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.

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

EMBRIOLOGY

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.

Exam Board

SIMONA SIVORI (President)

ANTONIO PUCCETTI (President)

EMANUELA MARCENARO (President)

ROBERTA CASTRICONI (President)

Exam description

oral examination

Assessment methods

The examamination 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).