Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Estructura y Función Esplacnológica y del Sistema Nervioso
Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish,
Teaching staff
Sergi Rodriguez Rodriguez
Srodriguezr@uic.es
Introduction
The subject of Structure and Function of the Nervous System and Splanchnology allows us to understand how bodily activities are regulated by nerve impulses, contributing to the maintenance of bodily homeostasis. The description of sensory and motor pathways will allow us to understand how impulses are transmitted to the spinal cord and brain, and from there to the muscles and glands. We will also study the part of the nervous system that operates without voluntary control, the autonomic nervous system, concluding with the protective systems. Vascularization is of particular interest to us in order to introduce us to vascular cerebral pathologies and their rehabilitation.
Regarding the splanchnological component, we will examine the different systems, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, and reproductive systems, to understand their anatomy and physiology. A key objective is for students to gain knowledge of the anatomy of all these systems so that in subsequent courses they can apply appropriate clinical reasoning.
Pre-course requirements
None established.
Objectives
Know the structure, organization and functions of the nervous system. Know the electrical signals of neurons and how they are transmitted in the synapses.
Identify and describe the macroscopic and microscopic morphology of the spinal cord, brainstem, diencephalon and cerebrum, as well as their respective functions.
Describe the structure of the cerebellum and its connections, as well as the cerebellar control of motor functions.
Know the electrical signals of neurons and their transmission in the synapse.
Describe the nervous circuits and know the neurotransmitters. Study the phenomena of regeneration and repair of nervous tissue.
Know the ventricular system and the cerebrospinal fluid. Identify the meninges and the spaces they delimit. Describe the vascularization of the Nervous System.
Know the anatomy of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal and reproductive systems.
Learn about the physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal and reproductive systems.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN03 - Describe the pathophysiology of human body diseases from the clinical perspective and the type of intervention that the physiotherapist has, demonstrating knowledge about the behavior of people, both healthy and sick, as well as the factors that influence human growth and development.
- CN07 - Relate the structural, physiological, functional and behavioral changes that occur as a consequence of the physiotherapy intervention.
- HB05 - Structure the different steps of the scientific method, developing the most optimal methodological skills for physiotherapy in scientific and clinical reasoning and critically analyzing the methods, protocols and treatments of Physiotherapy care so that they adapt to the evolution of scientific knowledge.
Learning outcomes of the subject
- MAT01 - 09. Use knowledge of anatomy and physiology to make an appropriate indicative diagnosis, through clinical cases.
- MAT01 - 01. Describe human embryology.
- MAT01 - 02. Identify the structure (anatomy) of the human body.
- MAT01 - 03. Describe the function (physiology) of the human body.
- MAT01 - 04. Explain the histology of the human body.
- MAT01 - 08. Relate anatomical and physiological concepts to clinical practice.
- MAT01 - 05. Relate the anatomical and physiological concepts.
- MAT01 - 07. Identify the anatomical structures in cadaveric pieces and anatomical models.
- MAT01 - 10. Explain the anatomical and physiological concepts.
- MAT01 - 11. Analyze scientific articles on physiology and anatomy following current evidence.
- MAT01 - 12. Carry out basic and advanced life support maneuvers, having previously identified life-threatening situations.
- MAT01 - 06. Identify anatomical structures in diagnostic imaging tests (radiography, computerized axial tomography, magnetic resonance, etc.).
Syllabus
PART I. PHYSIOLOGY OF CONTROL SYSTEMS: NERVOUS
Topic 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. CONTROL SYSTEMS. Introduction to the structure and functioning of the nervous system.
1.2. NERVOUS SYSTEM. Structural and functional organization. Types of cells. Regeneration of the Nervous System.
Topic 2. FUNCTIONS OF THE NEURON
2.1. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY. Electrical signals of neurons. Neuronal communication, membrane potentials of nerve cells. Conduction of the nerve impulse. Resting potential. Action potential. Phases. Refractory periods. Threshold potential.
2.2. SYNAPSE. Types of synapse. Information flow dendrites-soma-axon. Excitatory, inhibitory and modulatory synapses. Synaptic plasticity. Neuromuscular synapse. Excitatory and inhibitory potentials. Genesis and propagation of action potentials in axons.
2.3. NEUROTRANSMITTERS. Definition and classification. Types of neurotransmitters, receptors and intracellular signaling in the central and peripheral nervous system.
