NEUROPHYSIOLOGY

(16 pages)
Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka

Course: Neurophysiology
Course Coordinator: Prof. dr. sc. Vesna Barac-Latas, dr. med.
Department: Department of Physiology, Immunology, and Pathophysiology
Study: Integrated Undergraduate and Graduate University Study of Medicine in English
Year of the study: Second
Academic year: 2020/2021

COURSE SYLLABUS
Course information (basic description, general information, teaching overview, required
equipment, and preparation, etc.)
Course aims, tasks, and learning outcomes
The aim of this course is to enable the student to apply previously acquired knowledge of Neuroanatomy and
Physiology and Pathophysiology, and to acquire knowledge about the normal functioning of the nervous system, as
well as knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to the disorders of the normal functioning and
the occurrence of a specific disease.
Classes are held in the summer semester of the second year of study: 28 hours of lectures, 16 hours of seminars
and 16 hours of practicals, which totals 5 ECTS. Immediately after held classes, two exam dates are planned.
The objective of the course is to gain knowledge about the normal and disturbed functioning of the nervous system to
the extent necessary for further successful study monitoring. The task of teaching is to acquire basic knowledge about
the functional organization of the nervous system as a substrate of physiological and pathophysiological conditions, as
well as to acquire knowledge about basic neurophysiological and neuropathological processes.
Classes are performed in the form of lectures, seminars, and practicals, which include using computer programs like
Biopack and SymBioSys that present physiological functions or certain diseases in humans, and program-oriented
class. Certain pathological conditions are also demonstrated on animal models. Part of the seminars is conducted as a
problem-oriented class so that students can solve physiological and pathophysiological problems with the help of the
teacher based on typical anamnestic and diagnostic data.
At seminars and exercises, the student with the teacher actively discusses the physiological and pathophysiological
mechanisms.
The student is obligated to prepare the material that is being discussed in seminars and practicals.
In accordance with the Law and Ordinance of the Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, all forms of classes (lectures, seminars,
and practicals) are mandatory. The validity of absence from seminars and practicals is proven by a valid certificate.
Lectures, seminars, and practicals take place according to the Syllabus. Schedule of students by groups can be found
on the SharePoint platform of the Department of Physiology and Immunology on the following website:
https://spp.uniri.hr/ss_medri/katedre/427 - accessed via an AAI address.

Course outline
General organization of the nervous system: central, peripheral, and autonomous; Neuronal cellular biology:
microenvironment of a neuron – glial cells; Cerebral blood flow and its disorders; Blood-brain barrier and its disorders;
Cerebrospinal fluid and hydrocephalus; General energy metabolism of the brain; Fundamental neurophysiological
processes: membrane and action potentials; Emergence and spreading of the nerve impulse; Structure and function of
synapses; Neurotransmitters and their receptors: biochemical features of synthesis and decomposition, distribution and
interaction of neurotransmitter systems; Membrane receptors: division, structure, activation, distribution;
pathophysiology of the nervous transmission; Neural circuits for information processing; Organization of sensory

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systems and sensory functions: somatic (receptors) and special senses (vision, hearing, balance, taste, smell); Sensory
disorders, pathophysiological background of pain; General organization of the motor system: spinal and

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supraspinal reflexes; Pyramidal and extrapyramidal motor system; Basal ganglia function: cerebellar motoric control,
motoric nervous disorders; Autonomic nervous system: physiological and pathophysiological aspects; General and
managing brain functions: ascending reticular activation system (attention, vigilance, sleep); Limbic system (emotions,
neuroendocrinology of behavior), sexuality; Higher brain functions: laminar and vertical organization of the cerebral
cortex: integrative function of the nervous system; Intellectual functions (memory, thinking, speech); Mental
function disorders.

Developing general competencies (knowledge and skills)

At the end of this course, the student will be able to:
1. interpret and explain the basics of nervous system functioning
2. interpret and explain the basics of nervous system disorders
3. connect and determine the importance of the nervous system within the organism

Developing specific competencies (knowledge and skills)

At the end of this course, the student will be able to:
1. explain the principles of emergence and spreading of the action potential (impulse), as well as the basis for
the pathophysiology of the nervous transmission
2. explain the concept of synaptic transmission, biochemical features of synthesis and decomposition,
and distribution and interaction of neurotransmitter systems
3. list and describe the division, structure, distribution, and activation of membrane receptors
4. explain somatic (touch, pressure, position, pain, temperature) and special senses (vision, hearing, taste,
smell, balance), from sensory receptors and input (afferent) fibers to the cerebral cortex
5. explain pathophysiological processes associated with damages to somatosensory and special senses
6. explain the role of the nervous system in motor control: organization of the motor unit, spinal motor system
control, voluntary motor movements, posture, role of basal ganglia and small brain in motion control
7. explain the general and managing brain functions, states of vigilance and consciousness, emotions and mood
8. explain the reaction and importance of the autonomic nervous system
9. describe types of learning and memory, cellular learning and memory mechanisms, and learning and
memory disorders
10. describe the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier, cerebrospinal fluid, blood flow regulation
mechanisms and circulatory disorders (cerebrovascular insult)

