Department of Morphology and Physiology

Introduction

Phone +36 1 486 4940
Email etk.morfologia@semmelweis.hu
Head of the Department College Professor Gabriella Dörnyei, Ph.D.

Background The Department of Morphology and Physiology as a unit of the Institute of Basic Health Sciences has been operating at Semmelweis University Faculty of Health Sciences since its foundation in 1975. The Department participates in the education of the full time English language physiotherapy B.Sc. programme since 2005. The full time English language training of nurses and midwives was introduced in the 2011/2012 academic year, and by 2023/2024 public health supervisor, dietetics, optometry and health tourism management has also become available.

Education

The Department’s educational tasks include the teaching of core and optional elective subjects to students participating in the full- and part time trainings of the Faculty, as well as to students taking part in the Master’s level programmes, in the doctorate courses and in vocational trainings. Members of the Department’s staff contribute to different medical and health care research projects, too as well.

The Morphology Working Group teaches Anatomy and Applied Biology, whilst the Physiology Working Group teaches Physiology-Pathophysiology, Chemistry and Biochemistry in the first, second and third semesters. The following optional elective subjects are offered in English language:

– Biology of stem cells;

– From classical genetics to epigenetics;

– Chapters of venous circulation and hemodynamics;

– The genetic basis of muscle disorders;

– Functions of hormone receptors: scientific research and clinical practice, health and disease,

– Applied sport physiology and sport health sciences;

– Evidence Based Approach of Low Back Pain Treatment in Physiotherapy;

– Science News on Health and Lifestyle;

– Introduction to Research into Health Sciences;

– Extremely hazardous substances.

Research

The main research areas of the teaching staff are as follows:

The potential therapy of motion disorders by whole body vibration at early developmental stage;
Effects of endocannabinoid signaling in vascular functions and remodeling;
Effects of metabolic and hormonal disturbances on vascular adaptation and remodeling;
Maintaining functional abilities and prevention of falls among older adults;
A model of the veinous varicosity disease in rats;
Role of physical activity (sport) in preventing vasomotor and cognitive dysfunction during aging;
Application and analysis of mechanical and electromagnetic treatment methods for childhood cerebral palsy (CP);
The genetic, epigenetic as well as functional changes that characterise ageing and the progression of gammopathies;
Treatment of de Quervain’s tendinopathy with eccentric training;
Research of the gastrointestinal tract.