B8417 - Physiology of the Digestive Tract

Conoscenze e abilità da conseguire

By the end of the course the student knows the basics of the physiological function of the digestive tract and the regulatory role of endocrine hormones on animal metabolism. In particular the student: knows the functions of the digestive tract in monogastric animals and cranial and caudal fermenting herbivores; knows the GI neuroendocrine regulation and its role in homeostasis; knows the function of the exocrine glands annexed to the GI and their function in metabolism; knows the metabolic endocrine function; knows how to evaluate normal functional aspects of the digestive system.

Contenuti

This Course is part of the Integrated Course "Nutrients, Digestion, and Metabolism".

The integrated course "Nutrients, digestion, and metabolism" aims to provide the student with adequate knowledge of the anatomical organization, function, and biochemical mechanisms underlying the metabolism of the digestive system, essential for recognizing normal clinical aspects in veterinary species. Additionally, the student is familiar with the basic principles of nutrition and feeding in veterinary species.

The Integrated Course "Nutrients, Digestion, and Metabolism" 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, 1.22, 1.24.

Specific Course contents:

Digestive strategies in domestic animals. Food search and intake. Chewing and salivary secretion. Swallowing and esophageal function. The function and regulation of salivary secretion. The main functions of the stomach. Regulation of gastric secretion and motility. Vomiting. Pancreatic and intestinal juice in the digestion of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates. Liver and bile functions. Intestinal absorptions. Intestinal motility and its control. Hunger Control. Digestive physiology of ruminants. Prestomacal motility and its control, rumen fermentations, fate of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates and absorption of fatty acids. Cephalic, gastric and intestinal phases of digestive process control and neuroendocrine regulation.

The thyroid. Synthesis, secretion and transport of thyroid hormones. Metabolic and physiological actions of thyroid hormones. Insulin and glucagon: synthesis and secretion, metabolic and physiological effects. The adrenal glands. Synthesis, secretion and metabolic and physiological actions of glucocorticoids. Hormonal regulation of calcium and phosphate homeostasis: effects of parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and calcitonin. Growth hormone: regulation of secretion. Metabolic and physiological actions of GH.

Testi/Bibliografia

• Klein G. B. Cunningham's Textbook of Veterinary Physiology, 6th ed. Elsevier (2019)
• Sjaastad, Sand, Hove. Physiology of domestic animals. 2nd edition (2013) Scandinavian Veterinary Press

Metodi didattici

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

Modalità di verifica e valutazione dell'apprendimento

The final exam of the Integrated Course "Nutrients, Digestion, and Metabolism" 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] .

Strumenti a supporto della didattica

Slidesets 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.

Orario di ricevimento

Consulta il sito web di Maria Laura Bacci