B8423 - Systematic Veterinary Anatomy of the Digestive Tract

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student: knows the basics of organogenesis, the anatomy and organization of the digestive system and the related glands; knows the anatomy of the main endocrine glands; knows the topography, relationships, vascularization and innervation of the organs of the digestive system.

Course contents

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 apparatus of domestic mammals: mouth, salivary glands, pharynx, guttural pouch, esophagus, stomach and forestomachs, small and large intestine, liver, pancreas.

Endocrine apparatus: hypophysis (pituitary gland), hypothalamus-hypophysis axis, epiphysis (pineal gland), thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal glands (suprarenal glands), endocrine pancreas, endocrine systems of testicle and ovary.

Readings/Bibliography

• BARONE R. Anatomia Comparata dei Mammiferi domestici, Edagricole, Bologna: voll. III and VII.

Teaching methods

The teacher will discuss the various topics covered by this course emphasizing the practical importance of the various anatomical structures in question.

Students will put into practice the knowledge learned in class during practice sessions in dissecting room. Small groups of students carry out the practical exercises independently under the supervision of the teacher.

Assessment methods

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] .

 

Teaching tools

Power point and videos.

Dissecting room: practical exercitation on fresh tissues.

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 Roberto Chiocchetti