To show the organization of the course that includes this module, follow this link:  Course organization

Learning outcomes

The student must acquire knowledge of the mechanisms of cellular and molecular damage and of the pathogenetic processes and mechanisms of reaction to restore health. The main training objectives are:
• understanding of the mechanisms of cellular and molecular damage;
• learn about reactions to biological damage which are crucial in the process of healing/repair or pathology, with an emphasis on mechanisms of immunity, inflammation, wound healing and chronic biological processes;
• gain knowledge of scientific terms and language that are used in medical practice in order to effectively communicate with other health care professionals.

Program

I. Introduction:
- general concepts
- the pathological process as an alteration of homeostasis
- adaptation, compensation and responsiveness
- pathogenesis
- etiology
II. Cellular Pathology:
-cell death: necrosis and apoptosis
- pathogenetic processes implicated in cellular damage
III. Natural immunity and acquired immunity:
- innate immune cells
- adaptive immune cells
IV. Tissue responses to cell damage:
- acute inflammation: changes in flow and vascular permeability;
- inflammatory exudates (types, composition, localization);
- mechanisms controlling phagocyte migration to the inflammatory sites
- effector functions of phagocytes: oxygen-dependent and oxygen-independent bactericidal mechanisms, phagocytosis
V. Mediators of acute inflammation: plasma-derived mediators and cell-derived mediators
- coagulation system, complement system, vasoactive amines
- cytokines
VI. Evolution of the acute inflammatory response:
-tissue repair, regeneration and fibrosis
-chronic inflammation: chronic systemic diseases that affect the joints and connective tissues
VII. Neoplasms

Examination Methods

The evaluation is performed as a written test within the exam of PATHOLOGY (visit also the assessment methods and criteria reported on the general web page of the course).
The assignment of General Pathology consists of a written test with 21 multiple choice questions.
The evaluation criteria are the following: 1,5 points for correct answers; 0,75 points for partially correct answers; 0 points for missing/wrong answers.
A positive evaluation is reached when the student achieves a minimal overall grade of 18 points.