splanchnology.
-An oral discussion on the locomotor and neuro‑endocrine systems, based on the course topics.
Evaluation criteria are based on assessing acquired competences, reasoning ability and clarity of presentation.
-A written test (1 hour), with 4 open-ended questions covering the integumentary system, the immune system, and splanchnology.
-An oral discussion on the locomotor and neuro‑endocrine systems, based on the course topics.
Evaluation criteria are based on assessing acquired competences, reasoning ability and clarity of presentation.
BIO/16 - HUMAN ANATOMY - University credits: 3
BIO/17 - HISTOLOGY - University credits: 3
BIO/17 - HISTOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Amadeo Alida, Manfrini Nicola
Professor(s)
Reception:
Every day (date and time to be arranged via email with the professor)