B9435 - LABORATORIO DI ISTOLOGIA ED EMBRIOLOGIA UMANA (C3)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course Laboratory of Histology and Human Embryology, students will have acquired the skills necessary to recognize human morphology at the cellular and tissue level through microscope-based exercises and advanced digital microscopy tools. Group activities in the laboratory will further promote the development of effective communication skills, an essential step in fostering interpersonal relationships within healthcare teams, with patients, and with their families.

Course contents

• Techniques for the preparation of histological specimens.
• Strategies for the recognition of tissues under the light microscope: classification and distinguishing features of human tissues.
• Tissues studied during the course:
  • Epithelial coverings
  • Exocrine and endocrine glands
  • Connective tissues proper (mature mucous, loose fibrillar, reticular, elastic, dense, unilocular and multilocular adipose)
  • Cartilage (hyaline, fibrous, and elastic)
  • Bone tissue (non-lamellar; lamellar spongy and compact; direct and indirect ossification)
  • Blood and lymphatic tissue
  • Muscle tissue (smooth, skeletal striated, and cardiac)
  • Nervous tissue (within the central and peripheral nervous systems)

Readings/Bibliography

Any histology atlas can be used to supplement the concepts delivered by the instructor. However, the use of atlases is not mandatory thanks to the online tools provided as student support.
Examples include:

- Atlante di Istologia e Anatomia microscopica, Ross - Pawlina - Barnash; Casa Editrice Ambrosiana editore.

- Wheater. Istologia e anatomia microscopica di Barbara Young, John W. Heath, Phillip Woodford ; Edra Masson editore

- Guida illustrata all'istologia di C. Rizzoli, M. Antonietta Brunelli, C. Castaldini - Piccin-Nuova Libraria editore

- Istologia. Atlante di Daniele Bani, Silvia Nistri, Gastone Bani - Idelson Gnocchi editore

Teaching methods

• Projection of histological preparations in the classroom (Teaching Hub), with explanations of recognition strategies and the histological stains employed.
• Light microscopy exercises in the laboratory (Valsalva Pavilion – Morgagni Hospital), in groups of approximately 30 students, guided by the instructor to concretely develop independent recognition skills of histological specimens.
• Due to the type of activities and teaching methods, participation in this course requires completion of Modules 1 and 2 in e-learning format [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio].

Assessment methods

Learning outcomes will be assessed through a practical test using the light microscope (or alternative methods in the event of COVID-19-related restrictions). The exam consists of the recognition and classification of the tissue(s) present in three histological specimens. Students must describe the elements that led to tissue identification, not merely provide the name of the tissue without justification.

Failure to achieve a passing grade in the practical exam prevents access to the oral examination and therefore precludes registration of grades for the other modules of the integrated course. In case of failure at the oral exam, students may either retain the positive result of the practical test or repeat it within the current academic year (by the end of March 2027). The final grade, determined by the examination board, will reflect the weighted average of the results obtained.

Students with learning disabilities or temporary/permanent impairments are encouraged to contact the dedicated office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti) as early as possible, in order to arrange appropriate compensatory measures. Requests must be submitted at least 15 days before the exam date to the instructor, who will evaluate their suitability in light of the learning objectives.

Teaching tools

• Lectures supported by digital materials optimized for the description of histological preparations (slides and projected specimens).
• Laboratory activities supported by recently manufactured Nikon binocular light microscopes.
• Tangible histological specimens available for direct observation.
• High-resolution network-connected light microscope.
• Virtual histological specimens accessible online at https://unibo.smartzoom.com/.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Paris