02359 - General Pathology and Physiopathology (A)

Learning outcomes

The students will learn the etiology of the disease processes, the pathogenetic mechanism of their development, the basic reactions to abnormal stimuli and the morphological changes they induce in cells and tissues, together with the systemic and functional consequences for the organism. By the elaboration of molecular, morphologic, microbiologic and immunologic knowledges, the students will understand the wherefores of the signs and symptoms manifested by patients and will be provided with a sound foundation for evidence-based medicine.

Course contents

Each line of text (excluding titles) corresponds approximately to one hour teaching unit

INTRODUCTION

Aim of the course

Concept of disease, etiology and pathogenesis

ENVIRONMENTAL PATHOLOGY

Physical injuries

Local and systemic effects of high and low temperatures
Smoke damage

Chemical injuries

Ethanol: absorption and detoxification
Ethanol: acute and chronic toxic effects

CELLULAR PATHOLOGY

Cellular adaptations

Atrophy
Hypertrophy
Hyperplasia
Metaplasia and dysplasia

Cell jnjury

Etiopathogenesis of cellular damage
Vacuolar degeneration
Steatosis: etiology and classification
Steatosis: pathogenic mechanisms

Cell death

Etiopathogenesis of lethal cell damage
Biochemical and morphologic alterations
Necrosis: microscopic and ultramicroscopic changes
Necrosis: classification, outcomes and consequences

PROTEIN MISFOLDING DISEASES

Systemic amyloidosis
Localized amyloidosis

RESPONSE TO THE DAMAGE

Acute inflammation

General characteristics
Etiology
Vascular phenomena
Exudative oedema
Cell phenomena
Phagocytosis
Chemical mediators: plasma proteases
Chemical mediators: cellular products
Classification of acute inflammations
Outcomes and systemic effects

Chronic inflammation

Chronicization of acute forms
Granulomatous forms
Pneumoconiosis
Etiopathogenesis of the tuberculous disease
Outcomes and consequences of tuberculosis

TISSUE REPAIR: REGENERATION, HEALING, AND FIBROSIS

Granulation tissue
Wound healing
Sclerosis
Morphology of cirrhotic liver and consequences

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Pathophysiology of haemostasis

Pathophysiology of endothelial cells
Etiopathogenesis of vascular purpura
Etiopathogenesis of thrombocytopenia and thromboastenia
Etiopathogenesis of coagulation defects
Etiopathogenesis of disseminated intravascular coagulation

Pathophysiology of vessels and circulation

Classification of arteriosclerosis
Risk factors of atherosclerosis
Pathogenesis of atheroma
Consequences of atherosclerosis
Etiopathogenesis of thrombosis
Classification of thrombosis
Etiology and classification of the emboli
Pathogenesis and consequences of embolism
Etiopathogenesis of the infarction
Etiopathogenesis of hypertension
Etiopathogenesis of shock
Etiopathogenesis of hypoxia and cyanosis
Hypoxic, anemic, stagnant and histotoxic hypoxia

Pathophysiology of the endocrine system and metabolism

Etiopathogenesis of diabetes mellitus
Consequences of diabetes
Etiopathogenesis of transudative edema
Localized and generalized transudative edema
Calcium metabolism
Dystrophic and metastatic calcifications

Pathophysiology of thermoregulation

Etiopathogenesis of fever and non-febrile hyperthermias

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching materials

https://virtuale.unibo.it/my/

Virtual Microscopy

https://unibo.smartzoom.com/

Recommended textbooks

V. Kumar, A.K. Abbas, J.C. Aster. “Robbins & Cotran - Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10^th edition, 2020, Elsevier Ed.

Mc Cance e Huether - "Fisiopatologia ed elementi di patologia generale", 2017, Casa Editrice Edra S.p.A., Milano

Mainero, Misasi, Sorice -G.M. Pontieri
Tomo I "Patologia generale" - Tomo II "Fisiopatologia generale"
VI ed. 2019, Casa editrice Piccin Nuova Libraria, Padova

Teaching methods

The course includes 64 hours of lessons on environmental, cellular and extracellular pathology, inflammatory-reparative response and general pathophysiology.

Assessment methods

Students' learning will be assessed at the end of the course. The examination is common to all the subjects included in the Integrated Course and consists of two questions. One of the two questions includes a practical microscopy test designed to assess the learning outcomes of the General Pathology Laboratory. Registration for the examination through the AlmaEsami online system is mandatory.

The examination is intended to assess the knowledge and competences acquired by the student in relation to the course learning outcomes. Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of the topics in General Pathology and Pathophysiology by framing the subject appropriately and discussing it through logical and deductive reasoning. The coherence of the discussion, the ability to establish appropriate connections between concepts, and the correct use of scientific terminology are all taken into account in the evaluation.

The examination also includes the observation and oral description of a histopathological specimen under the microscope, leading to the recognition and interpretation of the specific histopathological features. Students must be able to discuss the morphological alterations observed in the specimen and relate them to the underlying pathological mechanisms, drawing on the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired during the course.

Grading criteria

18–20 (Pass): Adequate knowledge of the fundamental concepts, with no major gaps. Acceptable organization of the discussion and appropriate use of scientific terminology.

21–25: Sound knowledge of the fundamental concepts without significant gaps. Ability to analyse topics and establish connections with partial autonomy. Clear exposition and generally appropriate scientific language.

26–29: Good to very good preparation, or excellent knowledge with minor inaccuracies that prevent the award of the highest mark. Ability to analyse topics and establish connections independently. Well-organized exposition and confident use of scientific terminology.

30–30 cum laude: Excellent and comprehensive knowledge of all the topics covered in the course, with no significant inaccuracies. Ability to identify and frame the topic promptly, analyse it critically, and establish connections independently. Excellent organization of the discussion and full command of the appropriate scientific language.

The final grade is determined through the joint evaluation of the examining board, composed of the instructors responsible for the Integrated Course.

Teaching tools

Slides containing schemes and figures will be projected during lessons. This educational material is available online at https://virtuale.unibo.it/

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Bolognesi