B8416 - Physiology of Blood, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Excretory Systems

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student knows the bases of the physiological function of the cardiovascular, respiratory and excretory systems. In particular, the student: knows the functions of the cardiovascular system and their regulation to maintain homeostasis; knows the functions of the respiratory system and their regulation to maintain homeostasis; knows the functions of the excretory system and their regulation to maintain homeostasis; knows the functions of blood, hematopoiesis, hemocateresis, coagulation and blood groups; knows gas laws and fluid dynamics applied to biological systems; knows the basics of electrocardiography; is able to take a blood sample on an animal model; is able to perform a blood smear and perform basic analysis; knows how to perform basic assessments of a urine sample; is able to perform and interpret an electrocardiogram of a healthy animal.

Course contents

This Course is part of the Integrated Course "Blood, Circulation, Respiration, and Excretion".

The Integrated Course aims to provide the student with adequate knowledge of the anatomical organization and function of the cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory, and lymphopoietic systems, essential for recognizing normal clinical aspects in veterinary species. Additionally, the student gains expertise in topographic anatomy and imaging techniques applicable to these systems, as well as haematological analytical techniques.

The Integrated Course "Blood, Circulation, Respiration, and Excretion" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1, 1.5, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.17, 1.21, 1.22, 1.24.

Secific prerequisites for this course can be found at THIS [https://corsi.unibo.it/singlecycle/VeterinaryMedicine/course-structure-diagram] webpage

To sit the exam, students should have already passed and registered the following exams:

• The background for the veterinary profession
• The cell: from molecules to tissues

SPECIFIC CONTENTS OF THE COURSE UNIT:

The Physiology of Blood, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Excretory System consists of the following two parts:

Physiology of blood, cardiovascular, respiratory and excretory systems - Theoretical lectures (40 hours)

Physiology of blood (5 hours)

• Blood cells and plasma. Physiological parameters (2h)
• Haemopoiesis and erythrocyte destruction (1h)
• Coagulation and blood groups (2h)

Physiology of the cardiovascular system (17 hours)

• Morphofunctional characteristics of cardiac muscle; pacemaker and working cells. (1h)
• Action potential in pacemaker cells; hierarchy of pacemaker cells; normal sinus rhythm (3h)
• Action potential of working cells; excitation-contraction coupling and the role of calcium (2h)
• The cardiac cycle and the Maestrini-Starling law (2h)
• Total Peripheral Resistance (TPR) and arterial blood pressure (2h)
• Starling equation, exchanges at capillary level and venous return to the heart (2h)
• Regulation of blood pressure: intrinsic and extrinsic circulatory priority; baroreceptors, volume receptors and chemoreceptors (2h)
• Special circulations: pulmonary, coronary, cerebral and foetal circulation (3h)

Physiology of the respiratory system (9 hours)

• Respiratory mechanics: upper airways, inspiration and expiration; resistance to air flow; lung volumes and ventilation (3h)
• Gas exchange: gas laws of physiological interest; gas exchange in the lungs and tissues (2h)
• Transport of respiratory gases: oxygen transport - haemoglobin saturation curve and partial pressure of oxygen; carbon dioxide transport. Bohr and Haldane laws (2h)
• Regulation of breathing: bulbo-pontine regulatory centres; central and peripheral chemoreceptors; pulmonary and respiratory-tract volume receptors (2h)

Physiology of the excretory system (9 hours)

• Glomerular function: ultrafiltration. Net filtration pressure and glomerular filtration rate - creatinine clearance. (2h)
• Autoregulation of glomerular flow: myogenic and juxtaglomerular reflex (1h)
• Tubular reabsorption and secretion. The proximal and distal convoluted tubules and collecting duct (2h)
• The loop of Henle: countercurrent mechanism for the creation and maintenance of a hypertonic medulla (2h)
• Hormonal regulation of water and solute reabsorption: ADH, aldosterone, angiotensin 2 (2h)

Physiology of blood, cardiovascular, respiratory and excretory systems - Practical activities (10 hours)

• Blood sampling on a simulator in the Clinical Skills Lab; students will acquire manual skills relating to the venous blood sampling. (2h)
• Analysis of a blood smear; differential count of white blood cells and platelets. (2h)
• Flipped classroom on electrocardiography. Simulation of a 3-lead electrocardiographic trace, checking the correct positioning of the electrodes, analysis of heart rate and the basics for analysis of the P-QRS-T wave on horse and small companion animals’ models. (2 h)
• Assessment of arterial blood pressure in dogs in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Performing the test and discussion of issues relating to measurement in domestic animals and of the instruments to be used. (2 h)
• Assessment of physicochemical characteristics on urine samples with different pH, specific gravity, glycosuria and proteinuria characteristics and analysis of the urine sediment. Discussion of the physiological meaning of the various measurements performed. (2 h)