Topic 4. MOTOR SYSTEMS
4.1. MOTOR CIRCUITS. Circuits of the cerebral cortex, brain stem, basal ganglia and cerebellum. Spinal reflex circuits. Neural control of muscle tone, posture, balance and ambulation.
4.2. MOTOR PATHWAYS
Topic 5. AUTONOMOUS OR VISCERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
5.1. AUTONOMOUS SYSTEM. Visceral sensitivity. Visceral motor responses. Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Enteric nervous system. Vegetative functions. Visceral reflexes. Visceral pain.
Topic 7. BRAIN STEM. CRANIAL PAIRS
7.1. CRANIAL NERVES. Modalities and function. Summary of cranial pairs.
PART II. NEUROANATOMY
Topic 1. ORGANIZATION, FUNCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
1.1. DEVELOPMENT. Development of the nervous system.
1.2. NEUROANATOMY. Regional neuroanatomy of the central nervous system. Gray matter and white matter. Main divisions of the nervous system.
1.3. CEREBELLUM. External morphology. Internal morphology. Functional anatomy of the cerebellum.
1.4. DIENCEPHALON. Components. Thalamus: External morphology. Internal organization. Functional organization of the nuclei of the thalamus.
1.5. TELENCEPHALON. Cerebral hemispheres and cerebral cortex. Cerebral cortex Turns or convolutions, sulci and lobes of the cortex. Histological structure and functional organization. White matter of the cerebral hemispheres. Types of fibers.
1.6. BASELINE NUCLEI. Topographic and functional anatomy of the basal ganglia.
1.7. LIMBIC SYSTEM. Anatomy and function of the olfactory bulb and hypothalamus.
Topic 2. PROTECTIVE AND IRRIGATION STRUCTURES. THE BRAIN
2.1. PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES. Coverings of the brain and spinal cord. Skull: anterior, middle and posterior cranial fossa. Cranial meninges. Dura mater, arachnoid and pia mater.
2.2. VENTRICULAR SYSTEM. Topographic anatomy of the ventricular system. Formation and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.
2.3. IRRIGATION OF THE BRAIN. Arterial and venous vascularization of the brain and spinal cord.
Topic 3: SPINAL CORD AND BRAIN STONE
3.1. SPINAL CORD. External morphology of the spinal cord: Segmental organization. Spinal nerves. Spinal meninges. Gray matter. Spinal cords. White matter. Spinal tracts.
3.2. BRAIN STONE. External morphology of the brain stem. Dorsal surface. Ventral surface. Internal structure of the brain stem.
ESPLACNOLOGY
1. Cardiovascular System: heart
1.1 Location and structure of the heart.
1.2 Systemic circuit and pulmonary circuit.
1.3 Properties of cardiac muscle fibers.
1.4 Electrical phenomena of the heart.
1.5 Phases of the cardiac cycle.
1.6 Concept of minute volume and its regulation.
2. Cardiovascular System: blood vessels
2.1 Structure of the vascular wall. Vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
2.2 Structure and function of the arterial, capillary and venous systems.
2.3 Physiology of circulation: concept of flow, resistance and pressure.
2.4 Concept of blood pressure and short and long-term regulation.
2.5 Local circulation and its regulation.
2.6 Blood circulation in special territories.
3. Blood
3.1 Components and functions.
3.2 Plasma and formed elements: erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets.
3.3 Mechanism of hemostasis.
4. Respiratory System
4.1 Functional anatomy of the respiratory system.
4.2 Ventilatory mechanics: relationship between pressures in the thoracic cavity. Pulmonary ventilation: inspiration and expiration. Respiratory volumes and functional tests.
4.3 Alveolar exchange and gas transport in blood.
4.4 Control of breathing.
4.5 Adaptation of breathing to exercise and altitude.
5. Digestive System
5.1 Structure and function of the digestive tract.
5.2 Functional anatomy of the digestive system: mouth, pharynx and esophagus. Stomach. Small intestine and associated organs. Large intestine.
5.3 Physiology of chemical digestion and absorption.
6. Nutrition, metabolism and temperature regulation
6.1 Nutrition: concept of nutrient and kilocalorie. Pyramid of nutritional categories.
6.2 Metabolism: concept and types of metabolic processes. Metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Balance and control of metabolism in intake and fasting. The metabolic role of the liver.
