Comparative Anatomy
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Bibliography
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Prerequisites
It is recommended that candidates have passed the exam of Cytology and Histology
Modes of assessment:
The oral exam. The student will be asked questions to understand not only his level of understanding of the topics of the course, but also his ability to process the knowledge acquired during the course and to make connections with what was studied in the course of Cytology and Histology.
Educational goals
The course of Comparative Anatomy aims to provide an integrated view of the embryonic development of vertebrates and of the main morphological, structural and evolutionary characteristics.
The knowledge that the students will acquire are:
- The main stages of the embryonic development of the vertebrate
- Evolutionary history of the main anatomical structures of vertebrates through the description of the main anatomical features of the various vertebrate taxa.
- Common or divergent characteristics of the anatomical structures of different vertebrate groups.
The skills that the student will acquire are:
- the ability to understand the modalities by which the organs and apparatuses are formed during embryonic development of vertebrates;
- the ability to understand the relationship between morphology of organs and apparatuses with the evolutionary process of vertebrates;
-the ability to relate the morphology of organs and apparatuses with their respective properties and functions.
Course contents:
1. Introductory topics, evolutionary and embryonic development aspects (Evo-Devo). ( 6hrs)
2. Tegument and skin appendages. (2 hrs)
3. The notochord, the cartilaginous skeleton and the mineralized vertebrate skeleton. Axial skeleton (vertebral and cranial column) and appendicular skeleton. Metamerism, evolution and function adaptions. (6hrs)
4. Musculature: Types of muscle tissue and properties. Metameri of skeletal musculature, mechanical function. Neuro-muscular plaque. (2hrs)
5. Respiratory system: branch, lung, and homologous evolution. Gaseous exchanges through unvisited organs responsible for breathing. (4hrs)
6. Blood, lymph and vessels: hematopoiesis, angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. (2hrs)
7. Cardiovascular system: evolution of the heart, evolution of two distinct circles, pulmonary and systemic. (2hrs)
8. Gastrointestinal system and large digestive glands. (4hrs)
9. Excretory apparatus: the kidney and the excretory tracts. (2hrs)
10. Male and female reproductive systems. (2hrs)
11. Endocrine system: hypothalamic -pituitary axis and covered glands. (4hrs)
12. Central nervous system: cephalization, development of brain and spinal cord, their functions. (4hrs)
13. Peripheral nervous system: sensory and motor nerves. (4hrs)
14. Autonomic nervous system: control of visceral functions by the two antagonist systems. Organization of ganglia. (4hrs)
.
The recommended book is:
Anatomia Comparata, a cura di V. Stingo, edi. Ermes
Alternative books to the one used for the course:
Anatomia Comparata dei vetebrati, a cura di K.F. Liem, W.E. Bemis, WF Walker, L. Grandeedi. EdiSES S.r.l
Some copies of the books are available at the library of Medicine Sciences, located in the J-H Dunant 3 street. The slides of lessons will also be available on the e-learning platform.
Teaching methods:
Lectures, during which the lecturer will illustrate the topics of the course through the use of presentation projected in the classroom and will stimulate the students to actively participate in the lesson through questions that have the aim of bringing the student to process the information acquired during the course.
Other Information:
Student reception: by appointment via e-mail in the office of the professor in charge of the course