Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Body Structure and Function: Integration Nervous and Endocrine Systems

Body Structure and Function: Integration Nervous and Endocrine Systems
12
9519
1
Second semester
FB
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Teaching staff


Dra. ARBÓS VIA, Maria Antònia - maarbos@uic.es

Request it by email whenever the student considers it appropriate or at the end of the classes from the corresponding teachers:

 

Introduction

This module introduces students to the structure and function of the nervous and endocrine systems at macroscopic, microscopic and molecular levels, as well as to the main pathophysiological principles and their application to basic clinical situations. The nervous system coordinates the body’s functioning and behaviour through electrochemical signals generated by neurones and transmitted via synaptic connections. This process involves neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, which enable information to be integrated and modulated within complex neural circuits. In parallel, the body has a long-distance communication system based on hormones secreted by endocrine glands, carried by the circulatory system and acting on target cells. The endocrine and nervous systems operate in a coordinated and interdependent manner (for example, with functional overlap between neuromodulators and hormones) to ensure homeostasis and adaptation to the environment. 

Pre-course requirements

There are no compulsory prerequisites. A sufficient level of reading comprehension in English is recommended to consult teaching materials and specialised bibliography, as well as knowledge of chemistry/biochemistry and molecular biology at upper secondary school level.

Objectives

General objective

To provide students with integrated and applied training in the embryological, anatomical (macro- and micro-) and physiological foundations of the nervous and endocrine systems, enabling them to understand their organisation and functioning, and to relate them to common pathophysiological situations and basic clinical approaches.

Specific objectives

  1. Nervous system (structure): Identify the main anatomy of the central nervous system, including white matter, cranial nerves, the ventricular system, cerebrospinal fluid and the meninges, as well as its vascularisation, and interpret its main clinical implications (for example, stroke).
  2. Nervous system (function and circuits): Explain the basic principles of neuronal electrophysiology, synaptic transmission and plasticity, describe the role of the neuronal microenvironment, and recognise the main functional circuits (sensorimotor integration, ascending and descending pathways, and autonomic and neuroendocrine control) in relation to basic clinical signs and symptoms.
  3. Endocrine system: Describe the organisation of the main endocrine glands, the types of hormones and their mechanisms of action and regulation, and relate the most common hormonal disorders to their basic clinical manifestations.
  4. Clinical application and transversal competences: Apply anatomical and physiological reasoning to the resolution of introductory clinical cases, use biomedical terminology correctly, and begin to develop basic clinical examination skills and elementary interpretation of neuroimaging.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • 05 - Recognize own limitations and the need to maintain and upgrade professional skills, with particular emphasis on autonomous learning of new knowledge and skills and motivation for quality.
  • 07 - Understand and recognise normal structure and function of the human body at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ and systemetic levels, at different stages of life and in both sexes.
  • 09 - Understand and recognize the effects, mechanisms and manifestations of disease on the structure and function of the human body.
  • 10 - To understand and recognise the agents and risk factors which determine health status, and learn how they determine the symptoms and natural development of acute or chronic diseases in individuals and populations.
  • 11 - Understand and recognize the effects of growth, development and aging on the individual and their social environment.
  • 32 - Know how to use information and communication technology in clinical, therapeutic, preventive health care and research.
  • 35 - Understand the importance and limitations of scientific thinking in the study, prevention and treatment of disease.
  • CB-2 - To know how to apply and incorporate knowledge, an understanding of it and its scientific basis and the ability to solve problems in new and loosely defined environments, including multidisciplinary contexts that include both researchers and highly specialised professionals.
  • CTP-3 - To develop critical thinking and reasoning as well as self-assessment skills.

Learning outcomes of the subject

The learning outcomes of the course are aligned with the specific and transversal competences of the degree programme, promoting the progressive development of students’ scientific, clinical and ethical reasoning, as well as their capacity for interdisciplinary integration and autonomous learning. 