6.3 Regulation of intake.
6.4 Temperature regulation.
7. Urinary system
7.1 Macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the kidney.
7.2 Renal function: Glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption and tubular secretion.
7.3 Regulation of urine volume and concentration.
7.4 Renal clearance. Composition of urine.
7.5 Structure and function of the ureters, urinary bladder and urethra.
7.6 Urination.
8. Hydroelectrolytic and Acid-Base Balance
8.1 Content and distribution of water in the body.
8.2 Water balance and its regulation. Influence of the ADH hormone. Alterations in water balance.
8.3 Electrolytic balance: regulation of Na+, K+, Ca2+ and HPO42-
8.4 Acid-base balance: respiratory and renal regulation. Alterations in acid-base balance.
9. Reproductive System
9.1 Anatomy of the male reproductive system.
9.2 Male sexual response. Spermatogenesis.
9.3 Hormonal regulation of male reproductive function.
9.4 Anatomy of the female reproductive system.
9.5 Female sexual response. Oogenesis.
9.6 Ovarian cycle and hormonal regulation of the ovarian cycle.
9.7 Chronology of sexual development.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Different teaching methodologies will be used:
Lecture (CM), Laboratory/CISA/GYM Practice
Methodology in the theoretical-practical laboratory classes: An initial part will correspond to the commentary on the topic of the day with explanations by the teacher and active participation with questions and doubts from the students. The second part will correspond to explaining and understanding the content visualized in the theoretical classes, in this case, in an osteothèque or cadaver model.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The 1st, 3rd, and 5th call consist of: 20% midterm exam, 25% practical exam, 40% final exam, and 15% continuous assessment.
Midterm Exam
- Date: See Moodle.
- Exam format: 23 multiple-choice questions and 2 essay questions (including images, diagrams, dissections, and images from diagnostic tests).
- This exam will cover all material presented up to the previous day (in lectures and laboratory sessions), as well as the content included in the recommended bibliography.
Practical Exam
- Date: See Moodle.
- Exam format: 10 questions related to practical content.
- Incorrect questions do not deduct points.
- Students who do not pass this exam will not pass the course.
Final Exam
- Date: See Moodle.
- Exam format: 40 multiple-choice questions and 5 essay questions.
- All material covered in class (theoretical and practical) is included, in addition to the content in the recommended bibliography.
- Passing this exam is mandatory to pass the course.
Continuous assessment: questions, assignments and tests completed during class (whether oral or written).
NOTES:
- It is necessary to pass the final exam and the practical exam to pass the subject with a grade equal to or higher than 5.
- To pass the course, an average grade of 5 or higher is required.
- Students who pass the practical and final exams, but whose average grade is below 5, must take the multiple-choice resit exam and achieve a better score to reach an average grade of 5 or higher.
The 2nd, 4th, and 6th call consist of: 25% practical exam, 55% final exam, and 20% continuous assessment.
- The final exam and the practical exam will have the same characteristics as in previous sessions.
- The continuous assessment grade is the grade obtained during the previous exam session.
Bibliography and resources
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Tortora - Derrickson. Principios de Anatomía y fisiología (11ª edición). Editorial Panamericana. 2006.
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Principles of Neural Science. Eric R. Kandel, Edited, James H. Schwartz, Edited, Thomas M. Jessell, Edited, Steven A. Siegelbaum, Edited, A. J. Hudspeth, Edited, Sarah Mack, Art Editor. Editorial Elsevier.
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Schünke. Prometheus. Texto y Atlas de Anatomía. Tomo 3. Cabeza y neuroanatomía. Ed. Panamericana.
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Alan Stevens y James Lowe. HISTOLOGÍA HUMANA (3ª edición). Ed. Elsevier. 2006.
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A.L. Kierszenbaum. Histología y Biología celular (2ª edición). Ed. Elsevier. 2008.
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Crossman AR; Neary D. Neuroanatomia ( 3ª edición) Elsevier Masson (2007).
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Turlough Fitgerald MJ, Gruener G, Mtui E. Neuroanatomia Clinica y Neurociencia(6ª Edición) Elsevier Saunders (2012).
Evaluation period
- E1 23/01/2026 A16 12:00h
- E1 23/01/2026 A14 12:00h
- E2 02/07/2026 A14 08:00h