39591 - Seminar of Histology

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired an essential knowledge of the fundamental aspects of the cell and human body tissues, with specific reference to embryonic development.

Course contents

Introduction to embryology

Cellular differentiation and histological differentiation. Development and fate of the germ layers.

Introduction to cytology with particular depth on:

Cytoskeleton

Microfilaments. Intermediate filaments. Microtubules. Cellular movement.

Composition and function of microfilaments. Actin and accessory proteins. Cell contractility. Composition and function of intermediate filaments. Microtubules: tubulin, accessory proteins and microtubule-organizing centers. Apical specializations of the cell: microvilli, cilia, stereocilia. Ciliary and flagellar movement. Intracellular transport. Ameboid movement.

Junction systems

Cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix junctions.

 

HISTOLOGY

Histological differentiation and organization into four basic tissues.

Epithelial tissue

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.

Readings/Bibliography

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

§ "ELEMENTI DI ISTOLOGIA" - Di Pietro - Ed. EdiSES

§ "ISTOLOGIA ed elementi di anatomia microscopica" - Dalle Donne, Gagliano, Bertolini et al. - Ed. EdiSES

§ "Citologia & Istologia Umana" - Carinci, Bani, Baroni et al. - Ed. Idelson-Gnocchi

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/].

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 morpho-functional aspects.

The vote attributed to the Histology test will do average with the votes achieved in the contextual tests of Human Anatomy and Physiology, concreting the final vote of the integrated course that will be expressed in thirtieths.

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 – 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