91014 - Nutritional Physiology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows the physiology of motor, secretory and absorptive functions of the human digestive tract, the mechanisms of control of food and water homeostasis, the metabolism and the nutritional requirements in physiological and pathological conditions.

Course contents

FUNCTIONS OF GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM

Functional anatomy of the gastrointestinal system

Structure of the gastrointestinal tract wall. Splanchnic circulation. Innervation of the gastrointestinal system. Nervous regulation of functions of the gastrointestinal system: enteric nervous system, sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation, reflex activity. Hormonal regulation of gastrointestinal functions.

Motility of gastrointestinal system

Chewing. Swallowing. Motility of esophagus. Gastric motility: filling of the stomach, movements of mixing and emptying of gastric contents. Vomiting. Emptying of the gall bladder. Motility of small intestine, large intestine, and rectum. Defecation.

Secretion of the gastrointestinal system

Salivary secretion: functions of saliva, secretion mechanisms, and their regulation in physiological conditions.

Gastric secretion. Hydrochloric acid: its functions, secretion mechanism, and regulation in physiological conditions. Pepsinogen: its functions, secretion mechanism, and regulation in physiological conditions. Mucus secretion. Gastrin secretion. Pancreatic secretion: mechanisms of exocrine pancreatic secretion. Bicarbonate ions in pancreatic secretion; enzymes in pancreatic secretion. Regulation of pancreatic secretion in physiological conditions. Bile secretion: bile salts and their rule in the digestive process. Intestinal secretions.

Digestion and absorption

Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Digestion and absorption of proteins. Digestion and absorption of fats; the role of bile salts in digestion and absorption of fats. Absorption of water and minerals: regulation of intestinal absorption of water and ions. Absorption of calcium and iron.

Functions of the Intestinal Microbiota: Probiotics and prebiotics.

Functions of liver

Digestive, vascular, and metabolic functions of the liver.

ALIMENTARY HOMEOSTASIS AND NUTRITIONAL CONSUMPTION

Regulation of food and water intake

Mechanism of thirst. Nervous centers controlling food intake. Factors controlling the amount of food. Short and long-term regulation.

Alimentary behavior

Alimentary behavior disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge-eating disorder.

Obesity and its causes. Obesity and pregnancy. Caloric restriction.

Nutritional consumption

Nutritional consumption in particular physiological states: diet during early childhood, adolescence; pregnancy, feeding; and during the third age. Artificial nutrition: enteral and parenteral nutrition.

Readings/Bibliography

Guyton & Hall, Textbook of Medical Physiology; 13rd ed.; Elsevier

Boron, Walter, Boulpaep, Emile: Medical Physiology, 3ed; Elsevier

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons using Power Point presentations.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students (including all the international incoming exchange students, i.e. ERASMUS) must attend Module 1, 2 online [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio], while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme ("studiare"--"formazione obbligatoria su sicurezza e salute").

Assessment methods

Student learning of "Nutritional physilogy" will be checked at the end of the course through a test. The test will consist of 16 multiple choice questions (1 points per question, no penalty for wrong answers) and 2 open questions (7.5 points per question). The test duration will be 75 minutes.

Those who reach a minimum of 18 points pass the test. The number of correct answers, if greater than or equal to 18, corresponds to the final grade. Mark equal to 31 will be awarded with a 30 cum laude (30 with honors).

In case of failure or refusal, students can retake the exam on the first available examination date

A passing grade (i.e. mark above or equal to 18/30) in "Nutritional Physiology" and "Nutritional Biochemistry and Nutraceutics" is required to obtain the final assessment for the whole exam of "NUTRITIONAL PHYSIOLOGY, NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY AND NUTRACEUTICS (I.C.)". The final mark will be calculated as the mean of the two marks.

In order to go through the final exam, the students must register in the electronic board respecting the deadline.

Teaching tools

Lectures will be supplied on informatic supports (https://virtuale.unibo.it/)

Office hours

See the website of Cecilia Garofalo