Comparative Anatomy

Degree course: 
Corso di First cycle degree in BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Academic year when starting the degree: 
2016/2017
Year: 
2
Academic year in which the course will be held: 
2017/2018
Course type: 
Compulsory subjects, characteristic of the class
Credits: 
6
Period: 
Second semester
Standard lectures hours: 
56
Detail of lecture’s hours: 
Lesson (40 hours), Laboratory (16 hours)
Requirements: 

Successful examination in Cytology and Histology is a preferred prerequisite.

Final Examination: 
Orale

Written test. (Oral examination for students enrolled until the accademic year 2015-2016.

Assessment: 
Voto Finale

At the end of the course, the students will be able to describe the embryonic development of vertebrates, their morphology, structure and evolution. The exploitation in forensic medicine, biotechnology, veterinary, and other disciplines, will integrate the basic knowledge.

1. Introduction, evolution and embryonic development (evo-devo).
2. Skin and annexes.
3. Notocorde, cartilagineous and osseous skeleton of Vertebrates. The axial (backbone and skull) and appendicular skeleton. Metamerism, evolution, functional adaptations.
4. Muscle: types, properties, metamerism, mechanical function. The neuro-muscular junction.
5. Respiratory apparatus: gills, lungs, and omologous structures.
6. Blood, lymph, vessel: haematopoiesis, angiogenesis, vasculogenesis.
7. Circulation: evolution of the heart, pulmonary and systemic circulation in vertebrates.
8. Gastroenteric apparatus, liver and pancreas.
9. Urinary apparatus, kidney and excretory organs.
10. Male and female reproductive apparatuses: types of gonads, gametes maturation, accessory organs.
11. Endocrine system: Hypothalamus-pituitary axes, peripheral glands.
12. Central nervous system: cephalization, brain and spinal cord development and function.
e le sue funzioni.
13. Peripheral nervous system: sensory and motor fibers.
14. Autonomic nervous system: visceral functions control. The ganglion.
15. Sensory organs: evolution of systems to communicate with the environment and other organisms.

Recommended textbook:
Anatomia Comparata, a cura di V. Stingo. edi.ermes.
Other textbooks:
• George C Kent. 1997. Anatomia comparata dei vertebrati. Piccin, Padova (fuori
commercio)
• Liem, K.F., Bemis WE, Sillin WB. 2002. Anatomia comparata dei vertebrati: una visione funzionale ed evolutiva. EdiSES, Napoli. (seconda ed. : 2012), Autori: Bartolini, Liem, Benis & Sillin

Several copies of the books are freely available at the library of Medicina e di Scienze, via J-H. Dunant, 3.
The students will have access to all the slides used for the lectures, in addition to short descriptions of the material presented during the exercitations. The slides will be available shortly after the lectures/exercitation.

Lectures and practical use of educational software.
Microscopy: study of slides (histology of anatomical structures from different vertebrates).

The students are welcome at the room of the docent (via Dunant, 3 - Varese). Please, fix an appointment by e-mail.
The e-mail forum (e-learning) will be the preferential way for communicating to the students. All enrolled students, and those of previous years that wait for the examination will take part.

Professors

CATTANEO ANNA GIULIA
PIRRONE CRISTINA