78941 - ANATOMIA UMANA

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student will have acquired an in-depth understanding of the human body in relation to movement, with a particular focus on athletic gestures. They will also have a solid knowledge of the main organs of the various body systems, as well as the nervous system, understood as the central element in the organization and planning of motor actions.

Course contents

At the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of the anatomical organization of the human body and the main morphological features of the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system, and the other major organs and organ systems. They will be able to identify, describe, and locate the principal anatomical structures, using the international anatomical terminology correctly and understanding the fundamental relationships between structure and function. The knowledge acquired provides the foundation for subsequent biomedical courses related to human movement, physical activity, exercise, health, and the biological and metabolic aspects associated with individual well-being.

The course is divided into three modules. Modules 1 and 3 consist of lectures focused on the study of the anatomical organization of the human body, whereas Module 2 consists of practical exercises in gross anatomy carried out using three-dimensional anatomical models.

Module 1 – Anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System (5 ECTS)

Organization of the Tissues of the Musculoskeletal System

• Bone tissue: general structure, classification of bones, gross organization, and functions.

• Cartilage tissue: structural characteristics, classification, and functional role.

• Skeletal muscle tissue: general organization and fundamental properties.

Skeletal System

• General organization of the human skeleton.

• Axial skeleton and appendicular skeleton.

• Skull: neurocranium and viscerocranium.

• Vertebral column: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae, sacrum, and coccyx.

• Thoracic cage: sternum and ribs.

• Pectoral girdle: clavicle and scapula.

• Upper limb: humerus, radius, ulna, carpal bones, metacarpal bones, and phalanges.

• Pelvic girdle.

• Lower limb: femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsal bones, metatarsal bones, and phalanges.

• Main anatomical landmarks and their functional significance.

Articular System

Major joints of the vertebral column, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle; general structure of synovial joints and relationships between joint morphology and movement.

Muscular System

• General organization of the skeletal muscular system.

• Classification of muscles.

• Origin, insertion, action, and anatomical relationships of the principal muscles of the:

o head and neck;

o trunk;

o thorax;

o abdomen;

o back;

o upper limb;

o lower limb;

o perineum.

Accessory Structures of the Musculoskeletal System

• Fasciae.

• Tendon sheaths.

• Synovial bursae.

Basic concepts of posture and gait.

Module 2 – Gross Anatomy Practical Sessions (1 ECTS)

Practical activities conducted using three-dimensional anatomical models, aimed at the recognition and identification of the principal structures of the musculoskeletal system studied in Module 1.

The practical sessions will focus on:

• anatomical orientation and recognition of the main bones of the axial and appendicular skeleton;

• identification of the principal bony anatomical landmarks;

• recognition of the principal joints and their anatomical components;

• identification of the major muscle groups of the upper and lower limbs;

• localization of the origins, insertions, and main actions of the muscles studied during the course;

• correlation between anatomical structure and motor function.

The practical activities are intended to consolidate the theoretical knowledge acquired during lectures and to develop students’ skills in observing, recognizing, and describing anatomical structures.

Module 3 – Anatomy of Organs and Organ Systems (5 ECTS)

The study of organs and organ systems provides the anatomical basis necessary for understanding the mechanisms regulating homeostasis, motor function, adaptation to physical exercise, and the maintenance of health.

Levels of organization of the human body: cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

Epithelial tissue: general characteristics, covering epithelia, and glandular epithelia.

Connective tissue proper: general characteristics, classification, and functions.

Specialized connective tissues:

• adipose tissue;

• blood;

• lymph.

Nervous tissue: neurons and glial cells; general organization of the nervous system.

General organization of hollow organs and parenchymatous organs.

Central Nervous System

• General organization of the central nervous system.

• Spinal cord.

• Brainstem: medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain.

• Cerebellum.

• Telencephalon and cerebral hemispheres.

• Cerebral cortex and principal functional areas.

• Basal nuclei.

• Meninges.

Peripheral Nervous System

• General organization of cranial and spinal nerves.

• Major cranial nerves.

• Spinal nerves.

• Cervical plexus.

• Brachial plexus.

• Lumbar plexus.

• Sacral plexus.

Autonomic Nervous System

• General organization of the autonomic nervous system.

• Sympathetic nervous system.

