65971 - ANATOMIA

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of the organization of tissues and the principal organs of the human body, providing an essential foundation for the study of subsequent basic and clinical disciplines. They will understand the morphology of the organs of the different body systems, the anatomical organization of body regions with particular reference to the cardiovascular system, and the functional anatomy of the digestive, respiratory, urogenital, and endocrine systems.

Course contents

General anatomy
Anatomical position, reference axes and planes, anatomical terminology, and main topographical relationships. General organization of hollow and parenchymatous organs. Principles of vascularization and structure of blood capillaries.

Cardiovascular system
Pulmonary and systemic circulation. Heart: external and internal configuration, cardiac chambers, valves, cardiac wall, and conduction system. Coronary circulation. General organization of the principal arterial and venous territories and of the microcirculation.

Respiratory system
Pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchial tree. Lungs and pleurae. Structural organization of the intrapulmonary airways and alveoli. Principal morphofunctional correlations.

Digestive system
General organization of the alimentary canal. Oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Liver, biliary tract, gallbladder, and exocrine and endocrine pancreas. Main topographical relationships of the abdominal organs.

Urinary system
Kidneys: morphology, internal organization, and vascularization. Nephron, renal corpuscle, tubular system, and juxtaglomerular apparatus. General organization of the urinary tract.

Male and female reproductive systems
Testis, male reproductive ducts, accessory glands, and prostate. Ovary, uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina. Main structural features and anatomo-functional correlations.

Endocrine system
Pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, and endocrine pancreas. Endocrine components of the gonads. Principles of structural and vascular organization of endocrine organs.

Lymphatic system and lymphoid organs
Lymphatic vessels, lymph, and lymphatic circulation. Lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, and tonsils.

Where appropriate, morphofunctional correlations will be integrated throughout the lectures in order to connect anatomical organization with the other disciplines of the Integrated Course and with subsequent biomedical subjects.

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended textbook:

C. Zancanaro et al., Fondamenti di Anatomia Umana, EdiSES, 2025.

For further study:

R.L. Drake, A.W. Vogl, A.W.M. Mitchell, Gray. Anatomia per studenti, updated Italian edition, Edra.

Recommended atlas:

F.H. Netter, Atlante di Anatomia Umana, 8th edition, Edra.

The level of detail required for the examination is defined by the course syllabus, the lectures, and the teaching materials provided.

Teaching methods

The course consists of 24 hours of in-person lectures.

Lectures combine theoretical teaching with the analysis of anatomical images and diagrams, sections, and three-dimensional representations, with particular attention to anatomical terminology, identification of structures, topographical relationships, and the main morphofunctional correlations.

Formative multiple-choice questions and short guided revision activities may also be used during the course to support the progressive consolidation of knowledge.

Attendance is recorded through the institutional RPS system in accordance with the regulations of the Degree Programme.

Assessment methods

Assessment is carried out through an individual written examination held in person, in accordance with the organizational procedures established by the Degree Programme and the University.

The examination consists of single-best-answer multiple-choice questions, formulated at different levels of complexity and distributed across the entire syllabus.

Questions may require the identification of anatomical structures, knowledge of the main topographical relationships, interpretation of images and diagrams, and the integration of morphological, structural, and functional information. Some questions may require the combination of multiple anatomical elements or the identification of the correct association among different statements.

The examination is therefore designed to assess not only the acquisition of fundamental knowledge, but also the ability to use anatomical terminology correctly and to integrate information relating to the organization of organs and systems.

Each correct answer is awarded 1 point; incorrect or unanswered questions receive 0 points. The examination is passed with a score of 18/30 or higher. The criteria for the possible award of honours will be communicated by the lecturer and made available on the course platform.

A positive result in the Anatomy module remains valid until the end of the calendar year, in accordance with the organization of the Integrated Course. The result is subsequently integrated with the outcomes of the other components of the Integrated Course according to the procedures established by the Degree Programme.

Registration for the examination through AlmaEsami within the published deadlines is mandatory.

During the examination, students are not permitted to use textbooks, notes, personal electronic devices, or any other resources not expressly authorized.

Students with specific learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities are kindly requested to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as early as possible so that appropriate accommodations can be proposed. Requests for accommodations must be submitted to the lecturer in advance, at least 15 days before the examination date. The lecturer will assess the appropriateness of the requested accommodations, taking into account the learning objectives of the course.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools is prohibited during examinations. Assessment takes place exclusively in a controlled environment, with the support of institutional infrastructure and platforms, in accordance with the regulations of the Degree Programme and University policies.

Teaching tools

The course makes use of the institutional digital tools and resources provided by the University.

Throughout the course, a dedicated teaching e-library will be progressively developed, including lecture presentations, original summary materials, selected images and diagrams, possible self-assessment questions, and additional resources useful for study, in accordance with University regulations and applicable copyright legislation.

Digital materials are intended to support learning and do not replace the official course syllabus or the recommended textbooks.

Office hours

See the website of Ioannis Papanikolaou