Physiological basis of adaption to altitude
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of Human Physiology, with particular reference to the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems
The understanding and acquisition of the concepts presented will be verified by means of an overall questionnaire on the topics covered which will be presented to the students at the end of the courses.
The training objective is to investigate the changes induced by acute and / or chronic exposure to hypoxia on the mechanisms on which the functioning of the human organism at sea level is based.
The course will focus on the changes induced by exposure to high altitude on:
- blood composition and fluid dynamics
- cardiovascular and respiratory function
- renal function
- contractile characteristics of the skeletal muscle
- central nervous system
The course will focus on the changes induced by exposure to high altitude on the following functions will be discussed: a) Cardiovascular system and blood:
production of erythropoietin changes in the hematocrit ratio and relative viscosity; fluid dynamics consequences; changes in cardiovascular control, cardiac output and cardiac work; b) Respiratory system: variations in diffusion, transport and consumption of oxygen; changes in the elimination of carbon dioxide.
Variations in total and alveolar ventilation. Alveolar gas equation; c) Renal system: changes in pH at altitude, changes in tubular function; d) Skeletal muscle: sarcopenia and decreased muscle strength; physical exercise at high altitude; e) Central and peripheral nervous system: sleep apnea at altitude, changes in sensory and motor functions.
Teaching will be given through frontal lessons. With the aid of images, schemas, graphs and biophysical analysis of the functioning mechanisms of cells, tissues and organs, the student will be driven to the comprehension of the different but integrated physiological processes
Prof. Negrini is available for the students by appointment taken at the e-mail address:
daniela.negrini@uninsubria.it