B9435 - LABORATORIO DI ISTOLOGIA ED EMBRIOLOGIA UMANA (LZ b)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the Laboratory of Histology and Human Embryology course, students will have acquired the ability to recognize human morphology at the cellular and tissue levels through practical sessions at the microscope and the use of advanced digital microscopy tools. Participation in group laboratory activities further fosters the development of effective communication skills, representing a fundamental step in facilitating interpersonal relationships with healthcare teams, patients, and their families

Course contents

Course Content / Learning Topics

• Histological study techniques: light microscopy; electron microscopy

• Histological material preparation: methods and procedures for sample processing and observation

• Cell morphology: relevance of shape and size in cellular identification

• Tissue recognition under light microscopy:

  • Epithelial tissues: covering epithelia; exocrine and endocrine glandular epithelia

  • Connective tissues proper: mature mucous; loose fibrous; reticular; elastic; dense; adipose (unilocular and multilocular)

  • Cartilage: hyaline; fibrocartilage; elastic cartilage

  • Bone tissue: non-lamellar; lamellar (spongy and compact); tooth structures (cementum and dentin); processes of direct and indirect ossification

  • Blood and lymphatic tissue

  • Muscle tissue: smooth; skeletal striated; cardiac

  • Nervous tissue: central nervous system; peripheral nervous system

Readings/Bibliography

Examples of atlases useful for learning histological specimen recognition

• Guida illustrata all’istologia by C. Rizzoli, M.A. Brunelli, C. Castaldini; Piccin Editore

• Istologia. Atlante by G. Bani, D. Bani, T. Bani Sacchi; Idelson-Gnocchi Editore

• Atlante di Istologia by Gianpaolo Papaccio; Idelson-Gnocchi Editore

• Atlante di Istologia con correlazioni funzionali e cliniche by Dongmei Cui, edited by A. Filippini, A. Musarò, E. Ziparo; Piccin Editore

• Atlante di Istologia e Anatomia microscopica by M.H. Ross, W. Pawlina, T.A. Barnash; Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

For practice, please consult the virtual microscopy website:
https://unibo.smartzoom.com/s1241/course1776/

Teaching methods

Projection of histological slides in the classroom with guidance on recognition strategies.

Individual virtual microscopy exercises, carried out in groups of 25 students and supervised by the instructor, with the aim of providing each student the opportunity to practice independently in the recognition of histological specimens.

Given the type of activity and the teaching methods adopted, attendance in this training activity requires prior participation by all students in Modules 1 and 2 of the Safety Training Program for study environments, available in e-learning mode at https://elearning-sicurezza.unibo.it [https://elearning-sicurezza.unibo.it/]

Assessment methods

The assessment consists of a preliminary practical test using the light microscope, through which the instructor will evaluate the candidate’s ability to recognize three histological specimens. Failure to achieve a passing grade in this test precludes continuation of the examination. The oral examination will cover topics in Cytology, Histology, and Embryology, according to the published syllabus for the course in Histology and Embryology. A failing grade in even one of the three disciplines is not permitted. In the event of a negative outcome in the oral examination, the candidate may either retain the result obtained in the practical test or, alternatively, repeat it. The final grade, as determined by the examination board, will take into account the weighted average of the results achieved.

Teaching tools

Monocular and binocular light microscopes; light microscope connected to a projector via computer; PowerPoint presentations and schematic diagrams for each topic covered. Histological preparations on glass slides.

Virtual histological specimens are also available, to be viewed using digital tools and microscope simulation software.

Office hours

See the website of Donatella Romaniello