OVERVIEW

The course aims at providing students with the basic knowledge of the morphological and functional characteristics of human tissues with special regard to cells composing them. The course will also deal with the fundamental processes of embryonic development. Tutorials devoted to observation of histological preparations by optical microscope will deepen the aspects discussed in the lessons.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge of the main morphological and functional characteristics of human tissues with special regard to cells composing them. Skills in observation and recognition of tissues by the common microscopic observation techniques. Knowledge of the fundamental processes of embryonic development and the major molecular mechanisms that regulate them.

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes classroom teaching lessons on topics of histology and embryology as well as tutorials devoted to the observation of histological preparations by optical microscope and by monitors connected with optical microscopes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

HISTOLOGY

Epithelial tissue:

Main characteristics of epithelia

Lining epithelia: organization and classification

Structural surface differentiations of epithelial cells (microvilli, stereocilia, cilia)

Secretory epithelia:

•          exocrine glands

•          endocrine glands

Sensorial epithelia.

Specialized epithelia.

Connective tissue:

Extracellular matrix:

•          fibers

•          ground substance

Cell components of connective tissue

Connective tissue proper

Support connective tissue: cartilage and bone tissue

Ossification

Trophic connective tissue: blood and lymph

Lymphatic tissue

Cells of the innate and adaptive immune system

Muscle tissue:

• striated skeletal muscle tissue
• striated cardiac muscle tissue
• smooth muscle tissue

Myofibril structure and muscle contraction

Nerve tissue:

• neurons
• glial cells
• nerve fibers
• synapses and impulse transmission

EMBRYOLOGY

Gametogenesis:

- Spermatogenesis and mechanisms of hormonal control

- Oogenesis and mechanisms of hormonal control; ovarian cycle; uterine cycle.

Fertilization

Segmentation

Implantation of the blastocyst

Germ disc bilaminar (second week of development)

Germ disc trilaminar (third week of development)

Neurulation, the development of the somites and the embryonic body cavity, the embryo folding steps

The derivatives of the three germ layers.

Primitive placenta

Terminal placenta: leafy chorion and decidua

Amnion and umbilical cord.

Maternal-fetal compatibility/incompatibility.

Elements of organogenesis.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

HISTOLOGY:

Young, Heath- Atlante: Istologia e Anatomia microscopica. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

Ross M.H., Pawlina W.- Istologia- Testo e Atlante. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

Maraldi, Tacchetti - Istologia medica - Edi-Ermes

Monesi – Istologia. Piccin Editore

EMBRYOLOGY:

Rosati e coll.- Embriologia. Edi-Ermes

De Felici e coll.- Embriologia umana. Piccin Editore

http://www.istologia.unige.it/

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ROBERTA CASTRICONI (President)

EMANUELA MARCENARO (President)

ALESSANDRO MORETTA (President)

ANTONIO PUCCETTI (President)

SIMONA SIVORI (President)

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral examination.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The examination includes two tests. The first consists of a practical test where the student must describe two histological preparations by the use of optical microscope. The second test, performing only upon the positive evaluation of the first test, consists of an oral examination by two different holders of the course. The examamination has a duration of at least 30 minutes (typically 45 minutes).

Exam schedule