Universitat Internacional de Catalunya - BarcelonaBody Structure and Function: Integration Nervous and Endocrine Systems
Main language of instruction: Spanish
Head instructor
Dra. Maria Antònia ARBÓS - maarbos@uic.es
Office hours
To request it by e-mail, when the student considers it opportune, or at the end of the classes to the corresponding teachers:
The nervous system coordinates the functions of the organism and its behaviour through electrochemical cellular connections. This system uses, in its synaptic connections, a set of molecules known as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. In addition, the body has a communication system through other molecules produced in certain glands that are sent traveling through the circulatory system to the target cells in which they act. This is known as the hormonal or endocrine system. The hormonal system acts parallel to the nervous system and in close association with it (for example, neurotransmitters and neuromodulators overlap in their actions with some hormones), in order to achieve compliance with the body's programs and maintain its homeostasis. The nervous system plays a central role. The endocrine system is more difficult to define, both because of its mobile and diffuse characteristics and its ubiquity, and because of the characteristics of its molecules, which often have an ephemeral life and are difficult to identify and locate. This course will introduce us to the morphological and functional structure of these two systems at the macroscopic, microscopic and molecular levels, as well as to their main physiopathological implications.
Not specifically required. A good knowledge of English is an advantage in order to be able to use different study materials properly.
The general aim is to offer the student of Medicine a broad introductory vision of the bases that will allow them to understand the embryological origin, the structure (macroscopic and microscopic), the organization and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems.
The specific objectives focus on:
Our intention is that by the end of the course, students are able to properly understand and use the appropriate terminology related to these topics in a critical and reflective manner, and also to demonstrate some specific knowledge.
Knowledge related
Related to skills and abilities
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Chapter 1 Macroscopic Structure of the Nervous System
1.1 Cerebral hemispheres structure. Embryological development. Structure and functional location of the cerebral cortex. Cerebral cortex, intellectual functions of the brain, learning and memory. Aphasia, agnosia and apraxia.
1.2 Systematization of the white matter: association and projection fibers.
1.3 Diencephalon: generalities and systematization. Thalamus: connections and function. Hypothalamus: connections and function. Hypothalamus-hypophysis axis and hypophyseal portal system. Basal ganglia: movement disorders.
1.4 Reticular formation and limbic system. Hippocampal formation. Amygdala nucleus. Connections. Anterograde amnesia.
1.5 Brainstem. Internal structure of the midbrain, pons and medulla. Morphology, nucleus and fibres.
1.6 Cerebellum. Cerebellar cortex lobes and functional areas. Cortical mechanisms. Afferent and efferent fibres. Ataxia.
1.7 Spinal cord anatomy. External spinal cord structure. Internal spinal cord anatomy: ascending and descending tracts. Spinal nerves. Protective structures. Spastic paralysis.
1.8 Autonomic nervous system. Generalities. Organization: sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Visceral anomalies. Pharmacology.
1.9 Central nervous system irrigation. Arterial and venous vascularization of the brain and spinal cord. Circle of Willis. Stroke.
1.10 Cranial nerves and their nuclei: generalities and systematization. Special sensory cranial nerves: Olfactory Nerve (I), Optic Nerve (II). Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII). Somatic motor cranial nerves: Oculomotor Nerve (III), Nerve Trochlear (IV), Abducens nerve (VI), Hypoglossal Nerve (XII). Mixed cranial nerves: sensory (general and/or special) and motor (brachial and/or visceral): Trigeminal Nerve (V), facial nerve (VII), Glossopharyngeal Nerve (IX) and Vagus Nerve (X).
Chapter 2 Microscopic Structure of the Nervous System (Histology)
2.1 Histological characteristics of the nervous system. Cell types: Neurons and supporting cells; Neuronal morphology; Neuronal classification. Neuronal connections: the synapse.
