Istologia ed embriologia
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course addresses cell morphology and ultrastructure, tissue organization of human cells and tissues, as well as the main methods and the instruments for their morphological analysis. Morphological and structural aspects of cell and tissues are described and discussed in relation to their functional role.
The core of knowledge acquired during this course is fundamental to understand the human anatomy, and functions and pathologies of the different organs and systems.
At the end of the course the student should be able to:
· Describe and identify tissues and cell ultrastructure
· Possess sufficient knowledge to proficiently attend the subsequent courses.
The core of knowledge acquired during this course is fundamental to understand the human anatomy, and functions and pathologies of the different organs and systems.
At the end of the course the student should be able to:
· Describe and identify tissues and cell ultrastructure
· Possess sufficient knowledge to proficiently attend the subsequent courses.
Expected learning outcomes
Recognize and describe eukariotic cells and their ultrastructure, the structure of human tissues and their localization in the human body, and the functional aspects in relation to the morphological organization.
Describe the mechanisms responsible for gametogenesis, fertilization, and the early stages of embryonic development, and the key characteristics of embryo annexes.
Describe the mechanisms responsible for gametogenesis, fertilization, and the early stages of embryonic development, and the key characteristics of embryo annexes.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Course syllabus
CYTOLOGY and HISTOLOGY:
Introduction to histology. Instruments and methods for samples preparation and observation at the microscope.
Ultrastructural aspects of cell membrane and inner cell compartments (endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus), ribosomes, mitochondria.
Vesicle trafficking. Exocytosis and endocytosis. Lysosomes. Peroxisomes.
Cytoskeleton.
Nucleus, nucleolus, cell cycle.
Epithelia: apical and basolateral specializations of epithelial cells. Cell junctions.
Lining epithelia: classification and localizations.
Exocrine glands.
Endocrine glands.
Connective tissue: cellular components and extracellular matrix.
Connective tissue: proper connective tissue. Adipose tissue.
Lymphoid tissue and lymphoid organs.
Cartilage.
Bone and osteogenesis.
Blood and hemopoiesis.
Muscle tissue: skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle tissues.
Nervous tissue.
Dental tissues.
EMBRYOLOGY:
Male gametogenesis. Testes and cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. Introduction to genital ducts.
Female gametogenesis. Ovary and uterus. Maturation of follicles and menstrual cycle.
Fertilization. Early stages of the embryo development. Segmentation. Morula. Blastocyst implantation.
1st, 2nd and 3rd week of embryo development. Derivatives of the embryonic germ layers. General aspects of the 4th week of development. Skin organogenesis.
Embryo annexes.
Introduction to histology. Instruments and methods for samples preparation and observation at the microscope.
Ultrastructural aspects of cell membrane and inner cell compartments (endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus), ribosomes, mitochondria.
Vesicle trafficking. Exocytosis and endocytosis. Lysosomes. Peroxisomes.
Cytoskeleton.
Nucleus, nucleolus, cell cycle.
Epithelia: apical and basolateral specializations of epithelial cells. Cell junctions.
Lining epithelia: classification and localizations.
Exocrine glands.
Endocrine glands.
Connective tissue: cellular components and extracellular matrix.
Connective tissue: proper connective tissue. Adipose tissue.
Lymphoid tissue and lymphoid organs.
Cartilage.
Bone and osteogenesis.
Blood and hemopoiesis.
Muscle tissue: skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle tissues.
Nervous tissue.
Dental tissues.
EMBRYOLOGY:
Male gametogenesis. Testes and cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. Introduction to genital ducts.
Female gametogenesis. Ovary and uterus. Maturation of follicles and menstrual cycle.
Fertilization. Early stages of the embryo development. Segmentation. Morula. Blastocyst implantation.
1st, 2nd and 3rd week of embryo development. Derivatives of the embryonic germ layers. General aspects of the 4th week of development. Skin organogenesis.
Embryo annexes.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific pre-requirements for the Histology and Embryology course
Teaching methods
Teaching methods (all compulsory):
· Lectures
· Asinchronous lectures (In-depth videos on specific topics available on Ariel)
· Innovative teaching (exercises and quiz for learning assessment and self-evaluation available on Ariel)
· Tutorial activities using virtual slides and at the light microscope.
Attendance required.
· Lectures
· Asinchronous lectures (In-depth videos on specific topics available on Ariel)
· Innovative teaching (exercises and quiz for learning assessment and self-evaluation available on Ariel)
· Tutorial activities using virtual slides and at the light microscope.
Attendance required.
Teaching Resources
Istologia
Filippini et al. Istologia di Monesi - Piccin
Pawlina. Istologia: testo e atlante - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
Embriologia
Barbieri, Carinci. Embriologia - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
De Felici et al. Embriologia umana - Piccin
Sadler - Embriologia Medica di Langman - Edra
Embriologia Umana (Larsen) - Edra
Sontakke - Embriologia Umana - EdiErmes
Atlanti
Gagliano. Eserciziario di Istologia - Piccin.
Gagliano. Colorare l'istologia - Piccin.
Wheater. Istologia e anatomia microscopica - Edra.
Altri supporti didattici
Gagliano. QuickReviews Istologia - Edises.
Filippini et al. Istologia di Monesi - Piccin
Pawlina. Istologia: testo e atlante - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
Embriologia
Barbieri, Carinci. Embriologia - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
De Felici et al. Embriologia umana - Piccin
Sadler - Embriologia Medica di Langman - Edra
Embriologia Umana (Larsen) - Edra
Sontakke - Embriologia Umana - EdiErmes
Atlanti
Gagliano. Eserciziario di Istologia - Piccin.
Gagliano. Colorare l'istologia - Piccin.
Wheater. Istologia e anatomia microscopica - Edra.
Altri supporti didattici
Gagliano. QuickReviews Istologia - Edises.
Assessment methods and Criteria
- The assessment method consists of an oral exam structured in two consecutive phases. The first phase of the oral exam involves the identification of histological specimens (observation, description, and identification of cells and tissues from micrographs under light and electron microscopes). Correct identification of the histological specimen is required to proceed to the second phase. The second phase is based on a discussion of topics that are part of the exam syllabus.
- The assessment criteria will evaluate the knowledge acquired regarding the ultrastructural aspects of cells, histology and embryology topics, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge to recognize and describe tissues based on their microscopic characteristics, providing a reasoned description of them. Critical thinking skills, autonomy, and the quality of presentation will also be assessed.
- The assessment is graded on a thirty-point scale.
-The exam is deemed to be passed successfully if the final grade is equal to or higher than 18/30.
Registration to exams through SIFA is mandatory for each session.
- The assessment criteria will evaluate the knowledge acquired regarding the ultrastructural aspects of cells, histology and embryology topics, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge to recognize and describe tissues based on their microscopic characteristics, providing a reasoned description of them. Critical thinking skills, autonomy, and the quality of presentation will also be assessed.
- The assessment is graded on a thirty-point scale.
-The exam is deemed to be passed successfully if the final grade is equal to or higher than 18/30.
Registration to exams through SIFA is mandatory for each session.
BIOS-13/A - Human Histology and Embryology - University credits: 7
Non-formal teaching: 16 hours
Lessons: 62 hours
Lessons - Innovative Teaching : 10 hours
Lessons: 62 hours
Lessons - Innovative Teaching : 10 hours
Shifts:
Professors:
Bianchi Francesca, Gagliano Nicoletta
Professor(s)