B9434 - ISTOLOGIA ED EMBRIOLOGIA UMANA 2 (AK)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the Human Histology and Embryology 2 course, students will have studied the key events characterizing embryonic development, detailing the regulatory mechanisms involved and the main alterations that underlie conditions of clinical interest. Through the analysis of specific biomedical questions, students will acquire foundational skills that foster an interdisciplinary approach, serving as preparation for further study in evidence-based medicine. The course encourages the development of critical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration in diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive pathways for complex diseases. Additionally, students are supported in adopting the scientific method for ongoing professional development, lifelong learning, and research.

Course contents

The course is part of the Integrated Course in Human Histology and Embryology. The objective of this integrated course is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the morpho-functional organization of the human body at the microscopic level, including its temporal dimension, covering embryonic development, elements of organogenesis, somatic growth, and aging processes.

Describe the structures and the development of the human embryo at different stages, including gametogenesis, fertilization, and implantation.

PROGRAM of the course of Histology and Embryology 2

Hints of gametogenesis. Fertilization and zygote formation. Concept of totipotency.

First week of development

Fertilization – Cleavage - Formation of blastocyst

Second week of development

Implantation: adhesion, invasion, decidual reaction - Syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast - Epiblast and hypoblast - Formation of the amniotic cavity and the yolk sac - Formation of the chorionic cavity

Third week of development

Gastrulation and formation of the three germ layers and their derivatives – Neurulation - Histogenesis - Stem cells and differentiation

Fourth week of development

Folding of embryo - Head and tail folds - Lateral folds - Beginning of organogenesis - Derivatives of the three embryonic layers

Embryo-fetal annexes

Yolk sac – allantoid – amnion – placenta - umbilical cord

Teratogenesis

Readings/Bibliography

Students are strongly encouraged to complement the knowledge acquired during lectures with a textbook. The choice of textbook is left to the students. Some recommendations include:

§ De Felice M. ed altri autori EMBRIOLOGIA UMANA Ed. Piccin

§ Barbieri M., Carinci P. EMBRIOLOGIA Ed. CEA

§ Moore K.L. LO SVILUPPO PRENATALE DELL'UOMO Edra

§ Sadler T.W. EMBRIOLOGIA MEDICA di Langman Ed. Elsevier

§ Armato U. ed altri autori EMBRIOLOGIA UMANA 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.unibo.it.

Teaching methods

The course awards 2 CFU credits, corresponding to 17 hours of frontal lectures in Embryology, aimed at introducing students to the topics outlined in the syllabus. The acquisition of knowledge will be continuously monitored through interaction with the students.

Any further in-depth study may be addressed outside of class hours upon explicit request by the students.

Additionally, eight hours of guided instruction are planned, dedicated to deepening the material covered during the lectures. Within this framework, students will have the opportunity to consult the teaching materials available on the Virtual platform and to independently take knowledge verification tests, which will not be graded.

Assessment methods

The exam for the Human Histology and Embryology 2 course consists of an oral interview aimed at assessing the achievement of the following educational objectives:

§ Understanding the timing and stages of embryonic development

§ Comprehending how alterations during the various phases of physiological developmental processes lead to the manifestation of congenital defects

The exam will be conducted simultaneously with the exam for Histology and Embryology 1, access to which requires passing the practical test for the recognition of histological preparations. The student’s ability to clearly present the material and command of appropriate language will also be evaluated. Questions will be posed to verify the depth of knowledge on the subject, the ability to critically connect different areas of knowledge, and the achievement of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in lectures. The exam is considered passed if the student demonstrates sufficient knowledge on each topic.

Excellence grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate an integrated understanding of the topics addressed in class, together with critical application, the ability to make connections, and mastery of expressive and specific disciplinary language. Failure to achieve a passing mark in any one of the three disciplines is not permitted.

In the event of a negative result in the oral exam, the candidate may retain the result of the practical test or choose to retake it. The grade of the practical test remains valid until July 2027. The results obtained in both the practical and oral exams will contribute to the final grade of the integrated course, which will be expressed on a 30-point scale. Registration on AlmaEsami is mandatory.

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

Projection of PowerPoint slides. Specific iconographic material. Short explanatory videos. The teaching materials will be available on the Virtual platform from the very first lesson.

Office hours

See the website of Marcella Martinelli