00547 - Histology and Embryology

Learning outcomes

The student acquires knowledge of human body tissues and describes the structure and development of the embryo at various stages.

Course contents

HISTOLOGY

Histological differentiation and organization into four basic tissues.

Epithelial tissues

Ultrastructure and function of epithelial cells. Histological classification.

Covering epithelium. Structure functions, classification and distribution. Junction complexes, adhesion molecule relationships and cytoskeletal elements. Keratinization mechanisms. Regeneration.

Glandular epithelium. Structure and function of glands. Exocrine and endocrine secretion (parenchyma and stroma). Histology and function of Exocrine Glands. Classification. Overview of Endocrine System. Regulatory mechanism of endocrine secretion. Hormones.

Connective Tissue

Embryonic development and distribution. Cells and extracellular matrix (ECM): collagen and elastic fibers, amorphous ground substance. Role of different cellular elements. Classification.

Connective tissue proper. Classification. Mucous connective tissue. Loose connective tissue. Reticular and elastic tissues. Dense regular and irregular tissues. Adipose tissues (unilocular and multilocular).

Cartilage. Histological structure and classification. Perichondrium. Cartilage growth and repairing.

Bone. Trabecular and compact bone: cells and ECM. Direct and indirect ossification. Bone turnover.

Blood. Hematopoiesis. Structure and function of blood. Plasma and cells. Histology of bone marrow and hemopoietic cell differentiation.

Muscle tissue

Classification and organization. Smooth muscle: ultrastructure and function. Contraction mechanism.

Skeletal Muscle: ultrastructure and organization of skeletal muscle fibers. Histology and function of Cardiac muscle.

Nervous tissue

Structural and functional organization of nervous tissue. Types of neurons. Ultrastructure of myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers. Ultrastructure of synapses. Structure and function of glia.

 

EMBRYOLOGY

Introduction to human development

First week of human development

Fertilization - Cleavage - Formation of blastocyst

Second week of human development

Implantation - Formation of amniotic cavity and the yolk sac - Development of chorionic cavity

Third week of human development

Gastrulation - Formation of germs layers – Neurulation

Fourth Week of human development

Folding of embryo - Head and tail folds - Lateral folds

 

Embryo-fetal annexes

Amnion - yolk sac – allantoid – chorion - umbilical cord - placenta

Teratogenesis

Readings/Bibliography

§ " Istologia umana per le professioni sanitarie " - AA VV- Ed. Idelson-Gnocchi

The material used during the lessons is available since the first lesson by login at the Platform for teaching support service - VIRTUALE.

Teaching methods

The course will take place in 24 hours of frontal lecture. Specific iconography will be shown to support the theoretical bases.

The acquisition of the knowledge will be frequently monitored through interaction with students.

Assessment methods

The end-of-course exam consists of an interview aimed at evaluating the achievement of the following educational objectives:

§ know the structure of the various cytotypes that constitute the tissues of the human organism

§ know the classification and the subclassifications of the 4 main tissues

§ understand the correlations between the various tissues, knowing the morphofunctional aspects

§ learn thetimeline and stages of embryo-fetal development

During the oral exam, the student will be asked to discuss a topic chosen from the program. Additional questions will be asked to verify the depth of knowledge regarding the proposed topic and other parts of the program, the critical ability to link different concepts together, and the achievement of an organic understanding of the themes covered during lectures. The exam is considered passed if the student demonstrates sufficient knowledge in each topic.

The grade awarded for the Histology and Embryology component will be averaged with the grades achieved in the respective Anatomy and Physiology components, resulting in the final grade for the integrated course, which will be expressed out of 30.

Final mark scale:

• Knowledge of a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical skills that are evident only with the lecturer’s assistance; overall correct use of language → 18–19;
• Knowledge of a limited number of topics covered in the course and the ability to analyse independently only purely practical issues; correct use of language → 20–24;
• Preparation covering a wide range of topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analysis, mastery of specific terminology → 25-29;
• Substantially comprehensive preparation on the topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analysis and connections, full mastery of specific terminology and ability to argue and reflect → 30-30L.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations. The material used during the lessons is available since the first lesson by login at the Platform for teaching support service [https://virtuale.unibo.it/].

Self-assessment tests will be available on Virtuale at the end of the coverage of each macro-topic.

Office hours

See the website of Marcella Martinelli