06705 - Human and Stomatognathic Apparatus Physiology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will have acquired the knowledge necessary to understand the functions of human organs and systems and the mechanisms underlying them, with particular emphasis on the stomatognathic system. They will also have gained in-depth knowledge of biophysics and general physiology, useful for studying cellular responses and the functioning of organs and systems, both individually and in their integrated interactions. In particular, students will be able to: demonstrate knowledge of cellular physiology and biophysics, as well as the physiology of the muscular system and the nervous system; understand the general mechanisms controlling the functions of the stomatognathic system; understand the functional characteristics of the salivary glands; possess the foundations necessary for interpreting physiological processes involving the stomatognathic system. Integrate knowledge from the basic sciences to recognize the physiological basis of pathological processes.

Course contents

Transcellular and paracellular exchange processes. Fluid compartments of the body. Ionic composition of the intracellular and extracellular fluids. Selective permeability of the cell membrane. Transport of water and solutes across the cell membrane. Passive transport: simple diffusion and Fick's law; osmosis, facilitated diffusion. Primary active transport: ATP-driven pumps. Secondary active transport: symporters; antiporters.

Resting membrane potential and action potential. Electrochemical equilibrium and Nernst equation. Membrane potential and Goldman equation. Voltage-dependent channels and excitability in cells of the nervous system, skeletal muscle, smooth muscle and heart. Genesis of the action potential: threshold membrane potential and self-regenerating mechanisms. Ionic conductances in the various phases of the action potential. Cycle of membrane excitability: refractory periods. Propagation of the action potential.

Synaptic transmission. Electrical synapses. Chemical synapses: synthesis, release and inactivation of neurotransmitters. Classification of neurotransmitters. Membrane receptors. Effects of binding of neurotransmitters to ionotropic and metabotropic receptors: excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. Spatial and temporal summation of postsynaptic potentials.

Sensory receptors. Classification of sensory receptors. Adequate stimulus and stimulation threshold. Signal transduction: generator potential and action potential propagation in nerve fibers. Encoding the intensity of sensory stimulation. Adaptation in sensory receptors. Receptive field of sensory receptors.

Skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle. Skeletal muscle: Synaptic transmision at the neuromuscular junction. Activation of the contractile mechanism; excitation-contraction coupling; innervation of fibers; muscle twitch and tetanic contraction; gradation of contractile force; isometric and isotonic contraction; length-tension relationship. Cardiac muscle: activation of the contractile mechanism; excitation-contraction coupling; length-tension relationship. Smooth muscle: classification; activation of the contractile mechanism.

Cardiovascular system. General information on blood and its functions. Heart pump. Intrinsic properties of the heart. Blood flow in the heart chambers. Heart valves. Cardiac conduction system. Action potentials in the common myocardium and specific myocardium. Electrophysiological bases of the electrocardiogram

Phases of the cardiac cycle. Values of aortic pressure, left ventricular pressure, left ventricular volume during the cardiac cycle. Definitions of end-systolic, end-diastolic volume, systolic volume.

Functional organization of the vascular system. Definitions of systolic, diastolic and differential blood pressure. Contribution of arterial elasticity and arteriolar resistance to differential pressure. Principles of blood pressure measurement with the Riva-Rocci technique. Definition and reference values of cardiac output. Poiseuille's law. Overall resistance of a system of resistors in series and parallel. Contribution of different vascular segments to total peripheral resistance. Accumulation of blood in the downright limbs. Functions of the arterioles, venous pressure, exchange of substances through the capillaries

Organization of the nervous system. Central and peripheral nervous system. Autonomic Nervous System: anatomical-functional organization and functions of the parasympathetic nervous system and the orthosympathetic nervous system. Vegetative innervation of the main organs. Actions of the orthosympathetic and parasympathetic.

Somatosensory sensibility of the face and oral cavity. Mechanoreceptive sensibility Receptors and afferent fibers of tactile and kinesthetic sensibility. Organization of the sensory pathways of the mechanoreceptive sensibility of the body. Cortical somatosensory areas. Nociception and thermal sensibility. Receptors and afferent fibers of nociception and thermic sensibility. Organization of the sensory pathways of pain sensation and thermic sensibility. Types of pain. Hyperalgesia. Referred pain. Peripheral modulation and central control of pain.

Control of Movement. Final common pathway: the motor neuron. Neuromuscular spindles and periodontal ligament receptors. Trigeminal reflexes.

Digestive system. Oral and gastric functions. Morphofunctional organization of the esophagus and stomach. Cephalic, oral, esophageal and gastric phases of motor, secretory and absorptive processes. Digestive system: intestinal functions Morphofunctional organization of the intestine. Intervention of the small intestine and colon in motor, secretory and absorptive processes. Pancreatic and biliary secretions.

Readings/Bibliography

Required readings for exam preparation:

-Zocchi, L., Principles of Physiology. EdiSES, 2nd Edition.

-Manzoni, D., & Scarnati, E., Oral Physiology and Physiology of the Stomatognathic System. Edi.Ermes, 2011.

Recommended supplementary readings:

-Berne, R.M., & Levy, M.N., Physiology (edited by B.R. Koeppen and B.A. Stanton), 7th Edition, Milan: Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2018 (ISBN 978-8808-48004-0).

Teaching methods

The course is delivered entirely through face-to-face lectures, supported by electronic slides and video materials. The visual and illustrative content presented during the lectures is drawn primarily from the recommended textbooks.

Given the nature of the activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance in this course requires all students to complete Modules 1 and 2 of the Safety Training for Study Environments beforehand, available through the e-learning platform: https://elearning-sicurezza.unibo.it/. Completion of these modules is mandatory prior to participation in this educational activity.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the relevant University office in advance: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it. The office will propose any appropriate accommodations for the students concerned. Such accommodations must, however, be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their suitability, taking into account the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Assessment methods

The assessment test is designed to verify that students have acquired the theoretical knowledge related to the topics covered during the lectures.
The exam will consist of an oral test comprising two questions aimed at assessing the students’ understanding of the subjects discussed in class, as well as their ability to apply the acquired knowledge and establish the necessary logical-deductive connections.

The evaluation will take into account both the level of knowledge of the course content and the ability to present it in a coherent and structured manner, using scientifically appropriate language.
To pass the exam, students must obtain a minimum score of 18/30 for each question.

Final grade evaluation criteria:

• 18–19: Knowledge of a very limited number of topics covered in the course; analytical ability that emerges only with the instructor’s guidance; overall correct language use.
• 20–24: Knowledge of a limited number of topics covered in the course; independent analytical ability limited to procedural aspects; correct language use.
• 25–29: Knowledge of a wide range of topics covered in the course; ability to perform independent critical analyses; mastery of specific terminology.
• 30–30L (cum laude): Comprehensive knowledge of all topics covered in the course; ability to develop independent critical analyses and conceptual connections; full command of specific terminology and excellent argumentative and self-reflective skills.

The final grade will then be weighted with the grades obtained in the other exams that make up the Integrated Course.

Teaching tools

Lesson schemes available for download from the Virtual learning environment web site (https://virtuale.unibo.it.)

Office hours

See the website of Stefania Trazzi