06551 - Neurophysiology

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid understanding of the physiological basis of: (1) cerebral cortex function; (2) electroencephalographic (EEG) activity and recording; and (3) motor control.

Specifically, students will understand:

• the somatosensory cortical areas and their relationship with the association cortices;
• the major EEG rhythms and their correlation with different behavioral states;
• the cortical control of movement and its modulation by the cerebellum and the basal ganglia.

Course contents

The Cerebral Cortex and the Electroencephalogram

Cerebral circulation and the blood–brain barrier. Morphofunctional organization of the cerebral cortex. Primary and association cortices. Cortical sensorimotor integration. Principles of electroencephalography (EEG). Analysis of the major EEG rhythms.

Behavioral States and Their Circadian Organization

Behavioral states. Organization and regulation of the sleep–wake cycle. Physiological functions of sleep. Circadian organization of behavioral states. The suprachiasmatic nucleus.

Readings/Bibliography

Per Brodal - Il Sistema Nervoso Centrale - Piccin

Eric R. Kandel, John D. Koester, Sarah H. Mack, Steven A. Siegelbaum - Principi di Neuroscienze, CEA - Quinta Edizione

Teaching methods

The course is worth 1 ECTS credit, corresponding to 8 hours of face-to-face teaching, and forms part of the integrated course "Diseases of the Nervous System." The entire examination syllabus is covered during the course.

Assessment methods

Student learning is assessed through a written examination, integrated with the assessments of the other subjects included in the Integrated Course.

Teaching tools

The slides and other teaching materials used during the lectures are made available to students in electronic format.

Office hours

See the website of Matteo Cerri