67008 - Human Anatomy

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will know the conformation and structure of various organs and systems with regard to their macroscopic and microscopic features. The student will also know correlations between the regions of the human body. The knowledge gained is the basis for the understanding of human body and clinical application.

Course contents

At the end of the course, students will have knowledge of the anatomical organization of the human body and of the main morphological features of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems. They will be able to identify and describe the principal anatomical structures, interpret their topographical relationships, and correlate the morphological organization of organs with their functions.

Students will be able to use anatomical terminology correctly and integrate macroscopic and microscopic anatomical knowledge with the concepts acquired in Histology, Comparative Anatomy, and Physiology.

The course provides an integrated view of the macroscopic and microscopic anatomical organization of the human body, with particular emphasis on the relationships between structure and function in the major organs and organ systems.

Module 1

General Principles of Human Anatomy

• International anatomical terminology.
• Anatomical position.
• Planes and axes of the human body.
• Anatomical regions and main topographical landmarks.
• Hierarchical organization of the human body: tissues, organs, organ systems, and functional systems.

Cardiovascular System

• General organization of the cardiovascular system.
• Heart and pericardium.
• External morphology and internal organization of the heart.
• Structure and organization of arteries, veins, and capillaries.
• Systemic and pulmonary circulation.
• Aorta, pulmonary arteries, and principal vascular branches.
• Blood supply to the main body regions.

Lymphatic System

• General organization of the lymphatic system.
• Lymphatic capillaries and vessels.
• Thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct.

Respiratory System

• General organization of the respiratory system.
• Upper and lower airways.
• Larynx.
• Trachea.
• Bronchial tree.
• Lungs and pleurae.
• Diaphragm and principal respiratory muscles.

Digestive System

• General organization of the digestive system.
• Esophagus.
• Stomach.
• Small intestine.
• Large intestine.
• Liver.
• Gallbladder and biliary tract.
• Hepatic portal system.
• Exocrine and endocrine pancreas.

Urinary System

• General organization of the urinary system.
• Kidney: external morphology and internal organization.
• Urinary tract.
• Urinary bladder.
• Relationships between anatomical organization and filtration and excretory functions.

Endocrine System

• General organization of the endocrine system.
• Pituitary gland.
• Thyroid and parathyroid glands.
• Adrenal glands.

Module 2

Musculoskeletal System

• General organization of the human skeleton.
• Main elements of the axial and appendicular skeleton.
• Classification of joints.
• General organization of the skeletal muscular system.
• Major muscle groups and their relationships with the skeletal system.

Readings/Bibliography

Readings/Bibliography

Anatomia Umana - Elementi- Arcuri et al., Ed. Edi-ermes

ANATOMIA UMANA. Martini, Tallitsch, Nath. Ed. Edises

Anatomia Umana - Fondamenti- Barbatelli et al. Edi-ermes

ANATOMIA UMANA -principi- Artico et al., Ed. Edi-ermes

ANATOMIA DELL'UOMO Ambrosi et al., Ed. Edi-ermes

ANATOMIA UMANA - ATLANTE TASCABILE – APPARATO LOCOMOTORE (VOL. 1), Platzer W., Casa Editrice ambrosiana

Atlas for spot consultation:

F.H. NETTER Atlante di Anatomia Umana, Ciba-Geigy Edizioni

Prometheus. Atlante di Anatomia Umana. EdiSES

J. SOBOTTA Atlante di Anatomia Descrittiva I, II, III S.E.S.

Teaching methods

The course is organized into two 3-ECTS modules, devoted respectively to the anatomy of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and endocrine systems, and to the anatomy of the skeletal and muscular systems.

Teaching activities consist of lectures aimed at providing students with knowledge of the gross anatomy of the major organs and organ systems of the human body and at fostering an understanding of the relationships between morphological organization and biological function. Particular emphasis is placed on integrating anatomical knowledge with physiological principles, highlighting how the structure of organs and systems is closely related to their functions.