Required textbooks:
1. Medical Physiology, Guyton and Hall, Medicinska naklada Zagreb, thirteenth edition, 2016.
2. Pathophysiology, basic mechanisms of disease – textbook, book one – volume one; Stjepan Gamulin, Matko
Marušić, Zdenko Kovač: Medicinska naklada -Zagreb, 2014.
3. Pathophysiology, basic mechanisms of disease – textbook, book one – volume two; Stjepan Gamulin, Matko
Marušić, Zdenko Kovač: Medicinska naklada -Zagreb, 2014.
4. Pathophysiology, Study guide algorhythms – problem solver; Zdenko Kovač, Stjepan Gamulin; book two,
Medicinska naklada, 2014.
5. Handbook for Practicals in Physiology, Neurophysiology, and Immunology. Department of Physiology,
Neurophysiology, and Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, October 2001 and 2003
(2006), 2001. – available in electronic form on the Department’s website (can be downloaded from the
SharePoint platform of the Department of Physiology: http://sp.medri.hr/Studenti/

(username and password can be found on the notice board of the Department of Physiology)

Recommended for additional reading:

1. Judaš M, Kostović I. Basics of Neuroscience, MD, Zagreb, 1997.

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Course teaching plan:
List of lectures (with titles and learning outcomes):
Lecture 1: Organization of the Nervous System, Basic Functions of Synapses
LEARNING OUTCOMES: to describe the organization of the nervous system; to explain the main levels in the function
of the central nervous system (CNS); to describe the cellular structure of neurons and glial cells; to describe the
structure and function of synapses; to list types of synapses; to describe the physiological structure of synapses; to
explain the role of calcium ions; to describe the function of receptor proteins on a postsynaptic neuron; to explain the
transmission and signal processing in neuronal groups; to explain signal divergence and convergence and lateral
inhibition; to explain the term reverberation, permanent signal output, and rhythmic signal output.

2: Neurotransmitters, Neuropeptides, and Receptors

LEARNING OUTCOMES: to define the term neurotransmitter; to group low-molecular fast-acting transmitters; to group
neuropeptide slow-acting transmitters; to describe the differences between these two groups of transmitters; to describe
the procedures for identifying neurotransmitters and neuropeptides (according to Sheperd 1988); to describe the effects
of neurotransmitters mediated through ionotropic or metabotropic postsynaptic receptors; to explain the term and
meaning of receptor desensitization; to explain the glutamate metabolism in the brain; to describe the structure and
function of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors; to explain the action mechanism of inhibitory GABA and glycine
neurotransmitters; to describe the emergence and action of acetylcholine via acetylcholine receptors; to describe the
emergence and action of monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline) and serotonin; to
describe the synthesis and processing of neuropeptides.

Lecture 3: Electrical Events During Neuronal Excitation and Inhibition

LEARNING OUTCOMES: to describe the membrane potential of soma neuron inaction: to repeat the ion concentrations
on both sides of the neuron membrane; to define the term Nernst potential; to describe the role of diffusion and the
Na/K pump in the emergence of the membrane potential of the nerve; to describe the emergence and all phases of the
action potential of the nerve; to define the role of sodium and potassium channels regulated by voltage; to describe the
law ‘all or nothing’; to explain the term saltatory impulse conduction in the nerves; to explain the emergence of
excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potential; to describe the emergence of action potential on the axon of the neuron
and the concept of threshold stimulus; to define the term presynaptic inhibition; to explain the term spatial and temporal
neuron summation; to explain the term neuronal facilitation; to describe the terms "electronic current" and
"decrementary" guidance along the dendrite towards the soma; to explain the synaptic transmission fatigue; to describe
the effect of acidosis and alkalosis on the synaptic transmission; to describe the concept of synaptic decay.

