Animal Physiology

Objectives of the course (preferably expressed in terms of learning outcomes and competences):  To learn the fundamentals of animal cell physiology and some of the most important physiological systems of vertebrates.

Course contents: Basic principles of cellular physiology: membrane potential, action potential, ion channels, synaptic transmission, intracellular signalling pathways.  Nervous system: Cell types, brain anatomy, blood-brain barrier, sensory systems, neuromuscular junction, spinal reflexes, autonomic nervous system. Muscle: Structure, contraction and mechanics of striated and smooth muscle.  Cariovascular system:  Cardiac muscle, electrical activity of the heart, cardiac cycle, blood circulation, vascular system.  Respiratory system: Anatomy, lung volumes, gas flow, gas exchange.  Endocrine systems: Hormones, hypothalamus, pituitary, pancreas, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, regulation of the metabolism, reproduction.  Kidney: anatomy, function, hormonal regulation.