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Knowledge-related outcomes:
  1. Describe the anatomical and functional organisation of the nervous and endocrine systems, distinguishing their macroscopic and microscopic structures, and explaining their integration in the regulation of overall human body function.
  2. Explain the physiological mechanisms of the neuron, synaptic transmission and the action of the main hormones, identifying the electrical and chemical processes involved and their relevance to basic clinical practice.
  3. Recognise structural and functional variations of the nervous and endocrine systems throughout the life cycle, integrating a gender perspective and a life-stage approach into the understanding of physiological and pathological function.
Skills-related outcomes:
  1. Integrate anatomical and functional analysis of the nervous and endocrine systems using imaging techniques, microscopy, digital histology and anatomical models (real and virtual), in order to interpret basic clinical findings and relate them to physiological processes.
  2. Use neuroanatomical and endocrinological terminology accurately in oral and written communication, producing scientifically rigorous reports based on real or simulated clinical cases.
  3. Analyse basic clinical situations using structured pathophysiological reasoning, applying theoretical knowledge to initial clinical decision-making.
  4. Actively participate in cooperative learning activities, contributing to teamwork, shared leadership and effective communication in health-related educational settings.
Competence-related outcomes:
  1. Apply anatomical and physiological knowledge in an integrated manner in simulated clinical contexts, analysing cases to understand human body function in normal and pathological conditions.
  2. Develop an attitude of autonomous learning and continuous improvement through the critical use of up-to-date scientific sources, digital technologies and AI tools, incorporating strategies for self-assessment and professional reflection.
  3. Build a critical perspective on biomedical research, analysing scientific data rigorously, recognising its limitations, and communicating results clearly and ethically in interdisciplinary contexts.

Syllabus

BLOCK I. NERVOUS SYSTEM 

1. Macroscopic structure

  • General organisation of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
  • Embryology.
  • Cerebrum, diencephalon, basal ganglia, brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord.
  • Cranial nerves and the autonomic nervous system.
  • Vascular supply of the central nervous system.

 2. Microscopic structure (Histology)

  • General aspects of nervous tissue and the cerebral cortex.
  • Neurones and glial cells.
  • Brainstem, spinal cord, basal nuclei and cerebellum.
  • Meninges.

3. Radiological anatomy

  • Radiological anatomy of the cranial vault, cranial base and cerebral hemispheres.
  • Radiological anatomy of the brainstem and ventricular system.
  • Radiological anatomy of nerve fibres.
  • Radiological anatomy of the spinal cord and nerves.
  • Intracranial and extracranial arterial and venous vascular systems.
  • Radiological anatomy of the cranial nerves and the pituitary gland.

 4. Nervous system function

  • Physiology of the neurone and the synapse.
  • Physiology of neurotransmission.
  • Physiology of the neuronal microenvironment.
  • Physiology of neuronal circuits. Neuronal differentiation and circuit formation.
  • Cerebral cortex: association areas. Language processing.
  • Sensory circuits. Autonomic, rhythmic and visceral movements.
  • Motor circuits. Control of movement.
  • Memory and learning. Consciousness, sleep–wake cycle.

BLOCK II. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

5. Macroscopic structure

  • General organisation of the endocrine system.
  • Main endocrine glands.
  • Relationship between the nervous and endocrine systems.

6. Microscopic structure (Histology)

  • General aspects of the endocrine system.
  • Histology of the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas and adrenal glands.

7. Hormones and endocrine function

  • General aspects of the endocrine system.
  • Hormones: concept, hormone receptors and mechanisms of action.
  • Hypothalamic–pituitary axis and target organs.
  • Hormones of the anterior and posterior pituitary.
  • Thyroid hormones.
  • Pancreatic hormones.
  • Adrenal gland hormones.
  • Hormones involved in calcium and phosphate metabolism.
  • Hormones of the gonadal axis. 