Lecture 4: Sensory Receptors, Somatic Sensation, Sensory Pathways for Transmitting Somatic Signals
LEARNING OUTCOMES: to group senses; to define sensory receptors; to group sensory receptors; to define the term
sense modality and the principle of the "marked line"; to describe the emergence of receptor (generator) potential on
the example of Pacinian corpuscle; to define the relationship between receptor and action potential; to describe the
mechanisms of receptor adaptation; to explain the term "tonic" and "phasic" receptor; to describe the physiological
classification and function of nerve fibers; to describe the relationship of tactile senses, pressure, and vibration; to
describe tactile receptors; to describe the structure and function of sensory pathways for transmitting somatic signals
into the central nervous system: 1. a dorsal column system – a medial lemniscus and anterolateral system 2; to
describe the position, parts, and layers of the somatosensory cortex; to explain the functions of certain parts of the
somatosensory cortex; to describe somatosensory homunculus; to define the position sense; to define the term
dermatome.

Lecture 5: Specific sensations: The Sense of Vision

LEARNING OUTCOMES: to describe the eye optics; to explain the formation and function of the intraocular fluid; to
describe the structure of the retina; to explain the photochemistry of vision; to explain the phenomenon of adaptation
and accomodation; to describe the visual pathway; to describe the contrast analysis in the visual image; to explain the
method of determining the visual field; to describe eye movements and control over it; to describe the joining of visual
images from both eyes;

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Lecture 6: Pathophysiology of the Nervous System; Peripheral and Central Sensory Disorders; Pain
LEARNING OUTCOMES: to explain nerve conduction disorders; to extract disorders of hypofunction and hyperfunction
of dopamine, acetylcholine, serotonin neurotransmitters; to explain the emergence of Myasthenia gravis; to repeat the
mechanism of desensitization; to describe the phenomenon of tardive dyskinesia, as well as the mechanism of
abstinence crisis; to explain the concepts of denervation supersensitivity, hypoesthesia, paresthesia, as well as the
concept of backward decay; to describe the anatomic isthmus syndrome; to define neuropathies and polyneuropathies;
to describe the Brown-Sequard syndrome, conus and epiconus syndrome; to describe a thalamic syndrome; to
describe phantom sensations; to define types of pain; to describe pain receptors; to describe twice for pain: the
neospinothalamic tract and paleospinothalamic tract; to describe the functions of reticular formation, thalamus, and
cerebral cortex in pain perception; to describe the analgesic system in the brain and the spinal cord; to explain the
importance of the opiate system in the brain; to explain the term reflected and visceral pain; to describe and list types of
headaches.

Lecture 7: Cerebral Cortex, Intellectual Functions of the Brain, Learning, and Memory
LEARNING OUTCOMES: to describe the physiological structure of the cerebral cortex; to describe the thalamocortical
system; to explain the functions of specific cortical areas: association areas: parietal-occipital-temporal, prefrontal, and
limbic association area; to explain the position and meaning of the Wernicke area; to explain the notion of a dominant
hemisphere; to explain the significance of a non-dominant hemisphere; to describe the brain function in communication
(speech); to name and describe types of speech disorders; to describe the significance of the corpus callosum; to
define the notion of thought, consciousness, and memory; to explain the concept of positive and negative memory; to
group memory; to describe the mechanism of short-term, medium-long and long-term memory emergence; to describe
the memory consolidation phenomenon: the role of the hippocampus in the process of memory.

Lecture 8: States of Brain Activity – Sleep, Brain Waves, Epilepsy

LEARNING OUTCOMES: to describe two types of sleep; to explain basic theories of sleep; to describe the emergence
and origin of brain waves; to distinguish epilepsies; to define schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia; to
describe parts of the limbic system and the activation-stimulating brain system; to describe the functions of the
hypothalamus; to explain the importance of reward and punishment in behavior; to describe the functions of the
hippocampus and the amygdala.

Lecture 9: Motor Neurophysiology: Motor Functions of the Spinal Cord

LEARNING OUTCOMES: to define three types of motor abilities: voluntary, subconscious, and reflexive; to describe the
structure of the spinal cord; to describe the function of alpha and gamma motoneurons, interneurons, Renshaw's cells;
to describe the structure of the muscle spindle and the sensory and motor innervation of the spindle; to explain the
receptor function of the muscle spindle; to describe the reflex arc; to describe the reflex to stretch (dynamic and static
part of the reflex); to describe the importance of control of the gamma-motor system; to describe the term clonus; to
describe Golgi's tendon reflex; to describe the polysynaptic flexor reflex; to explain the removal pattern; to describe the
crosslinked extensor reflex; to define the term reciprocal inhibition; to describe the reflex for body posture and walk; to
describe the spinal shock.

