02715 - Nutrition Physiology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will know the basic notions concerning the control of the nutrition function. In particular, the concept of homeostasis of body weight, the physiology of food intake and the physiology of energy expenditure. He will improve the knowledge of the brain circuits at the basis of the stimulus of hunger and of the control of metabolism. He will have the necessary competence to understand the basics of the control of nutrition function as well as the rationale behind the latest therapies for eating disorders. 

Course contents

Gastrointestinal system: functional anatomy and principles of regulation of the gastrointestinal tract. Cephalic, oral and esophageal phases of the integrated response to food ingestion. Gastric phase of the integrated response to food ingestion. Small intestine phase and colon phase of the integrated response to food ingestion. Transport and metabolic functions of the liver. Motility of the different tracts of the digestive apparatus. The exocrine pancreas: composition of pancreatic secretions and functions. Liver and its functions: anatomical-functional organization of the liver and biliary tract. Bile. Digestion and absorption: structure of the small intestine, digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, absorption of water and electrolytes, absorption of vitamins, production of feces.

Nervous system: the sensory systems: general characteristics. The chemical senses: taste and smell.

Endocrine system: general information. Endocrine organs. Steroidal and non-steroidal hormones. Regulation of the endocrine system. Hypothalamus and pituitary. Thyroid. Adrenal glands. Endocrine pancreas and blood glucose control. Hints to hormones produced in other organs. 

Nutrition regulation: short, medium and long term regulation mechanisms. Centers of hunger and satiety. Leptin and other factors affecting the nerve centers.

Thermoregulation: concept of homeothermia, thermal balance, thermogenesis and thermodispersion mechanisms, body temperature control system, thermoregulation control center and pathways involved.

Energy metabolism: energy metabolism, definition of energy, ATP as a currency of exchange, energy inputs and outputs and energy balance, sources of energy for muscle contraction. Techniques for measuring energy outputs. Definition of basal metabolic rate and calculation.

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

Zocchi L., Principi di Fisiologia. EdiSeS, II Edition.

Belfiore, Berteotti, Biella, Buffelli, et al., Fisiologia umana. Fondamenti, Edi- ermes.

R.M. Berne, M.N. Levy, FISIOLOGIA (a cura di, B.R. Koeppen, B.A. Stanton), 7a Edition, Milano Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

Conti, Fisiologia Medica, Edi-ermes, 3a Edition, Volumes I and II.

Teaching methods

The lessons consist of a frontal teaching with powerpoint presentations and on-going learning verification.

Assessment methods

The assessment is designed to verify that students have acquired the theoretical knowledge related to the topics presented during the lectures.

The exam is held in written form and consists of 33 true/false questions to be completed within 25 minutes. Each correct answer is worth one point; incorrect answers do not incur any penalty. If a student obtains 18 points, the final grade will be 18; if 19 points are obtained, the final grade will be 19, and so on. If more than 30 points are obtained, the final grade will be 30 with honors (30 cum laude).

During the exam, the use of support materials such as textbooks, notes, or electronic devices is not permitted.

If a student decides to retake the exam, regardless of the outcome, the result of the previous exam will be automatically cancelled.

To pass the integrated course exam and proceed with the official recording of the grade, students must achieve a passing mark in all subjects (biochemistry, STDA, and physiology) included in the integrated course. The final grade will be calculated as the average of the grades obtained in the individual modules of the integrated course.

Students with learning disabilities or temporary/permanent disabilities are invited to contact the dedicated office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti ) as soon as possible in order to arrange appropriate accommodations. The request must be submitted in advance (at least 15 days before the exam date) to the instructor, who will assess the suitability of the measures, taking into account the learning objectives.

As for learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Didactic material: the didactic material presented in class will be made available to the student in electronic format through the institutional platform.

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Berteotti