08068 - Applied Physiology (A-K)

Learning outcomes

The aim of course is to teach the knowledge and skills necessary to determine the major human physiological variables.

Course contents

Electrocardiogram

Physics of electrocardiography: volume conduction, equivalent electric dipole and electric field vector. Recording techniques of cardiac electrical activity: bipolar derivations, monopolar augmented and precordial leads. Instantaneous mean vector and genesis of the waveforms in bipolar derivations. Calculation of mean cardiac vector (ventricular electrical axis).

Spirometry

Determination of flow-volume curves. Direct and indirect spirometry: measurement of lung volumes and capacities.

Measurement of blood pressure

Measurement of blood pressure with Riva-Rocci method.

Readings/Bibliography

Berne & Levy Physiology, (B.M. Koeppen and B.A. Stanton, Editors) 7th edition, Philadelphia, Mosby Elsevier, 2018 (ISBN: 978-0-323-39394-2).

Agnati, FISIOLOGIA CARDIOVASCOLARE, Piccin (ISBN: 978-88-299-1294-0)

F. Conti, FISIOLOGIA MEDICA, Edi-ermes (ISBN: 978-88-7051-347-9, Volumi 1 e 2).

Teaching methods

The course includes a part of frontal teaching and practical demonstrations to large groups of students and practical exercises for small groups of students during which students will be able to use instruments such as electrocardiograph, spirometer and sphygmomanometer.

Assessment methods

This course is an integral part of the Physiology of Apparatus course. The exam is unique and is taken at the end of the second semester. During the oral exam the student is questioned on topics drawn by lot using a balanced procedure (two questions regarding the Physiology of the Apparatus and the Applied one) by different teachers for each topic treated.

Teaching tools

The technical equipment used for the lessons includes digital video projectors, PCs, electronic overhead projectors.

The instrumentation for the Applied Physiology Course includes a Spirometer for analysis of respiratory volumes and flows; Electrocardiographs; Manometers for determining blood pressure; Instrumentation for oximetry; Multiparameter monitors.

The iconographic and textual material used during the lectures is made available to students in electronic format on the website http://campus.unibo.it. This material, accessible via username and password, is reserved for UNIBO students.

Office hours

See the website of Annalisa Bosco