Lecture 10: Cortical and Brain Stem Control of Motor Function

LEARNING OUTCOMES: to define the position and functional parts of the motor cortex; to describe the motor
homunculus; to extract specialized motor control areas; to define the medial and lateral motor system; to describe the
corticospinal tract; to describe other neural pathways leaving the motor cortex; to describe the input pathways in the
motor cortex; to describe the corticospinal tract; to describe the structure and function of cerebral cortex neuron pillars;
to describe the stimulation of the spinal cord motoneurons; to describe the role of brainstem in the control of the motor
function – the role of reticular and vestibular nuclei (to describe reticulospinal and vestibulospinal tracts); to describe the
position and the anatomical and functional parts of the small brain; to define the input tracts into the small brain; to
describe the deep nuclei and output tracts of the small brain; to describe the functional unit of the small brain cortex; to
describe the parts and function of vestibulocerebellum; to describe the parts and function of spinocerebellum; to
describe the parts and function of the cerebrocerebellum; to describe clinical disorders of the small brain.

Lecture 11: Contributions of the Cerebellum and Basal Ganglia to Overall Motor Control
LEARNING OUTCOMES: to name basal ganglia; to describe the putamen circuit; to describe the caudate circuit; to

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explain the function of neurotransmitters in the basal ganglia system; to explain the emergence of Parkinson's disease;
to explain the emergence and clinical image of Huntington's disease; to explain the formation of athetosis and
hemiballism; to explain the functional connection of the basal ganglia with the brainstem and the motor cortex; to
describe the basics of motor neural disorders; to describe the consequences of damage to the corticospinal tract; to
describe cerebellar control disorders; to describe disorders of neuromuscular junction (Myasthenia gravis); to describe
peripheral motoneuron disorders; to describe motor unit disorders.

Lecture 12: The Autonomic Nervous System; Disorders of Neurovegetative Regulation

LEARNING OUTCOMES: to describe the general organization of ANS; to describe the structure of the sympathetic
nervous system: preganglionic and postganglionic neurons; to describe the organization of the parasympathetic
nervous system: preganglionic and postganglionic neurons; to describe cholinergic and adrenergic fibers; to describe
adrenergic and cholinergic receptors and their functions; to describe the effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic
stimulation of certain organs: the eye, the glands, the digestive system, the heart, the blood vessels, the blood
pressure; to describe the function of the adrenal gland medulla; to explain sympathetic and parasympathetic tone; to
describe autonomous reflexes; to describe the alarming reaction of the sympathetic system; to describe ANS control; to
name the etiological factors of the neurovegetative disorder; to explain the concepts of primary and secondary ANS
disorders; to describe disorders of circadian rhythms; to describe sleeping disorders - awakeness; to explain the
concept of psychosomatic disease; to describe chronic fatigue syndrome.

Lecture 13: Cerebral Blood Flow, Cerebrospinal Fluid and Brain Metabolism
LEARNING OUTCOMES: to describe the circle of Willis; to explain the role of the perivascular space; to describe the
structure of the blood-brain barrier; to explain the function of the blood-brain barrier; to describe the specificities of the
brain microcirculation; to discuss transmission through the blood-brain barrier; to describe the regulation of the cerebral
blood flow: autonomous and nervous; to explain the emergence and the clinical image of a stroke (ischemic and
hemorrhagic); to describe the cerebral metabolism; to describe the cerebrospinal fluid system: formation, flow, and
absorption of the cerebrospinal fluid; to explain the function of the cerebrospinal fluid; to describe the composition of the
cerebrospinal fluid; to describe the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier; to describe the emergence of the communicating
and non-communicating hydrocephalus; to describe the functions of the ependyma; to name and define the functions of
circumventricular organs.

Lecture 14: Clinical Correlates and Experimental Model(s)

LEARNING OUTCOMES: the central nervous system as an immune-privileged system; the role of microglial cells; to
describe possible mechanisms of disease emergence associated with damages to certain subpopulations of nerve
cells; to become acquainted with the possibilities of a scientific research approach to diseases of the nervous system.

List of seminars (with titles and learning outcomes):

Seminar 1: Organization of the Nervous System, Basic Functions of Synapses
LEARNING OUTCOMES: to group cells of the nervous system; to describe the structure and function of neurons; to
describe the structure and function of glial cells; to describe the parts and function of central and peripheral synapses;
to describe the process of neurotransmitter exocytosis; to describe the activation of ionotropic receptors; to describe the
term EPSP and IPSP; to describe the synthesis, action, and decomposition of acetylcholine; to describe the effects of
certain medicaments and drugs on the neuromuscular junction.

