B8418 - Physiology of the Nervous System and Locomotion

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the student understands the basics of the function of the nervous system and the basics of muscle contraction. In particular the student: knows the functions of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems and their role in maintaining homeostasis; knows the physiology of somatic and smooth muscle contraction and its nervous control.

Course contents

This Course is part of the Integrated Course "Movement, Skin, and Nervous System".

The Integrated Course aims to provide the student with adequate knowledge of the anatomical organization, functioning, and biochemical mechanisms underlying the metabolism of the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, and the skin and its appendages, essential for recognizing the normal aspects of clinical relevance in veterinary species. Additionally, the student gains expertise in topographical anatomy and imaging techniques applicable to these systems, including their relevance to kinetics and kinematics.

The Integrated Course "Movement, Skin, and Nervous System" 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, 1.24.

Specific Course contents:

This course focuses on unravelling the key physiological concept of homeostasis maintenance by the central nervous system through the sensory, somatic and vegetative systems with a deeper understanding of somatic and smooth muscles function.

Topics to be addressed include: The general nervous system organization. The neuron and the concept of excitability. Active and passive transport across membranes. Resting transmembrane potential. The threshold potential and voltage-gated ion channels. The action potential. Impulse conduction in unmyelinated and unmyelinated fibers. Communication between cells: synapses. Inhibitory and excitatory chemical mediators. Aesthesiology. Receptors and the generating potential. The concept of reflex action. Spinal reflexes. Sensory pathways. Somatotopic representation. Specific and diffuse cortical projection. Motor control, pyramidal and extrapyramidal pathways. Proprioception, vestibular sensitivity and the cerebellum. Regulation of muscle tone and posture. Autonomic nervous system. Organization and distribution of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Functions and vegetative reflexes. Mediators of the autonomic nervous system. Striated muscle. Organization of the contractile system. Contractile proteins. Electrical excitation and contractile response. Neuromuscular transmission. Different types of muscle. Smooth muscle. Cell structure and general mechanical properties. Coupling between excitation and contraction. Nervous and humoral control.

Readings/Bibliography

Klein G. B. Cunningham's Textbook of Veterinary Physiology, 6th ed. Elsevier (2019)

Teaching methods

The course will be organized in frontal lessons (24h) and a problem-based interactive activity (6h) aimed at stimulating students’ active participation in in understanding the role of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems in maintaining homeostasis.

Assessment methods

The final exam of the Integrated Course "Movement, Skin, and Nervous System" 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 examination held in the Clinical Skills Lab or at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, including the execution of manual procedures of the physical examination and the description and interpretation of images or videos related to the different imaging techniques, allowing the evaluation of the acquisition of practical and verbal competences. 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/ ). In case of failure, the exam may be retaken after a minimum of three weeks. In accordance with Unibo teaching regulations, Article 16, Paragraph 5, students are entitled to refuse a passing grade on one occasion.

In compliance with Law 104/1992 and Law 170/2010, and in alignment with institutional inclusion policies, students with certified disabilities or specific learning disorders—as well as those with recognized special educational needs—will receive appropriate accommodations during assessments. Such students should promptly contact the course instructor and inform the University’s Disability and SLD Support Service [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en] . A faculty member is appointed to oversee this service within the Department [https://scienzemedicheveterinarie.unibo.it/it/dipartimento/organizzazione/referenti-istituzionali] .

Teaching tools

Slide sets and other media such as videos and interactive resources will be used during lectures.

Teaching materials are available on the Virtuale platform and could be reached through the link on the teacher webpage.

Office hours

See the website of Diego Bucci