• Parasympathetic nervous system.

• Main pathways of visceral innervation.

Integumentary System

• Skin and skin appendages.

• General organization of the skin and its principal functions.

Cardiovascular System

• General organization of the cardiovascular system.

• Heart and pericardium.

• Structure of the heart wall and cardiac chambers.

• Major vessels of the systemic and pulmonary circulations.

• Aorta, pulmonary artery, and their principal branches.

• Coronary circulation.

• General structure of arteries, veins, and capillaries.

• Blood supply to the principal regions of the body.

Lymphatic System

• General organization of the lymphatic system.

• Lymphatic vessels and organs.

• Thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct.

Respiratory System

• General organization of the respiratory system.

• Upper and lower airways.

• Nasal cavities, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi.

• Lungs and pleurae.

• Diaphragm and principal respiratory muscles.

Digestive System

• General organization of the digestive system.

• Tongue and esophagus.

• Stomach.

• Small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum).

• Large intestine.

• Rectum and anal canal.

• 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.

• Calyces, renal pelvis, and ureters.

• Urinary bladder and urethra.

Endocrine System

• General organization of the endocrine system.

• Pituitary gland.

• Thyroid and parathyroid glands.

• Adrenal glands.

Readings/Bibliography

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

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

Elementi di Anatomia, Istologia e Fisiologia dell'uomo. Martini, Bartholomew. 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 FUNZIONALE E IMAGING - Manrico Morrone, Edi-ermes (only locomotor system)

 

Texts for consultation only

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 combines lectures and practical sessions in  macroscopic anatomy.

Lectures provide the theoretical knowledge necessary to understand the anatomical organization of the human body and the relationships between the structure and function of the major organs and organ systems.

During lectures, multimedia resources, anatomical images, atlases, and functional diagrams are used to facilitate the visualization and understanding of anatomical structures.

Practical sessions, conducted using three-dimensional anatomical models, allow students to apply the knowledge acquired during lectures through the direct identification of the principal skeletal, articular, and muscular structures, while developing skills in anatomical observation, orientation, and description.

Assessment methods

Knowledge and skills are assessed through an oral examination covering the contents of Modules 1 and 3. Module 2, consisting of practical sessions in gross anatomy, is not assessed independently but contributes to the acquisition of the knowledge and skills required to successfully complete the examination.

For each module, the oral examination consists of three questions related to the topics covered during the course.

The assessment is designed to evaluate:

• knowledge of the anatomical organization of the human body;

• the ability to accurately describe the main anatomical structures;

• the appropriate use of anatomical terminology;

• the ability to relate the structure and function of the anatomical structures studied;

• clarity and accuracy of presentation.

A grade out of 30 is awarded for each module. The final course grade is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the grades obtained in Modules 1 and 3.

Assessment criteria

• 18–21/30: sufficient knowledge of the fundamental topics of the course; simple but correct presentation; basic use of anatomical terminology.

• 22–25/30: satisfactory knowledge of the course contents; adequate ability to describe anatomical structures and to use appropriate anatomical terminology.

• 26–28/30: good knowledge of the topics covered; ability to establish connections among different anatomical structures and to describe their structure–function relationships using appropriate terminology.

• 29–30/30: comprehensive and thorough knowledge of the course contents; clear, accurate, and rigorous presentation; full command of anatomical terminology and ability to integrate knowledge relating to different organs and organ systems.

• 30 cum laude: in addition to meeting the requirements for a grade of 30/30, the student demonstrates outstanding mastery of the subject matter, excellent reasoning skills, and an exceptional ability to critically integrate the knowledge acquired.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

The grade obtained in each individual module remains valid for 12 months.

To take the examination, students are required to 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 of the problem (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 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 agree on 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 accordance with the learning objectives of the course.

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

Teaching tools

Teaching activities make use of multimedia presentations, anatomical atlas images, and explanatory diagrams to facilitate the understanding of the morphological organization of the human body and the relationships between structure and function.

When available, free digital resources and applications for virtual anatomy and microscopic anatomy are also used to support the three-dimensional visualization of anatomical structures and to enhance students' understanding of tissue and organ organization.

Office hours

See the website of Gabriella Teti

See the website of Laura Ingrà

See the website of Alessia De Stefano