This course deals with the Vertebrates, with the final purpose to provide the basic comprehension of the anatomical plan of this natural taxon (man included), and of the essential modalities through which this plan is created during development and modified during evolution. Knowledge of the anatomical structure of the vertebrates is essential to understand the functional aspects and the physiology of these animals. Attention will be focused on examples of modifications of developmental programs that underlie the appearance of morphological novelties during Vertebrate evolution.
Innovations and origin of the Vertebrates. Overview of classification and evolution of major groups of Vertebrates. The integumentary system. The skeleton. Morphogenesis and evolution of the skull; post-cranial skeleton, axial and appendicular; evolutionary adaptations. Central and perypheral nervous system; morphogenesis and evolution of spinal chord and brain; main anatomical connexions. Morphogenesis and evolution of the circulatory and urogenital system. Anatomy of the respiratory organs.