Cellular physiology
Homeostasis. Biophysics of the cell membrane (permeability and transport). Membrane potentials: resting, electrotonic, action potentials. Propagation of potentials. The synapses.
Nervous and muscular system
Functional organization of the nervous system. Autonomous and somatic motor system: innervations, neurotransmitters and receptors, functions of autonomic nervous system. The neuromuscular junction. Sensitivity and sense organs. Skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle physiology: mechanical aspect of the muscular contraction.
Cardiovascular system
The common myocardium and the specific myocardium. The electrical activity of the heart: cardiac pacemakers and conduction. ECG system. Mechanical features of the heart: the cardiac cycle.
Structure and function of vessels, visco-elastic behavior, arterial pulse, blood pressure, blood volume, flow and resistance. Blood pressure measurement: invasive and non-invasive systems.
Mechanical features of the heart: the cardiac cycle. Microcirculation and interstitial plasma-liquid exchanges. The laws of hydrostatics and hemodynamics. Blood and hemostasisControl of cardiac output and systemic blood pressure.
Respiratory system
Structure and function of the respiratory system. Respiratory mechanics. Ventilation-perfusion ratio. Respiratory centers and breathing control (nervous, chemoceptive and mechanoceptive). Respiratory indexes: lung volumes and capacity. Alveolar exchanges and transport of gases in the blood.
The kidney
The nephron. Filtration, re-absorption, secretion and excretion processes. The functions of the kidney (endocrine, control in hydro-saline and acid-base balance).