Literature:
Chapter 46. Organization of the Nervous System, Basic Function of Synapses, Electrical Events during Neuronal
Excitation
Textbook: Medical Physiology, Guyton and Hall

Seminar 2: Sensory Receptors; Somatic Sensations

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LEARNING OUTCOMES: sensory receptors; sensory pathways for the transmission of somatic signals; somatic
sensations.

Literature:
Chapter 47. Sensory receptors
Chapter 48. Somatic Sensation: General Organization, The Tactile and Position Senses
Textbook: Medical Physiology, A.C. Guyton and Hall

Seminar 4: The Sense of Vision – I part

LEARNING OUTCOMES: to repeat the physical principles of optics; to describe the eye optics; to explain the notion of
visual acuity; to explain the formation and function of the intraocular fluid; to describe the structure of the retina; to
explain the photochemistry of vision; to explain the phenomenon of adaptation and accommodation.

Literature:
Chapter 50. The Eye I: Optics of Vision
Chapter 51. The Eye II: Receptor and Neural Function of the Retina
Chapter 52. The Eye: III. Central Neurophysiology of Vision
Textbook: Medical Physiology, Guyton and Hall

LEARNING OUTCOMES: to explain the phenomenon of color vision; to describe the neural function of the retina and all
of its cells; to explain the phenomenon of lateral inhibition in the visual signal transmission; to describe the visual
pathway; to describe the contrast analysis in the visual image; to explain the method of determining the visual field; to
describe eye movements and control over it; to describe the joining of visual images from both eyes;

Seminar 5: The Sense of Hearing, The Sense of Taste and Smell, Vestibular Sensations
LEARNING OUTCOMES: to describe the anatomical structure of the outer, middle, and inner ear; to explain the
mechanism of impedance adaptation using the ossicle system; to describe the "traveling wave"; to describe the function
of the organ of Corti; to explain the phenomenon of sound frequency determination (principle of place); to describe the
determination of sound volume; to describe the auditory nerve pathway; to understand the role of the auditory cortex; to
name hearing disorders; to define types of flavor; to describe the structure and function of the taste bud; to describe
taste pathways; to describe the sense of smell: types, signal transmission into the nervous system; to describe the
structure and function of the vestibular apparatus.

Literature:
Chapter 53. The Sense of Hearing
Chapter 54. The Chemical Senses – Taste and Smell
Chapter 56. Vestibular Sensations (p. 714-719)
Textbook: Medical Physiology, Guyton and Hall

Seminar 6: Cerebral Cortex and Intellectual Functions

LEARNING OUTCOMES: to describe the parts and function of the association areas; to describe all intellectual brain
functions (communication, thought, consciousness, memory); to describe the mechanisms of short-term, medium-long,
and long-term memory emergence; to describe the excitatory-activating system of the brain; to describe the parts and
function of the limbic system (hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, limbic cortex); to describe stages of sleep; to
repeat the basic theories of sleep; to define types of brain waves; to describe epilepsies; to define depression,
schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.

Literature:
Chapter 58. Cerebral Cortex, Intellectual Functions of the Brain, Learning, and Memory
Chapter 59. Behavioral and Motivational Mechanisms of the Brain – The Limbic System and the Hypothalamus

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 Chapter 60. State of Brain Activity – Sleep, Brain Waves
Textbook: Medical Physiology, Guyton and Hall

List of practicals (with titles and learning outcomes):

Practical 1: The Neuromuscular Junction

LEARNING OUTCOMES: to describe the membrane and action potential; to describe the skeletal muscle contraction;
to describe the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction; to describe the effect of strychnine on the spinal
cord; to explain the term and meaning of electromyography; to describe the concept of muscular fatigue.
Practical part:
EMG1- Biopac
video recordings
showing the dependence of the electric current voltage and the frequency of stimulation on the muscle
contractions in rats (continuous amplification of the stimulation until tetany) - neuromuscular connection
strychnine
For this practical class, students should prepare the following material: from the textbook A. C. Guyton and Hall,
Medical Physiology, Chapter 5. Membrane Potentials and Action Potentials; Chapter 6. Contraction of Skeletal
Muscle; Chapter 7. Excitation of Skeletal Muscle: Neuromuscular Transmission and Excitation-Contraction
Coupling and from the Handbook for Practicals in Physiology, Neurophysiology and Immunology, Rijeka, 2001,
exercises number 25, 28 and 29.

