Histology, Systematic and Comparative Veterinary Anatomy 1 and 2

A.Y. 2025/2026
15
Max ECTS
144
Overall hours
SSD
VET/01
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of:

1. The morphological and functional characteristics of various animal tissues, along with the general principles and fundamental concepts of embryonic development in animals of veterinary interest.
2. The normal anatomy of veterinary-relevant animals, with a focus on the locomotor, digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, urogenital, and integumentary systems (systematic anatomy), including key interspecies differences (comparative anatomy).
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students are expected to achieve the following:

1. Knowledge and Understanding
Students should demonstrate in-depth knowledge of histology, especially the general principles of gametogenesis, embryonic development, and placentation. They must also show a solid grasp of both macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of organs and systems, the general organization of the body, and visceral spaces and cavities, with attention to organogenesis, shape, position, anatomical relationships, vascularization, innervation, and interspecies differences.
2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Students should be able to apply their knowledge directly to histological and myological preparations, isolated bones and skeletons, organs, and animal cadavers. They must understand how to properly prepare histological samples, select the most appropriate histological techniques, and choose the right type of microscope for diagnostic, clinical, or research purposes. They should also be proficient in using a light microscope correctly.
3. Independent Judgment
Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to develop critical thinking and independent judgment, approaching both lectures and practical sessions with a proactive and reflective attitude, using reference texts and materials provided by the instructor.
4. Communication Skills
Students must be able to clearly and accurately communicate the knowledge acquired using correct and up-to-date scientific terminology, consistent with other disciplines in the curriculum, during lectures, practical sessions, and classroom discussions.
5. Learning Skills
The course also aims to foster the ability to pursue independent and continuous learning, helping students develop an effective study method to successfully tackle professional subjects and integrate competently into the workforce.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Prerequisites for admission
To take the exam, the student must have passed the first-semester exams in Chemistry and Biochemical Propaedeutics, Medical Physics, and Biology and Genetics, and must have attended at least 70% of the lectures and practical classes.
Assessment methods and Criteria
THE EXAM CONSISTS OF A WRITTEN TEST AND A PRACTICAL TEST FOR EACH MODULE
1. WRITTEN TEST:
For each module, the following is provided:
· Multiple-choice questions (4 options) with the possibility of selecting only one correct answer. Each correct answer is worth 1 point. Unanswered questions are not considered, while incorrect answers reduce the final score by 0.25 points.
· The tests are considered passed if the student achieves a score of 18/30 or higher.
· If a student does not pass all modules in the same examination session, they may take the remaining modules in subsequent sessions. Scores are valid only until the end of the current calendar year. After that, the exam must be retaken in its entirety.
Note: In April, an interim test will be held dedicated exclusively to the Histology and Embryology module.
The topics covered in the questions are:
1. PART A: Histology and Embryology Module: Characteristics of epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous tissues; gametogenesis; fertilization; embryonic development; placenta.
2. PART B: Veterinary Systematic and Comparative Anatomy Module 1: General aspects of the locomotor system; description of axial and appendicular skeleton segments, muscles, and associated joint systems, highlighting major species differences; cardiovascular and respiratory systems; integumentary system and skin appendages, considering shape, position, relationships, architecture and structure, main ultrastructural features, vascularization, innervation, and species differences.
3. PART C: Veterinary Systematic and Comparative Anatomy Module 2: Digestive and urogenital systems, considering shape, position, relationships, architecture and structure, main ultrastructural features, vascularization, innervation, and species differences.
2. PRACTICAL TEST:
Students must pass the written test to access the corresponding practical test.
1. Histology and Embryology Module: Identification of 3 elements from different tissues in histological slides.
· Correctly identifying all 3 elements: 3 points
· Correctly identifying 2 elements: 0 points
· Correctly identifying 1 or no elements: the exam must be retaken
2. Veterinary Systematic and Comparative Anatomy Module 1 (± 4 points): Recognition of a skeletal or musculoskeletal preparation as previously described, plus questions on all topics covered in the syllabus.
3. Veterinary Systematic and Comparative Anatomy Module 2 (± 4 points): Recognition of a microscopic preparation, plus questions on all topics covered in the syllabus.
During the practical test:
· A positive response to item 1) can add up to +4 points;
· An insufficient response to item 2) can deduct up to -4 points from the written test score;
· A completely insufficient response to item 3) may result in the exam not being considered passed, even if the written test was successful. In the next exam session, the written test must also be retaken.
· Evaluation follows the criteria reported in the rubrics, published on the My Ariel portal.
Final grade: The weighted average of the grades obtained in the three parts.
Example:
· Part A: 20/30 = 20 * 4 CFU = 80
· Part B: 23/30 = 23 * 6 CFU = 138
· Part C: 25/30 = 25 * 5 CFU = 125
· Final grade: (80 + 138 + 125) / 15 CFU = 22.8, rounded up to 23/30
Histology and embriology
Course syllabus
The module takes place during the second semester and includes a total of 32 hours of lectures alongside 16 hours of practical sessions. During the lectures, students explore the fundamental characteristics of various tissue types, delve into the processes of gametogenesis, and follow the stages of embryonic development, organ formation, and placentation. These topics are examined with particular attention to species of veterinary interest, ensuring relevance to the field.
The practical sessions are designed to complement and reinforce the theoretical knowledge acquired in class. Through hands-on experience in microscopy, students gain a solid understanding of histological techniques and learn to use the optical microscope effectively. These sessions also focus on recognizing the structural features of different tissues, enabling students to identify them confidently within various organs.

