Learning objectives

The goal of the course is: to understand the physic-chemical mechanisms of basic cellular processes: resting membrane polarization, action potential, synaptic communication, muscular contraction, stimuli transduction; to know the function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, their regulation mechanisms and coordination in specific tasks like the homeostasis of the internal environment, the regulation of cardiac output, arterial pressure, respiration and acid-base balance, and muscular exercise; to know the role of the kidney in ensuring balance of the body for water and solutes, as well as acid-base balance; to know the basal metabolism and activity metabolism, and the body requirements in terms of calories and specific nutrients, including the regulatory role of the nervous system and of various hormones; to know the physiology of the digestive tract, including motility, secretion, digestion, and absorption; to know the endocrine glands and their control by the hypothalamus-hypophysis; to know the structure and function of the sensory and motor systems and their centers in the brain; to know the structure and mechanisms underlying the sleep-wake cycle; to know the neurophysiological basis of higher functions and the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuronal plasticity.