2.2 Supporting cells of the central nervous system: astrocytes. Oligodendrocytes, microglia and ependymal cells.
2.3 Supporting cells of the peripheral nervous system: Schwann cells and satellite cells.
2.4 Cerebral cortex, microscopic structure in layers. Cells of the layers.
2.5 Cerebral cortex, cortical areas. Afferent and efferent fibres.
2.6 Basal ganglia and associated nuclei.
2.7 Thalamus. Hypothalamus. Cerebellum.
2.8 Cerebellar cortex, layers organization.
2.9 Spinal cord. Dorsal root ganglia. Afferent and efferent neurons. Neurons in the spinal horn. Brainstem.
2.10 Cranial nerves.
2.11 Histology of the central nervous system covers. Meninges and meningeal spaces.
2.12 Blood brain barrier.
2.13 Choroid plexus and cerebrospinal fluid. Circulation and drainage.
Chapter 3 Radiological anatomy of the nervous system
3.1 Cranial bone anatomy.
3.2 Anatomy of the brain, diencephalon, brainstem and cerebellum.
3.3 Anatomy of the spinal cord, ventricular system and meninges.
3.4 Vascularization and cranial nerves.
Chapter 4 Nervous system function
4.1 Introduction to the nervous system. Nervous system functions and body homeostasis.
4.2 Functions of neurons and glia cells. Functions of the dendrites, axon and axonic terminations. The synapse. Functions of neuronal circuits. Regenerative functions of the nervous system.
4.3 Physiology of the neuron: information flux dendrites-soma-axon-synapse. Resting potential of neurons. Excitation and inhibition potentials of neuronal dendrites and soma.
4.4 Passive and active amplification of the electrical signals. Generation and propagation of axon action potentials.
4.5 Synapse functions: Types of synapses and neurotransmitters. Excitatory, inhibitory and modular synapses. Synaptic plasticity. Neuromuscular synapses.
4.6 Function of the components of the nervous system: brain and basal ganglia. Brain stem and cranial pairs. Cerebellum. Spinal cord.
4.7 Functions of the neuronal microenvironment: Formation and circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebral extracellular fluid. Hematoencephalic barrier. Glial cells function.
4.8 Physiology of neuronal circuits: neuronal differentiation and circuit formation. Afferent neurons, interneurons and efferent neurons. Neurons involved in the transmission of sensory information. Neurons involved in the transmission of motor information. Neurons involved in spinal reflexes. Neurons involved in vegetative circuits.
4.9 Sensory circuits: Receiver potential, receptive fields and receiver adaptation. Types of sensory receivers. Somatic sensory transduction. Vegetative sensory transduction. Noxious transduction. Special transduction systems.
4.10 Motor circuits: spinal reflex circuits, cortex and brainstem motor circuits, basal ganglia motor circuits, cerebellum motor circuits. Control of muscle tone, posture, balance and walking.
4.11 Cerebral cortex: association areas. Cortical maps. Model of language processing. Hemispheric lateralization and dominance.
4.12 Limbic System: behavior and control of emotions. Memory and learning.
4.13 Brainstem: modulator systems of the central nervous system and neurotransmitters. Consciousness, sleep cycle. Functions of the cranial nerves.
4.14 Autonomic nervous system: sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. Enteric system. Autonomic functions. Visceral reflexes. Visceral pain. Hypothalamus-hypophysis axis.
Chapter 5 Macroscopic Structure of the Endocrine System
Chapter 6 Microscopic Structure of the Endocrine System
6.1 Pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and parathyroid gland.
6.2 Pancreas and adrenal glands.
Chapter 7 Hormones and Function of the Endocrine System.
7.1 General functions of the endocrine system. Main endocrine glands. Hormone concept.
7.2 Main types of hormones: polypeptide, steroids, amino acid derivatives. Derived from fatty acids.
7.3 Introduction to endocrine function, mechanisms of action of hormones: Concept of signal transmission. Various molecules involved in signal transmission. Similarities and differences between the nervous system and the endocrine system.
7.4 Hormone receptors: concept, location and function. Mechanisms of action of each hormonal type.
7.5 Gonads (teste and ovary): embriology and histology of male and female gonads. Common functions of both gonads in male and female: the production of reproductive hormones and gametes. Testicular hormones and their functions-ovarian hormones and their functions. Pathologies of both gonads.
7.6 Hypothalamus-hypophyseal system: nervous and vascular axis hypothalamus-hypophyseal. Nerve nuclei of the hypothalamus. Hypothalamic control of the release of pituitary hormones. Structure and embryological origin of the pituitary gland. Main characteristics of the hormones of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and their main hypothalamic regulating factors (stimulators and inhibitors).