Lecture Topics:
· Cytology (4 hours)
· Epithelial and glandular tissue (3 hours)
· Connective and adipose tissue (2 hours)
· Cartilaginous, bone, and blood tissues (2 hours)
· Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle tissue (3 hours)
· Nervous tissue (2 hours)
· Male and female gametogenesis (2 hours)
· Fertilization and pre-implantation development (2 hours)
· Gastrulation and morphogenetic processes (2 hours)
· Placentation (2 hours)
________________________________________
Practical Sessions:
· Principles of cytology and microscopy (4 hours)
· Histological methods (4 hours)
· Epithelial and glandular tissues (2 hours)
· Connective and adipose tissues (2 hours)
· Cartilaginous, bone, and blood tissues (2 hours)
· Muscle and nervous tissues (2 hours)

Teaching Methods Summary:
· Classroom and laboratory lectures: 32 hours
· Individual microscope exercises: 8 hours
Teaching methods
The course consists of lectures and practical sessions in histology and embryology. Lectures are held in the classroom with the aid of PowerPoint presentations. Students are encouraged to actively participate in the lessons, based on the knowledge acquired in prerequisite subjects. The slides are available on the instructor's Ariel website.
The practical histology lessons take place in microscopy teaching laboratories using histological preparations. Each student works independently, individually, under the supervision of a tutor, with the help of reference textbooks. During the practical sessions, questions will be asked to assess the correct use of terminology and the ability to practically apply the acquired knowledge.
Teaching Resources
Recommended Textbooks for Histology:
· Liebich: Histology and Microscopic Anatomy of Domestic Mammals and Birds, Piccin, 2012
· Dellmann HD, Eurell JA: Veterinary Histology and Microscopic Anatomy, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milan, 2000
· William J. Bacha Jr., Linda M. Bacha: Veterinary Histology Atlas, Piccin ED, 2022
Recommended Textbooks for Embryology:
· Hyttel, Sinowatz, Vejlsted, Betteridge: Essentials of Domestic Animal Embryology, Saunders Ltd., 1st edition (December 6, 2009), 472 pages, ISBN-10: 0702028991
· Castaldo et al.: Embryology. Morphogenesis and Developmental Anomalies, Idelson Gnocchi Editore, 2024
Systematic and Comparative Veterinary Anatomy 1
Course syllabus
The module includes 40 hours of lectures and 16 hours of practical sessions, specifically aimed at providing a comprehensive knowledge of the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the musculoskeletal system (skeleton, muscles, and joints) and the integumentary system with its appendages (glands and hair) and specializations (horns), as well as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in veterinary-relevant species. The anatomy of the hoof will be covered in the topographic anatomy module (fourth year)

DAY one comepetences:
1.5 Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience concerned and in full respect of confidentiality and privacy.

