CYTOLOGY AND HISTOLOGY

Integrated educational activity

Course Sheet

Academic Year of enrolment:

2013/2014

Optional/Mandatory:

Compulsory

Degree:

Bachelor's Degree Programme in BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Language:

Italian

Moduls:

CYTOLOGY

6 credits
HYSTOLOGY

6 credits

Credits:

Programme Year:

Hours of classroom activity:

104

Prerequisites:

none

AF code:

40001184

Assessment Methods

Verification of learning:

Final oral examination

Teaching period

First semester

Objectives

CYTOLOGY
The course is amined at giving information on morphological diversity and structural l organization of animal eukaryotic cells. During the educational path, structural features are correlated with functional aspects , by considering the main chemical properties of the various cellular components and organelles. The study of specialized forms of some structures and cellular compartements allows students to refer to basic differentiative processes, related to specific histological features. Cytokinetic aspects are analyzed, including also programmed cell death.
HISTOLOGY
The course is aimed at the identification of structural and organizative features of the various animal tissues. Moreover, the effects of differentiation on the acquisition of specific specializations in the different cell population are studied. Cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interaction in tissue architectural constitution and function are analyzed. In this view, morphofunctional interpretation ofsubcellular components, at both microscopic and ultrastructural level, is considered. The course also include pratical activity in laboratory finalized at staging and examination of histological samples.

Contents

CYTOLOGY
PLASMAMEMBRANE: structure, pemeability and dynamic properties. GLYCOCALIX and Cell communication: adhesive, tight and gap JUNCTIONS. CELL ADHESION. COMPARTMENTS and Cell trafficking: ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM; ribosomes; GOLGI APPARATUS; endocytosis and exocytosis. Secretion and membrane flow. LYSOSOMES, peroxysomes. MITOCHONDRIA: origin, morphology and function. CYTOSKELETON and MOTILITY: microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments. NUCLEUS: interphasic structure; envelope and nuclear pore trafficking. Euchromatin and heterochromatin; nucleosomes. Nucleolus. CELL CYCLE: interphase, mitosis and cytokinesis. Chromosomes and mitotic spindle. CELL CYCLE CONTROL and its CHANGES: polyploidy and PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH.
HISTOLOGY
HISTOLOGICAL DIFFERENTIATION AND STEM CELLS. COVERING EPITHELIAL TISSUE: classification and specializations of apical, lateral and basal surface. Autoctonal and intrusive cells. Germinative layer. GLANDULAR EPITELIUM. CONNECTIVE TISSUES proper and special. EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX: fibers and ground substance. CELLS OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE: autoctonal and migrating cells. Organism defence processes. Loose, dense, reticular and adipose connective tissue. CARTILAGINOUS (hyaline, elastic and fibrous)and BONE TISSUE (spongy and compact). BLOOD: plasma and hematic cells. MUSCLE TISSUE: skeletal, cardiac and smooth. NERVOUS TISSUE: neurons and glia. Axon and fibers (myelinic and amyelinic). Synapses.

Recommended Bibliography

CYTOLOGY
- R. Colombo, E. Olmo et al. – Biologia della cellula Edi Ermes, 2007
- M. Becker et al. - Il mondo della cellula. EdiSES II Ed., 2007.
- B. Lewin et al. - Cellule. Zanichelli I Ed., 2008.

HISTOLOGY
R. Colombo, E. Olmo et al. – Biologia dei tessuti - Edi Ermes, 2007
V. Monesi – Istologia – Piccin
C. Dongmei – Atlante di istologia – Piccin

Teaching Methods

CYTOLOGY
Students use specific fluorochromatic probes, with different emission light, to reveal, in vitro cultures, cell components on the basis of interaction with partly or totally hydrophobic molecules (membrane lipids or lipid droplets). Cationic or pH-dependent emission probes reveal membrane potentials (i.e. mitochondria) and acidic vacuoles, respectively. Moreover, after DNA fluorochromization by morphometry, students evaluate eu-/etherochromatin ratio and recognize mitosis phases.

HISTOLOGY
Laboratory activity consists of a theoretical-practical section in which principles, constitution and use of optic microscope and the steps of histological specimen staging are considered. Later, students, by using, autonomously, histology microscopes examin specimens derived from different animal organs. Observation is aimed at determining the acquisition of knowledge for identification of different animal tissues; microscopic analysis is also integrated by informatic supports.

Contacts/More Information

1) Readiness to offer individual assistance also in english language to incoming students NO
2) Availability of supporting material and bibliographic references also in english language NO
3) Readiness to accept examination of incoming students also in english language NO

CYTOLOGY AND HISTOLOGY

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