Lectures are supported by multimedia presentations, anatomical atlas images, explanatory diagrams, and other visual materials that facilitate understanding of the anatomical organization of the systems covered in the course.

Both modules include practical sessions in microscopic anatomy, during which students observe and analyze histological specimens of the principal organs and organ systems discussed in class, with the aim of correlating the microscopic organization of tissues with the macroscopic structure of organs and their main physiological functions.

The course also includes practical sessions devoted to the recognition of human skeletal remains, aimed at identifying the principal skeletal structures, anatomical landmarks, and morphological features associated with sexual dimorphism.

 

Assessment methods

Learning assessment is carried out through an oral examination covering the contents of both course modules. The examination takes place on the same day and assesses both the theoretical knowledge acquired and the practical skills developed during the laboratory activities.

The examination includes:

• identification and description of a microscopic anatomy specimen related to the organs and systems covered during the course;
• identification and description of a human skeletal specimen, including recognition of its main morphological features and anatomical landmarks;
• two questions addressing topics covered in the theoretical modules.

The assessment is designed to evaluate:

• knowledge of the anatomical organization of the major organs and systems of the human body;
• the ability to correlate anatomical structure with physiological function;
• the ability to integrate macroscopic and microscopic anatomical knowledge;
• the ability to recognize and describe anatomical structures on histological specimens and skeletal remains;
• the correct use of anatomical terminology;
• clarity and accuracy of presentation.

A grade out of 30 is awarded for each module. The final grade for the course is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the grades obtained in the two modules.

The grade obtained in each module remains valid until the next examination session.

Assessment Criteria

18–21/30
Sufficient knowledge of the fundamental topics of the course. The student demonstrates an essential understanding of the main anatomical structures and their morphological features, using generally correct terminology, although with some inaccuracies.

22–25/30
Adequate knowledge of the course contents. The student is able to correctly describe organs and organ systems, recognize the main anatomical structures, and use appropriate anatomical terminology. The student demonstrates a satisfactory ability to correlate structure and function.

26–28/30
Good knowledge of the topics covered. The student confidently describes macroscopic and microscopic anatomical structures, correctly recognizes histological specimens and skeletal remains, and demonstrates a good ability to integrate anatomical and physiological knowledge.

29–30/30
Comprehensive and thorough knowledge of the course contents. The student uses anatomical terminology accurately and rigorously, correctly interprets the relationships between anatomical organization and physiological function, and demonstrates full mastery of both theoretical and practical aspects of the course.

30 cum laude
In addition to meeting the requirements for a grade of 30/30, the student demonstrates outstanding ability to integrate macroscopic anatomy, microscopic anatomy, and physiology, exceptional precision in the use of anatomical terminology, independent reasoning skills, and particularly effective communication of scientific concepts.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools during examination activities is prohibited. Any unauthorized use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

To take the examination, students must register through the online examination system within the established deadlines. Students who are unable to register by the specified deadline must promptly notify the Academic Administration Office (and, in any case, before the official closing of the registration lists). The lecturer reserves the right to admit such students to the examination. Grades are officially recorded on the date indicated in AlmaEsami.

Grades may be officially recorded in the student's absence.

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) and temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the dedicated University service (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti) as early as possible in order to arrange appropriate accommodations. Requests must be submitted to the lecturer at least 15 days before the examination date. The suitability of the requested accommodations will be evaluated in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Teaching activities are supported by PowerPoint presentations supplemented with images from human anatomy and microscopic anatomy atlases.

Human skeletal models are also used during lectures to facilitate the recognition of the main skeletal structures and anatomical landmarks.

In addition, free online resources and digital atlases of human and microscopic anatomy, as well as three-dimensional (3D) anatomy applications, may be used to support learning, facilitate the spatial visualization of anatomical structures, and improve the understanding of relationships among organs, systems, and anatomical regions.

Teaching materials are available on the University's e-learning platform, Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Gabriella Teti

See the website of Maria Giovanna Belcastro