A) Frontal lessons (40 hours)
1. Introduction to the course, programs, exam procedures, and recommended textbooks (2 hours, first semester)
2. Musculoskeletal system (24 hours, first semester)
- general concepts on bones, joints, muscles (3 hours)
- axial skeleton and related joints (5 hours)
- appendicular skeleton fore limb, bones, and related joints (5 hours)
- appendicular skeleton hind limb, bones, and related joints (4 hours)
- limb myology, 4 hours
- head, neck, and trunk myology (3 hours)
3. Cardio-circulatory system (8 hours, second semester)
-heart (2 hours)
-systemic circulation (3 hours)
-lymphatic system (3 hours)
4. Respiratory system (4 hours, second semester)
-upper airways (1 hour)
-lower airways (3 hours)
5. Integumentary system (4 hours, second semester)
-skin and its annexes (2 hours)
-mammary gland (2 hours)

B) Exercises (16 hours, first semester)
Practical lessons on the skeletal system occur on isolated bones, whole skeletons, muscle preparations, and models.
1. Axial skeleton (4 hours)
2. Appendicular skeleton (8 hours)
3. Joints (4 hours)
Teaching methods
The course is organized into theoretical and practical lessons in macroscopic and microscopic anatomy. Lectures are held in the classroom with PowerPoint presentations. Students are invited to actively participate in the lesson based on the knowledge acquired in the preparatory subjects. The slides are available on the teacher's Ariel website.
The practical lessons in macroscopic anatomy are held in the "osteoteca" and in the dissection room. The practical lessons in microscopic anatomy take place in the didactic microscopy laboratories and are merged with those of Module 2. Each student works independently, individually, and/or in groups (maximum 6 students per group), supervised by tutors, with the help of the reference textbooks.
During the practical lessons, questions will be asked to verify the properties of language and the ability to practically apply the acquired knowledge.
Teaching Resources
Recommended Textbooks

Dyce KM, Sack WO, Wensing CJG: Anatomia Veterinaria, Antonio Delfino Editore, Roma, 2009;
-Koning- Liebich: Anatomia dei Mammiferi Domestici. Piccin Editore, 2016;
-Miller's Anatomy of the Dog, 4e, H.E. Evans and A. de Lahunta , Elsevir, 2013;
-Schaller O: Nomenclatura Anatomica Veterinaria Illustrata, Antonio Delfino Editore, 1999;
-Popesko P: Atlante di Anatomia Topografica degli Animali Domestici, ed Grasso e Edimediche, 1997;

Testi consigliati:Embriologia e Organogenesi
- Castaldo et al.: Embriologia. Morfogenesi e anomalie dello sviluppo. Idelson Gnocchi Editore, 2024;
- Hyttel P, Sinowatz F, Vejlsted M: Essentials of Domestic Animal Embryology, Saunders Elsevier, 2010
Testi consigliati: Anatomia microscopica
-Liebich: Istologia e Anatomia microscopica dei mammiferi domestici e degli uccelli, Piccin, 2012;
-Dellmann HD, Eurell JA: Istologia e Anatomia microscopica veterinaria. Casa editrice ambrosiana, Milano, 2000;
Diapositive del corso: sito My Ariel
Systematic and Comparative Veterinary Anatomy 2
Course syllabus
The module, which takes place during the second semester, provides 32 hours of frontal teaching and 16 hours of practical lessons, which have the specific objective of providing exhaustive knowledge of the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the digestive and urogenital systems in species of veterinary interest. The topics will be treated systematically and comparatively. The description of its organogenesis precedes the description of each apparatus.

DAY one comepetences:
1.5 Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience concerned and in full respect of confidentiality and privacy.