7.7 Anterior pituitary lobe hormones: growth hormone and prolactin. Releasing and inhibiting hypothalamic factors. Growth hormone; physiological effects, regulation of secretion, mechanisms of action, target tissues and organs and the main dysfunctions. prolactin; physiological effects, regulation of secretion, mechanisms of action, target tissues and organs and the main dysfunctions.
7.8 Thyroid hormones and pancreatic hormones: Thyroid hormones; embryological structure and origin of the thyroid gland, triiodothyronine and thyroxine, physiological effects, regulation of secretion, mechanisms of action, target tissues and organs and major dysfunctions.
7.9 Pancreatic hormones; embryological structure and origin of the endocrine pancreas, structure of the islets of Langerhans, pancreatic hormones (insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, amylin and pancreatic polypeptide), physiological effects, regulation of secretion, mechanisms of action, target tissues and organs and major dysfunctions.
7.10 Hormones involved in calcium and phosphate metabolism: Structure and embryological origin of the parathyroid glands, hormones involved in calcium and phosphate metabolism; parathormone, calcitriol, calcitonin, hormone FGF-23 and protein klotho, physiological effects, regulation of secretion, mechanisms of action, target tissues and organs and major dysfunctions.
7.11 Hormones of the adrenal gland: glucocorticoids, mineral corticoids, adrenaline; physiological effects, regulation of secretion, mechanisms of action, target tissues and organs and major dysfunctions.
Chapter 8 Practical Program
8.1 P1_Osteoteca_The brain bone protection. Bony structures of the skull and face. Special study of the cranial base. Cranial fossae (anterior, medial and posterior); limits and contents. Description and location, in skull models, of the holes and vascular and nervous structures across them.
8.2 P2_Dissection Laboratory_Membranous Protection of the Encephalon. Overview of the membranous protections of the brain and spinal cord. Meninges: dura mater, arachnoid and pia mater; identification and general characteristics. Ventricular system. Cerebrospinal fluid: formation and function. Location of the structures in corpse samples.
8.3 P3_Osteoteca_Spinal cord and Brain Stem. Morphology of the spinal cord. Macroscopic anatomy of the medullary segments. Spinal nerves. Disposition and functions of the gray and white substances in the SC. Study in anatomical models and sheets. Brainstem morphology; anterior, posterior and lateral vision. Cranial nerves apparent origin. Study in models and anatomical sheets.
8.4 P4_Dissection Laboratory_Brain Stem; anterior, posterior and lateral vision. Apparent origin and path of the cranial nerves. Location of structures in cadaveric samples.
8.5 P5_Virtual laboratory_Action Potentials.
8.6 P6_Dissection Laboratory_Brain and cerebellum. Brain; location and macroscopic characteristics. Cerebral cortex; location of cerebral lobes. Main sensory and motor areas; coronal, sagittal and axial sections. Location of internal structures and relationships between them. Cerebellum; situation and macroscopic view. Cortex cerebellar lobes. Cerebellar peduncles and internal nuclei.
8.7 P7_Virtual laboratory_Demyelination and remyelination.
8.8 P8_Dissection laboratory_Vascularization of the encephalon and the spinalcord. Cerebral vascularization; carotid and vertebro-basilar systems. Polygon of Willis. Vascularization of the spinal cord. Veins of the brain and spinal cord.
8.9 P1_Histology_Nervous Tissue. Cerebral cortex.
8.10 P2_Histology_Basal ganglia. Cerebellum. Spinal cord.
8.11 P3_Histology_Meninges.
8.12 P4_Histology_Endocrine System.
Chapter 9 Problem based learning (PBL)
9.1 Clinical case methods. Different clinical cases (nervous system) will be worked in class, related to the contents given in the theoretical classes (Cortex I; 2. Cortex II; Brain stem I; Brain stem II; Limbic system; Medulla la; Cerebellum and cerebrospinal fluid; Peripheral nervous system; Exploration; Vascularization).
9.2 Physiological case methods. Different cases of clinical physiology (nervous system and endocrine system) will be worked on in class, related to the contents given in the theoretical classes.