Knowledge and Understanding

The student will acquire the fundamental cytological and histological knowledge necessary to understand the general organization of higher eukaryotic cells, their structural and functional specializations, and the cellular interactions underlying the organization of tissues in the human body. They will understand the fundamental principles of histogenesis and the architecture of normal tissues, gaining an integrated view of the relationship between microscopic structure and function.

Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding

The student will be able to recognize and describe the morphological characteristics of the main cellular types and normal tissues of the human body, also through the observation and interpretation of histological specimens.

Autonomy of Judgment

The student will develop the ability to critically interpret the relationships between cellular structure, tissue organization, and function.

Communication Skills

The student will be able to clearly and accurately describe cellular and tissue structures, using appropriate scientific language and correct terminology in the fields of cytology and histology.

Learning Skills

The student will consolidate a study method aimed at integrating microscopic knowledge with subsequent preclinical and clinical disciplines, developing the ability to independently update and deepen their foundational knowledge of the organization of the human body.

Lectures

Should the course be delivered in a blended or distance-learning format, the necessary adjustments may be introduced with respect to what has been previously stated, in order to comply with the planned program as outlined in the Syllabus.

Prerequisites as per the study program

Mandatory attendance.

tudy Methods in Cytology and Histology:
Light and electron microscopy techniques; preparation of tissues for microscopic examination; cell cultures; principles of histochemistry and in situ hybridization.

HISTOLOGY

EPITHELIAL TISSUES

Covering (Lining) Epithelia:
General features – Classification – Description of the different types of epithelium: simple squamous epithelium, simple cuboidal epithelium, simple columnar epithelium, stratified squamous epithelium, stratified columnar epithelium, pseudostratified epithelium, transitional epithelium – Specializations of the lateral surface – Specializations of the basal surface – Specializations of the free (apical) surface.

Glandular Epithelia:
General features – Exocrine glands: classification, structure, and function – Endocrine glands: hormones – Target cell – Hormone–receptor binding – Classification – Structure and function of selected endocrine glands: pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, pineal gland, adrenal gland.

TROPHOCONNECTIVE AND SUPPORTING TISSUES

Embryonic origin, general characteristics, and functions.

Connective Tissue Proper:
General features, cells, intercellular substance, ground substance and fibers, biosynthesis and organization of extracellular components, functions – Types of connective tissue: loose connective tissue, dense connective tissue, adipose tissue – Structural and functional characteristics.

Cartilage Tissue:
Structural and functional characteristics, cartilage matrix, types of cartilage, histogenesis of cartilage, perichondrium.

Bone Tissue:
Cells and intercellular substance, bone lamellae and lamellar systems; compact and spongy bone, periosteum and endosteum, ossification, bone growth and remodeling, metabolic functions of bone, fracture repair.

Blood:
General features — Plasma — Erythrocytes — Leukocytes: neutrophilic granulocytes, eosinophilic granulocytes, basophilic granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes — Platelets — Lymph — Hematopoiesis — General concepts of immunity.

MUSCLE TISSUES

Embryonic origin, general characteristics, and classification:

Skeletal Striated Muscle Tissue:
Structural and ultrastructural organization; structural organization of myofibrils; molecular organization of myofibrils; neuromuscular junction; molecular basis of muscle contraction; control of contraction.

Cardiac Striated Muscle Tissue:
Structure of the cardiomyocyte; structural organization of the tissue; intercalated discs; conduction tissue.

Smooth Muscle Tissue:
Structure of smooth muscle cells; structural organization of the tissue; smooth muscle contraction.

NERVOUS TISSUE

General features – Neuron: shape and size, cell body, cytoskeleton, cellular processes (dendrites and axon), axonal transport – Nerve fiber, myelin sheath, impulse conduction – Synapse – Neuroglia.

HUMAN HISTOLOGY:

ELEMENTI DI ISTOLOGIA E CENNI DI EMBRIOLOGIA 

di S. Adamo, N. Bernerdini, C.Boitani, L. Bonsi, ……..… E. Ziparo - Piccin

Assessment Methods

The examination consists of an oral interview during which questions will cover the various topics included in the syllabus. The exam aims to assess:
i) the level of knowledge and understanding of the morphology of human tissues under physiological conditions;
ii) clarity of presentation;
iii) appropriate use of medical-scientific terminology.

Final Grade Criteria

The final grade will be assigned according to the following criteria:

29–30 with honors (30 cum laude):
The student demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the topics discussed during the examination, is able to promptly and correctly integrate and critically analyze the subjects addressed during the interview, and shows excellent communication skills with full command of medical-scientific terminology.

26–28:
The student demonstrates good knowledge of the topics discussed during the examination, is able to integrate and critically analyze the subjects in a coherent and logical manner, and presents the material clearly using appropriate medical-scientific terminology.

22–25:
The student demonstrates fair knowledge of the topics discussed during the examination, although mainly limited to the principal subjects; is able to integrate and critically analyze the topics, though not always in a fully coherent manner; and presents the material fairly clearly with adequate command of terminology.

18–21:
The student demonstrates the minimum required knowledge of the topics discussed during the examination, shows limited ability to integrate and critically analyze the subjects addressed, and presents the material in a sufficiently clear manner, although with limited command of appropriate terminology.

Fail:
The student does not possess the minimum required knowledge of the main course contents. The ability to use appropriate technical terminology is very poor or absent, and the student is unable to independently apply the acquired knowledge.

Assessment may also be conducted remotely (online), should circumstances require it.

The written exam consists of 30 to 60 multiple-choice questions.

1. Are the cells of cardiac tissue multinucleated?

2. Do exocrine glands secrete hormones?

3. What are the functions of leukocytes?

4. What shape do erythrocytes have?

5. Are neurons cells that continuously undergo mitotic division?

6. Do osteoclasts participate in the formation of bone tissue?

7. Is the myelin sheath found in microglia?

8. Is the red blood cell the largest cell in the human body?