A) Frontal lessons
1. Introduction to the course, introduction to organogenesis (2 hours)
2. Cephalic intestine: oral cavity and pharynx (5 hours)
3. Anterior intestine: esophagus and stomach (5 hours)
4. Medium intestine (small and large intestine), rectum and anal canal (4 hours)
5. Glands attached to the digestive system: liver and pancreas (2 hours)
6. Urinary system (4 hours)
7. Female genital system (4 hours)8. Male genital system (4 hours)

B) Practical lessons (16 hours)
Macroscopic anatomy, the exercises take place on isolated organs, cadavers, and models concerning:
1. Digestive system (4 hours)
2. Female and male urogenital system (2 hours)
3. Cardio-circulatory, respiratory, and tegumentary systems (2 hours)

Microscopic anatomy, the exercises take place on histological sections concerning:
4. Digestive system (4 hours)
5. Female and male urogenital system (2 hours)
6. Cardio-circulatory, respiratory, and tegumentary systems (2 hours)
Teaching methods
The course consists of frontal and practical lessons on macroscopic and microscopic anatomy. The lectures are held in the classroom using PowerPoint presentations. Students are invited to actively participate in the lessons based on the knowledge acquired in the preparatory subjects. The slides are available on the teacher's Ariel website.
The practical lessons in macroscopic anatomy are held in the dissection room. The practical lessons in microscopic anatomy take place in the didactic microscopy laboratories on histological samples. Each student works independently, individually, and/or in groups (maximum 6 students per group), supervised by tutors, with the help of the reference textbooks. During the practical lessons, questions will be asked to verify the properties of language and the ability to practically apply the acquired knowledge.
Teaching Resources
Recommended Textbooks

Dyce KM, Sack WO, Wensing CJG: Anatomia Veterinaria, Antonio Delfino Editore, Roma, 2009;
-Koning- Liebich: Anatomia dei Mammiferi Domestici. Piccin Editore, 2016;
-Miller's Anatomy of the Dog, 4e, H.E. Evans and A. de Lahunta , Elsevir, 2013;
-Schaller O: Nomenclatura Anatomica Veterinaria Illustrata, Antonio Delfino Editore, 1999;
-Popesko P: Atlante di Anatomia Topografica degli Animali Domestici, ed Grasso e Edimediche, 1997;

Testi consigliati:Embriologia e Organogenesi
- Castaldo et al.: Embriologia. Morfogenesi e anomalie dello sviluppo. Idelson Gnocchi Editore, 2024;
- Hyttel P, Sinowatz F, Vejlsted M: Essentials of Domestic Animal Embryology, Saunders Elsevier, 2010

Testi consigliati: Anatomia microscopica
-Liebich: Istologia e Anatomia microscopica dei mammiferi domestici e degli uccelli, Piccin, 2012;
-Dellmann HD, Eurell JA: Istologia e Anatomia microscopica veterinaria. Casa editrice ambrosiana, Milano, 2000;
Diapositive del corso: sito My Ariel
Modules or teaching units
Histology and embriology
VET/01 - VETERINARY ANATOMY - University credits: 4
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor: Gandolfi Fulvio
Shifts:
1 - turno unico da 8 ore per tutti gli studenti
Professor: Gandolfi Fulvio
2- Turno da 8 ore per gruppi di studenti
Professor: Gandolfi Fulvio
3 - Turno da 8 ore per gruppi di studenti
Professor: Gandolfi Fulvio
4 - Turno da 8 ore per gruppi di studenti
Professor: Gandolfi Fulvio
Turno
Professor: Gandolfi Fulvio

Systematic and Comparative Veterinary Anatomy 1
VET/01 - VETERINARY ANATOMY - University credits: 6
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Shifts:
1 - Turno da 16 ore per un gruppo di studenti
Professor: Modina Silvia Clotilde Bianca
2 - Turno da 16 ore per un gruppo di studenti
Professor: Modina Silvia Clotilde Bianca
3 - Turno da 16 ore per un gruppo di studenti
Professor: Pocar Paola

Systematic and Comparative Veterinary Anatomy 2
VET/01 - VETERINARY ANATOMY - University credits: 5
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Shifts:
1 - Turno da 16 ore per un gruppo di studenti
Professor: Pocar Paola
2 - Turno da 16 ore per un gruppo di studenti
Professor: Pocar Paola
3 - Turno da 16 ore per un gruppo di studenti
Professor: Di Giancamillo Alessia
Turno
Professor: Di Giancamillo Alessia

Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment
Lodi - Via dell'Università 6 - 26900 - Lodi (LO)
Reception:
From Monday to Friday upon appointment
Office or after the lectures
Reception:
By appointment., Monday-Friday
Lodi, Via dell'Università, 6, studio 3085