84282 - Histology Laboratory

Learning outcomes

Identify distinct cytotypes and recognize normal tissue morphology by means of optical microscopy.

Course contents

Introduction: 1h

Introduction on the histotechnology by detailing tissue preparation procedures, techniques for essential histological identifications by light microscope, commons staining and relevant protocols for cell shape and size identification.

Epithelial tissues: 2h (individual)

Distinguish between, simple, stratified and pseudostratified epithelia

Cell shape characteristic of squamous, cuboidal, columnar and transitional epithelia

Identification of surface specializations of epithelia

Endocrine and exocrine tissues: 4h (individual)

Organization and function of exocrine tissues.

Modality of secretion (apocrine, exocrine, merocrine and holocrine secretion)

Organization and function of endocrine tissue

Connective Tissue 4h (individual)

Identification of the structural organization both of fibers in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the cells residing within connective tissue

Loose and dense connective tissue using the light microscope

White and brown adipose tissue

Cartilage classification (hyaline, fibrous and elastic)

Bone tissue, Intramembranous and Endochondral ossification

Observe and describe the processes of bone remodeling and bone growth.

Describe the calcification processes of cartilage and bone.

Blood

Identify the component cells of a blood smear

Identify the hematopoietic precursor cells of a typical bone marrow smear

Distinguish the different classes of white blood cells

Muscle Tissue: 2h (individual)

Identify the histological landmarks of skeletal muscle

Contrast the structure and function of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle tissue.

Identify morphological differences in smooth muscle across tissues.

Explain the structure and function of the intercalated disc

Nervous System: 2h (individual)

Histological and structural features of neurons

Microscopic structure of a nerve fiber, including the structure of the myelin sheath and connective tissue layers.

Identify the four types of glial cells, their structures, and their functions.

Self-Evaluation 2h (individual)

Aula Golgi- 25 microscopes

Teaching Tools

Histological preparations on the slide.

Power-point presentations

Mono and binocular optical microscopes for autonomous evaluation of tissues

5-head optical microscope for histologic tutoring of small groups of students

optical microscope connected to a computer projector for class discussion of tissue’s features.

Virtual histological preparations are available to be displayed with computer tools and microscope simulation programs.

Teaching methods

Projection of several prototype of histological preparations followed by student driven autonomous recognition and discussion. No more then 25 students for class are allowed.

- Alert- Attendance Requirements - Alert-

Attendance to this learning activity is mandatory; the minimum attendance requirement to be admitted to the final exam is 66% of lessons. For Integrated Courses (IC), the 66% attendance requirement refers to the total amount of I.C. lessons. Students who fail to meet the minimum attendance requirement will not be admitted to the final exam of the course and will have to attend relevant classes again during the next academic year. Professors may authorize excused absences upon receipt of proper justifying documentation, in case of illness or serious reasons. Excused absences do not count against a student’s attendance record to determine their minimum attendance requirement.

Readings/Bibliography

to be defined with the students

Teaching methods

Projection of several prototype of histological preparations followed by student driven autonomous recognition and discussion. No more then 25 students for class are allowed.

Assessment methods

The final test consists of identification by light microscope of randomly selected histological preparations

Teaching tools

Histological preparations on the slide.

Powerpoint presentations

Mono and binocular optical microscopes for autonomous evaluation of tissues

5-head optical microscope for histologic tutoring of small groups of students

optical microscope connected to a computer projector for class discussion of tissue’s features.

Virtual histological preparations are available to be displayed with computer tools and microscope simulation programs.

Office hours

See the website of Mattia Lauriola