00358 - Histology

Learning outcomes

The student, at the end of the course, is able to understand the fundamental lines that, starting from the events that characterize the early stages of embryonic development, through proliferation and differentiation, bring to completion the structure of the various cytotypes that make up the tissues of the human organism. It is also able to understand the correlations between the various tissues, knowing the morpho-functional aspects.

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.

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 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 - Virtuale.unibo.it.

Teaching methods

In-person lectures are held in the Aula Magna of the "Nuove Patologie" building (Pavilion 5 - Sant'Orsola Hospital, Bologna). The acquisition of knowledge will be constantly monitored through interaction with the students.Any further analysis or in-depth discussions can be addressed outside of scheduled lecture hours with those who make an explicit request.

Assessment methods

The final exam aims to assess the achievement of the following learning objectives:

• Know the structure of the various cell types that make up the tissues of the human body
• Know the classification and sub-classifications of the 4 main tissues
• Understand the correlations between the various tissues, knowing their morpho-functional aspects

During the oral exam, students will be asked to discuss a topic from the syllabus. Additional questions will be asked to verify the depth of knowledge regarding the proposed topic and other course materials. The exam will also assess the students' critical ability to connect different concepts and their comprehensive understanding of the topics covered during lectures.

The exam will be considered passed if the student demonstrates sufficient knowledge in each topic. Specifically:

• 18–19: Preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course; analytical skills emerge only with the instructor's support; expression in overall correct language.
• 20–24: Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course; autonomous analytical skills restricted only to purely routine tasks; expression in correct language.
• 25–29: Preparation on a broad range of topics covered in the course; ability to make independent choices in critical analysis; mastery of specific terminology.
• 30–30L: Substantially exhaustive preparation on the topics covered in the course; ability to make independent choices in critical analysis and synthesis; full mastery of specific terminology, argumentation, and self-reflection.

The final grade for the integrated course in Morphological Sciences will be calculated as the average of the two scores obtained in the concurrent exams of Histology and Anatomy. Failing either of the two exams will require the student to retake both exams in a subsequent session.

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 slide presentations will be used and made available on the "Virtuale" platform from the very first lecture. Specific iconographic material and short explanatory videos will also be provided.

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

Office hours

See the website of Marcella Martinelli