Practical 2: The Sense of Vision

LEARNING OUTCOMES: to examine eye movements and to describe control over it; to perform pupillary reflex; to
perform a corneal reflex; to determine visual acuity; to examine color recognition; to determine the width of the visual
field by the perimeter method; to perform the optokinetic test, to describe the concept of visual fixation.
Practical part:
Eye: 1.) Determining visual acuity; 2.) Color recognition; 3.) Reflex reactions; 4.) Ocular motility; 5.) Perimetry (visual
field examination); 6.) Fundus in rats; 7.) Optokinetic record.
The student is expected to be prepared for this practical based on the previously acquired knowledge from the lecture.
The student should prepare the following material: from the textbook A. C. Guyton and Hall, Medical Physiology,
Chapter 50. The Eye I: Optics of Vision; Chapter 51. The Eye II: Receptor and Neural Function of the Retina;
Chapter 52: The Eye III: Central Neurophysiology of Vision and from the Handbook for Practicals in Physiology,
Neurophysiology and Immunology, Rijeka, 2001, exercises number 31 and 32.

Practical 3: The Sense of Hearing, Taste and Smell, Vestibular Sensation

LEARNING OUTCOMES: to examine the hearing with a tuning fork; to examine the sense of balance; to examine the
excitability of the vestibular system; to examine senses of taste and smell.
Practical part:
A. Ear: 1) A sense of hearing; 2) Functional tests of balance organs
B. Taste: 1) Testing the sense of taste for sour, salty and bitter (clinical application)
C. Smell: 1) Measuring smell by Bornstein
The student should prepare the following material: from the textbook A. C. Guyton and Hall, Medical Physiology,
Chapter 53. The Sense of Hearing; Chapter 54. The Chemical Senses – Taste and Smell; Chapter 56. Vestibular
Sensations (p. 714-719) and from the Handbook for Practicals in Physiology, Neurophysiology, and Immunology,
Rijeka, 2001, exercises number 33, 34, 35 and 36.

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Practical 4: Motor Neurophysiology
LEARNING OUTCOMES: to describe the term decerebration; to explain the EEG method; to repeat the motor function
of the spinal cord (spinal reflexes); to repeat the role of the cerebral cortex and brainstem over motor functions; to
repeat the role of the small brain and basal ganglia in the motor; to repeat brain activity states: waves, sleep,
epilepsies.
Practical part:
studying spinal reflexes in humans
motor function of the brainstem, basal ganglia, and medulla spinalis
reticular activation system
cerebral cortex
video recordings
decerebration
symptoms of epilepsy

The student should prepare the following material: from the textbook A. C. Guyton and Hall, Medical Physiology,
Chapter 55: Motor Functions of the Spinal Cord, the Cord Reflexes; Chapter 56: Cortical and Brain Stem
Control of Motor Function; Chapter 57: Contributions of the Cerebellum and Basal Ganglia to Overall Motor
Control and from the Handbook for Practicals in Physiology, Neurophysiology and Immunology, Rijeka, 2001,
exercises number 24, 26, 27 and 30.

Student obligation:
WARNING: students are required to bring with them to practicals: a) lab coat and b) Handbook for Practicals in
Neurophysiology
Students ARE NOT ALLOWED to switch groups unless they find their replacement!

Exam (exam taking, detailed exam description of the oral/written/practical part, point distribution,
grading criteria):
ECTS grading system

Student assessment is carried out according to the current Ordinance on studies at the University of Rijeka, and
according to the Ordinance on student assessment at the Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka (adopted by the Faculty
Council of the Medical Faculty in Rijeka).
Student work will be evaluated and graded during classes and at the final exam.
Out of a total 100 points, during the classes the student can achieve 50 points, and at the final exam 50 points. Student
assessment is performed using ECTS (A-D) and number system (1- 5). Assessment in the ECTS system is performed by
absolute distribution and according to graduate assessment criteria. Of the maximum 50 grade points that can be earned
during class, a student must collect at least 50% (25) of the grade points to take the final exam. Students who collect
0-49.9% (0 -24.9) of grade points during the course, gain an F grade (unsuccessful), cannot gain ECTS credits and
must re-enroll in the course.
During classes, the student can achieve a maximum of 50 grades.
During the course, the acquired knowledge will be evaluated by two midterm exams comprising 50 questions.
A student may obtain up to 25 grade points on each exam, as shown in the table:

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 Correct
Grade points
answers
48,49,50 25
45,46,47 24
42,43,44 23
39,40,41 22
37,38 21
35,36 20
33,34 19
31,32 18
29,30 17
27,28 16
25,26 15

Each test has one corrective period for students who, for justified reasons, did not take the tests or did not collect the
minimum number of points or are not satisfied with the number of points collected (then its previous result is deleted).