BLOCK III. PRACTICAL PROGRAMME 

1. Anatomy practicals

  • Protective coverings of the CNS: bony covering, meninges, ventricular system and cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Telencephalon and diencephalon.
  • Brainstem.
  • Spinal cord.
  • Blood supply to the central nervous system. 

2. Laboratory practicals

  • Histology of the nervous and endocrine systems.
  • Virtual laboratory: Modelling the basic electrical properties of neurones using computer software. 

BLOCK IV. PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING (PBL)

  • Solving clinical cases related to the nervous and endocrine systems.
  • Solving clinical physiology cases related to the nervous and endocrine systems.

Teaching and learning activities

In person



The course combines activities aimed at the acquisition of knowledge, the development of practical skills and progressive clinical application:

  • Lectures (CM): structured presentation and clarification of doubts; integration with clinical examples and imaging.
  • Guided self-learning (SCAT in the osteology lab): student-centred learning with defined objectives and tasks.
  • Guided practical sessions (LH): histology, simulation and structured consolidation activities.
  • Problem-based learning / Case method (MC): individual and small-group work, group discussion, immediate feedback.
  • Virtual learning (EV): preparatory materials (pre-reading), self-assessment and support resources.

Alignment activity → evidence of achievement

  • CM + EV: conceptual basis for multiple-choice tests.
  • LH (histology / virtual): guided recognition and interpretation (evidence: specific test).
  • Osteology lab/dissection: structural identification and clinical correlation (evidence: specific test).
  • MC: initial clinical reasoning and integration (evidence: MC/virtual exam and guided participation where applicable).

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



COMPONENTS AND WEIGHTING

First call

  • 55% Final exam (entire syllabus).
  • 15% Case-based methods and virtual laboratory exam.
  • 10% Midterm exam (does not exempt content).
  • 10% Histology exam*.
  • 10% Dissection and osteology exam*.
  • Up to +10% Excellence (see notes and regulations).

Second call

  • 55% Final exam
  • The marks for: case-based methods and virtual laboratory (15%), midterm (10%), histology (10%) and dissection/osteology (10%) are retained, in accordance with the stated regulations.
EXAM CHARACTERISTICS
  • Individual multiple-choice test (MIR style), with 4 options.
  • Marking: +1 correct; −0.33 incorrect (except for MC, where wrong answers are not penalised); 0 for unanswered.
  • Clinical/anatomical/histological images may be included.
REQUIREMENTS TO PASS THE COURSE
  • It is essential to obtain a mark of ≥ 5.0 in the final exam.
  • The final grade is calculated using the indicated weighting. To pass the course, the final weighted average must be ≥ 4.5, taking into account all assessed components (passed and failed). Otherwise, the exam must be retaken in a second call.
  • The same requirements apply in the second call.
NOTES AND REGULATIONS
  • Attendance at practical sessions is compulsory. Absences must be justified in accordance with the institution’s regulations and may result in the student not being assessed for this component.
  • Once the histology and/or dissection and osteology exams have been passed, the mark may be retained for future sittings (according to current regulations).
  • Students who have previously taken the course must retake the practical skills exam and the case-based methods exam.
  • Excellence (up to +10%): applicable only in the first call, for students who have passed the course, and at the discretion of the course coordinator (e.g. overall performance, improvement, outstanding participation or excellent results in cases, etc.).
  • Students are entitled to request a review of exams and grades in accordance with institutional regulations and within the deadlines established in the virtual classroom. The purpose of the review is to verify the calculation of the mark and the correct application of assessment criteria. The final grade may be maintained, increased or decreased.
  • Any behaviour contrary to academic integrity (cheating, impersonation, use of unauthorised material, communication between students or any fraudulent conduct) will be sanctioned in accordance with current regulations.
  • In the event of irregularities, teaching staff may annul or withdraw the exam and initiate the corresponding procedure. The institution may apply control measures to ensure fairness and the validity of the assessment.

Bibliography and resources

Teaching and learning material


Print version