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching material for the course unit is available on the Virtuale platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

Required bibliography:

• Klein G. B. Cunningham's Textbook of Veterinary Physiology, Elsevier ed. (2019).
• Sjaastad, Sand, Hove. Physiology of Domestic Animals. Italian ed. edited by C. Tamanini. CEA (2013).

Further reading:

Douglas J. Weiss and K. Jane Wardrop Editors. Shalm’s Veterinary Haematology

Teaching methods

The course unit consists of theoretical lectures and practical classes/laboratories.

In view of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance of this learning activity requires completion of modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode, and completion of module 3 of specific training on safety and health in study places. Information on dates and attendance procedures for module 3 can be consulted in the relevant section of the Degree Programme website.

To take part in practical and laboratory activities, it is compulsory to wear a lab coat and suitable footwear. Appropriate PPE for carrying out the specific activities, such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided

Assessment methods

Attendance at lectures and practical classes is compulsory, as required by regulations. Regular attendance at lectures and practical classes is required; absence of no more than 40% of the scheduled hours for each student will be justified (therefore a minimum attendance threshold of 60% is required to obtain lecture attendance). Attendance will be certified through the rps.unibo.it application.

The final exam of the Integrated Course "Blood, Circulation, Respiration, and Excretion" consists of two parts.

• The first part is a written test comprising 60 multiple choice questions, covering topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter. Each correct question will earn 0.5 points; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question. The use of supporting material or devices such as calculators, books, notebooks, class notes, etc. is not authorized during the test. If needed, a follow-up discussion will allow the Candidate to comment on the wrong answers.

The test assignment will last 1.5h and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30.

• The second part is a practical and oral examination consisting in:
• Blood sampling or pulse evaluation in the clinical skills lab;
• ECG simulation exam in the Clinical skills lab;
• Evaluation of a radiographic or echographical image;
• Oral examination on an anatomical structure;
• Evaluation of blood cells at the microscope
• Clinical visit of an animal in the Veterinary Teaching hospital

To pass the practical examination, the student must demonstrate sufficient competences, obtaining a minimum grade of 18/30.

The final grade for the Integrated Course is calculated as the weighted average of the written test (60%) and the practical assessment (40%). Students can register for the exam through the online AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ) Examination sessions are proposed within the windows indicated in the teaching calendar. Additional examination sessions are reserved for students who are behind schedule.

As for the assessment, the use of Ai is forbidden; every misuse will represent a violation of the Academic integrity.

In accordance with Unibo teaching regulations, Article 16, Paragraph 5, students are entitled to refuse a passing grade on one occasion.

A negative assessment does not result in the award of a mark, but only in an assessment outcome (withdrawn or failed) recorded in the electronic report completed on AlmaEsami; it therefore does not affect the student’s academic record.

The assessments of the individual tests and the final examination mark will be published on the SOL platform (Studenti Online - AlmaEsami) of the teacher responsible for recording the marks within 5 working days from the examination date.

The student may refuse the mark once, by informing the teacher responsible for recording the marks by e-mail within 5 working days.

The teacher responsible for recording the marks for this Course is Prof. Diego Bucci.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities: it is recommended that they contact the responsible University office in good time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti). The office will propose any adaptations to the students concerned, which must in any case be submitted, 15 days in advance, for approval by the teacher, who will assess their appropriateness also in relation to the learning objectives of the course unit.

Teaching tools

lides and videos will be used for face-to-face lectures; interactive software such as Wooclap may be used, particularly for self-assessment activities aimed at fostering the formative assessment of students.

The teaching material will be uploaded to the official UNIBO repository. (virtuale.unibo.it)

Various laboratory and outpatient-clinic instruments will be used for the practical classes; the activities involving electrocardiogram analysis and venous blood sampling on a simulator and pulse evaluation will be carried out in the CSL. Other practices such as blood cells examination, evaluation of urine will be held in the teaching laboratories; blood pressure measurement will be conducted in the VTH. In case of difficulties in understanding the subject, the teacher is available to meet students for a clarification interview by appointment via e-mail.

Office hours

See the website of Diego Bucci