Study Programmes 2016-2017
RESP0120-6  
Multidisciplinary approach to the respiratory system
Duration :
32h Th, 5h Pr
Number of credits :
Bachelor in medicine5
Lecturer :
Vincenzo D'Orio, Renaud Louis, Pascale Quatresooz, Marc Radermecker
Substitute(s) :
Didier Cataldo
Coordinator :
Didier Cataldo
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents :
This module's architecture, devoted to the respiratory system, aim to study and to have a global comprehension of the embryonic development, the anatomical structure and the histological nature of lungs, their envelopes, and superior air traffics. In a simultaneous way, the physiology and the biochemical aspects of the respiratory - both at the level macroscopic and cellular - are approached by clarifying the relations " structure - function".
Still further, the big physiopathological syndromes explaining the possible dysfunctions of the respiratory system are also approached. Indeed, in the daily practice, the doctor is regularly confronted with problems or pathologies of the respiratory system which he must be able to understand or explain. To this end, he needs being able to collect and interpret the signs and the symptoms of the patient and examine correctly the components of the respiratory system (semiology) by establishing the link with the data of the modern imaging and the specific examinations of exploration.
A physiopathological reasoning leaning on the data of the clinical examination and the physiology will allow him to explain the observed or brought back facts and to understand if necessary the ins and outs of the disease. The major principles of treatment ensue from it in a deductive way.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit :
Such as in particular (in a not exhaustive way) :
  • Know the anatomo-functional organization of the breath, the respiratory centers up to the respiratory muscles.
  • Know the anatomy of the nasal pits and the pharynx.
  • Know the anatomy of the larynx.
  • Know the anatomy of the trachea and its development.
  • Know the topographic anatomy of the superior respiratory tracts.
  • Know the anatomy of the bronchial tree. Know the lung anatomy and its embryonic development.
  • Know the anatomy of the rib cage.
  • Know the topographic anatomy of lungs in the rib cage (areas of projections), lung hiles and their relations with the elements of the mediastinum.
  • Know the anatomy of the lung envelopes.
  • Know the histology of air traffics and air cells.
  • Understand the physiology of the gaseous exchanges.
  • Know the lung volumes and their mobilization.
  • Know the factors which affect the respiratory work.
  • Know the functional characteristics of the lung circulation.
A list of the objectives is put at the disposal of the students on eCampus.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Co and pre-requisites are detailed in the general Baccalaureate Medical formation (global course program).
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
This Module is multidisciplinar (based on different theoretical courses in different disciplines).
Practical works (MEDE0122 and MEDE0123) and Problem-based seminars (APPR0122) complete the practical and clinical aspects.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Hybrid course (theoretical aspects in classical classrooms ; some practical aspects are developped within e-learning and small groups sessions).
Recommended or required readings :
Slides and comments are available on e-campus on line course ; books can be obtained at the Ulg Press Shop  (complementary, not compulsory).
Assessment methods and criteria :
The evaluation criterias are available on the Faculty Website facmed.ulg.ac.be/examens
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
Contacts :
CATALDO Didier
Liège University Hospital - Pulmonologist
Tel. : +32 4 3662521
Mail : Didier.Cataldo@ulg.ac.be