B8416 - Physiology of Blood, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Excretory Systems

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student knows the bases of the physiological function of the cardiovascular, respiratory and excretory systems. In particular, the student: knows the functions of the cardiovascular system and their regulation to maintain homeostasis; knows the functions of the respiratory system and their regulation to maintain homeostasis; knows the functions of the excretory system and their regulation to maintain homeostasis; knows the functions of blood, hematopoiesis, hemocateresis, coagulation and blood groups; knows gas laws and fluid dynamics applied to biological systems; knows the basics of electrocardiography; is able to take a blood sample on an animal model; is able to perform a blood smear and perform basic analysis; knows how to perform basic assessments of a urine sample; is able to perform and interpret an electrocardiogram of a healthy animal.

Course contents

This Course is part of the Integrated Course "Blood, Circulation, Respiration, and Excretion".

The Integrated Course aims to provide the student with adequate knowledge of the anatomical organization and function of the cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory, and lymphopoietic systems, essential for recognizing normal clinical aspects in veterinary species. Additionally, the student gains expertise in topographic anatomy and imaging techniques applicable to these systems, as well as haematological analytical techniques.

The Integrated Course "Blood, Circulation, Respiration, and Excretion" 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:

- The cardiovascular system, blood and blood flow.

Blood: its composition, and function (practice on blood sampling in the CSL, blood smears and basic microscopic analysis of a blood smear); processes of haemopoiesis and hemocateresis; coagulation; blood types. Features of the cardiac cells and their functional organization; electrophysiology of the heart, the Electrocardiogram (theory and practice on a normal dog) and difference in current features between pacemaker cells and muscle cells. The heart as a pump: mechanical activity (practice on cardiac external signs) and its regulation (Maestrini-Starling’s law and action of the Autonomous nervous system). Blood pressure, its generation, control and features within systemic and pulmonary circulation; bulk flow and diffusion (practice on a normal dog to assess blood pressure). Starling equation and cardiovascular function. Control mechanisms of the circulatory systems: baroceptors, chemoceptors and voloceptors and related reflexes involving central neural structures; metabolic mechanism of flow control. Regional and foetal circulations.

- The respiratory system: Mechanics of respiration, the inspiratory phase and expiratory phase; pulmonary function: ventilation, blood circulation and gas exchange in the lung. Oxygen and carbon dioxide transport mechanism and exchange in peripheral tissues. Central nervous regulation of respiration: receptors in the lung and respiratory system, integration centres and effectors.

- The excretory system: functional organization of the kidney: the nephron. Glomerular filtration: factor affecting the process, regulation of blood flow to the glomerulus (local and systemic). Tubular function: reabsorption of water and other substances; secretion in the tubular tracts; fractional excretion rate. Water balance: function and features of the Henle loop; the hypertonic medullary to control water excretion and ionic concentration of urine. Modulation of tubular flux and reabsorption by hormones: antidiuretic hormone and aldosterone. Renal clearance and its clinical value: creatinine. Acid-base balance: excretion of bicarbonate, hydrogen ion and ammonia. Micturition and its control by ANS. Basic evaluation of normal urine (practice).

Readings/Bibliography

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

Teaching methods

The course will be organized in frontal lessons (40h) and practice in ambulatory, Clinical Skills Lab and laboratory (10 h) with problem based interactive activities.

Assessment methods

The final exam of the Integrated Course "Blood, Circulation, Respiration, and Excretion" 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.

CSL models; normal animals for teaching practice.

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