II. Final exam (up to 50 grade points)

Who can take the final exam:
Students who have achieved 25 or more points during the course take the final exam where they can achieve a maximum of
50 points.
Who can NOT take the final exam:
Students who have achieved less than 25 points during classes or were absent for more than 30% of classes do not
have the right to take the final exam (re-enroll in the course of the next academic year).

The final exam consists of a written and an oral part. The student must pass at least 50% of the written test at the final exam
and be positively graded at the oral part of the exam.

The method of scoring in the final exam is shown in Table 2.

Written test in percentage / grade points Oral exam

50 – 54,99% = 11 points sufficient = 5 – 15 points

55 – 59,99% = 12 points good = 16 – 20 points
60 – 64,99% = 13 points very good = 21 – 25 points
65 – 69,99% = 14 points excellent = 26 – 30 points
70 – 74,99% = 15 points
75 – 79,99% = 16 points
80 – 84,99% = 17 points
85 – 89,99% = 18 points
90 – 94,99% = 19 points
95 – 100% = 20 points

Grading in the ECTS system is done by absolute distribution, ie on the basis of the final achievement (points acquired during the
course are added to the points from the final exam):
A=90-100%
B = 75 - 89.9%
C = 60 - 74.9%
D = 50 - 59.9%
F=0-49.9%

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 Grades in the ECTS system are translated into a numerical system as follows:

A = excellent (5)
B = very good (4)
C = good (3)
D = sufficient (2)
F = insufficient (1)

Other notes (related to the course) important for students:

Teaching content and all information related to the course can be found on the Share-portal for internal communication of the
Department of Physiology and Immunology.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If the epidemiological measures related to Covid-19 determine the ban on gathering students in large numbers at the faculty, we
will adjust the INP and the method of assessment to the current situation. In that case, classes would be conducted online (via
audio presentations, using the MS teams platform, etc.), and the writing of tests would be conducted via the Merlin system.
Students will be notified in a timely manner of any changes to the INP.
In addition, in accordance with the recommendations of the University of Rijeka, classes can be held in a hybrid, ie up to 40% of
classes can be held online, and 60% or more regularly, ie in contact with students at the faculty.

Possibility of teaching in another language:

Other important information regarding the course:

COURSE SCHEDULE for academic year 2019/2020

Date Lectures Seminars and Lecturer

Practicals
02/03/2021 L1 (11,15-13,00) V. Barac-Latas, Full Professor

09/03/2021 L2 (11,15-13,00) N. Kučić, Full Professor

16/03/2021 L3 (11,15-13,00) V. Barac-Latas, Full Professor

17/03/2021 S1 I (13,15-15,30) N. Kučić, Full Professor
18/03/2021 S1 II (13,15-15,30) N. Kučić, Full Professor

23/03/2021 L4 (11,15-13,00) H. Jakovac, Associate Professor

24/03/2021 S2 I (13,15-15,30) I.Šutić Udović, dr.med.
25/03/2021 S2 II (13,15-15,30) I.Šutić Udović, dr.med.

30/03/2021 L5 (11,15-13,00) V. Barac-Latas, Full Professor

31/03/2021 S3 I (13,15-15,30) B. Ćurko-Cofek, PhD
01/04/2021 S3 II (13,15-15,30) B. Ćurko-Cofek, PhD

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 06/04/2021 L6 (11,15-13,00) V. Barac-Latas, Full Professor
07/04/2021 P1 I (10,00-13,00) B. Ćurko-Cofek, PhD
07/04/2021 P1 II (16,00-19,00) B. Ćurko-Cofek, PhD
08/04/2021 P1 III (10,00-13,00) V. Barac-Latas, Full Professor
08/04/2021 P1 IV (16,00-19,00) B. Ćurko-Cofek, PhD

13/04/2021 L7 (11,15-13,00) N. Kučić, Full Professor

14/04/2021 S4 I (13,15-15,30) Tanja Grubić Kezele, Assistant Professor
15/04/2021 S4 II (13,15-15,30) Tanja Grubić Kezele, Assistant Professor

20/04/2021 L8 (11,15-13,00) V. Barac-Latas, Full Professor

21/04/2021 P2 I (10,00-13,00) B. Ćurko-Cofek, PhD
21/04/2021 P2 II (16,00-19,00) B. Ćurko-Cofek, PhD
22/04/2021 P2 III (10,00-13,00) V. Barac-Latas, Full Professor
22/04/2021 P2 IV (16,00-19,00) B. Ćurko-Cofek, PhD

27/04/2021 L9 (11,15-13,00) H. Jakovac, Associate Professor

28/04/2021 S5 I (13,15 – 15,30) I.Šutić Udović, dr.med.
29/04/2021 S5 II (13,15–15,30)) I.Šutić Udović, dr.med.

04/05/2021 L10 (11,15-13,00) V. Barac-Latas, Full Professor

05/05/2021 P3 I (10,00-13,00) Tanja Grubić Kezele, Assistant Professor
05/05/2021 P3 II (16,00-19,00) I.Šutić Udović, dr.med.
05/05/2021 P3 III (10,00-13,00) Tanja Grubić Kezele, Assistant Professor
05/05/2021 P3 IV (16,00-19,00) I.Šutić Udović, dr.med.

11/05/2021 L11 (11,15-13,00) V. Barac-Latas, Full Professor

12/05/2021 S6 I (13,15-15,30) V. Barac-Latas, Full Professor
13/05/2021 S6 II (13,15-15,30) V. Barac-Latas, Full Professor

18/05/2021 L12 (11,15-13,00) H. Jakovac, Associate Professor

19/05/2021 P4 I (10,00-13,00) B. Ćurko-Cofek, PhD
19/05/2021 P4 II (16,00-19,00) I.Šutić Udović, dr.med.
20/05/2021 P4 III (10,00-13,00) B. Ćurko-Cofek, PhD
20/05/2021 P4 IV (16,00-19,00) I.Šutić Udović, dr.med.

25/05/2021 L13 (11,15-13,00) Tanja Grubić Kezele, Assistant Professor

01/06/21 L14 (11,15-13,00) V. Barac-Latas, Full Professor

Lectures
Teaching Place
Topic
hours
Lecture hall 1
L1 Organization of the Nervous System, Basic Functions of Synapses 2 ONLINE
Lecture hall 8
L2 Neurotransmitters, Neuropeptides, and Receptors 2 ONLINE
Lecture hall 8
L3 Electrical Events During Neuronal Excitation and Inhibition 2 ONLINE
L4 Sensory Receptors, Somatic Sensation, Sensory Pathways for 2 Lecture hall 1
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 ONLINE
Transmitting Somatic Signals
L5 Specific Sensations: The Sense of Vision 2 Lecture hall 8
ONLINE
Lecture hall 8
L6 Pain; Peripheral and Central Sensory Disorders 2 ONLINE
Lecture hall 1
L7 Cerebral Cortex, Intellectual Functions of the Brain, Learning, and Memory 2 ONLINE
Lecture hall 8
L8 States of Brain Activity – Sleep, Brain Waves, Epilepsy 2 ONLINE

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L9 Motor Neurophysiology: Motor Functions of the Spinal Cord 2 Lecture hall 8
L10 Cortical and Brain Stem Control of Motor Function 2 Lecture hall 1
L11 Contributions of the Cerebellum and Basal Ganglia to Overall Motor 2 Lecture hall 8

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 Control
Lecture hall 1
L12 The Autonomic Nervous System; Disorders of Neurovegetative Regulation 2 ONLINE
Lecture hall 8
L13 Cerebral Blood Flow, Cerebrospinal Fluid and Brain Metabolism 2 ONLINE
Lecture hall 1
L14 Clinical Correlates and Experimental Model(s) 2 ONLINE
Total number of lecture hours 28

Seminars
Teaching Place
Topic
hours
S1 Organization of the Nervous System, Basic Functions of 3 Seminar hall and Lecture
Synapses hall 9 ONLINE
S2 3 Seminar hall and Lecture
Sensory Receptors; Somatic Sensations hall 9 ONLINE
S3 3 Seminar hall and Lecture
The Sense of Vision hall 9 ONLINE
S4 The Sense of Hearing, The Sense of Taste and Smell, 3 Seminar hall and Lecture
Vestibular Sensations hall 9 ONLINE
S5 3 Seminar hall and Lecture
Cerebral Cortex and Intellectual Functions hall 9 ONLINE

S6 Motor Neurophysiology 3 Seminar hall and Lecture

hall 9 ONLINE
Total number of seminar hours 18

Practicals

Teaching Place
Topic
hours
P1 The Neuromuscular Junction 4 Department Laboratory
P2 The Sense of Vision 4 Department Laboratory
P3 The Sense of Hearing, Taste and Smell, Vestibular Sensation 4 Department Laboratory
P4 Motor Neurophysiology 4 Department Laboratory
Total number of practical hours 16

EXAM DATES: 16/06/2021

30/06/2021
14/07/2021
07/09/2021
21/09/2021

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MIDTERM EXAMS: 1st: 09/04/2021/
(L1 – L6; S1 -S3; P1)
2nd: 28/05/2021/
(L7 – L13; S6; P6)

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