Cytology and histology 2

Knowledge and understanding: the course aims to provide fundamental knowledge regarding the biological and chemical characteristics of living matter and its levels of organization.
Applying knowledge and understanding: acquisition of basic knowledge concerning the structural organization of the eukaryotic cell, as well as the functional significance of and relationships between the various cell organelles. Acquisition of knowledge regarding the morphological and functional organization of animal tissues.
Making judgments: ability to critically analyze and interpret light and electron microscopy specimens.
Communication skills: the student is able to communicate acquired knowledge effectively and relevantly, applying logical reasoning to analyze the topics covered in the syllabus.
Learning skills: the student will be able to develop an independent study method and express themselves using the specific terminology of the discipline.

Citology: lessons.

Histology: lessons and practical observations of tissue samples by optical microscope. 

Should the course be delivered via a hybrid or remote format, necessary adjustmenst to the previously stated arrangements may be introduced in order to adhere to the planned curriculum as outlined in the syllabus.

Knowledge of the basic organization of living matter (viruses, prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells); of general physics principles, with particular reference to gas diffusion and optical phenomena; and of general, inorganic, and organic chemistry, with particular reference to chemical bonds, ions, acids, bases, salts, true solutions and colloidal solutions, and the main classes of organic molecules.

Attendance of the courses is mandatory. Attendance is understood to have been acquired if the student has attended at least 60% of the curricular hours provided for by the discipline.

A. CITOLOGY

• Biological characteristics of living matter.

• Chemical characteristics of living matter: water, mineral salts, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.

• Levels of organization of living matter.

• Eukariotic animal cell.

• Plasma membrane and glycocalyx. Differentiations of the plasma membrane: microvilli, cilia and flagella, cell junction, basal lamina.

• Cytoplasm: hyaloplasm; ribosomes; rough endoplasmic (RER) and smooth (REL) reticulum; Golgi apparatus; lysosomes; peroxisomes; mitochondria; cytoplasmic inclusions; pigments; cytoskeleton and its constituents; centrioles and centrosomes. Endocytosis and exocytosis.

• Nucleus and its constituents: nuclear envelope; nucleoplasm and nucleoskeleton; organization and functions of chromatin; chromosomes and chromosomes set; nucleolus.

• Cell cycle and its phases. Interkinesis: G0, G1, S, G2 phases (generality about: transcription, protein synthesis, duplication of DNA).

• Cell division: mitosis and meiosis. Gametogenesis (generality).

• Direct observation of living cells and tissues; vital stains and supravitally.

• Procedures for preparation of permanent slides.

• Main histological staining.

• General principles of cytochemistry and histochemistry.

• Optical and electronic microscopes: operating principles and their use in biology.

• Epithelial tissue: general characteristics and classification.

• Glandular tissue: origin and classification of glands; characteristics of secretory cells and various types of secretion.

• Connective tissues: characteristics of the intercellular substance: ground substance and connective fibers; connective cells.

• Connective tissues proper.

• Specialized connective tissues: cartilage (hyaline, elastic, fibrous) bone and chordoid tissue. Bone development: intramembranous and endochondral ossification.

• Adipose tissues.

• Blood, plasma, and formed elements. Endothelium and blood vessels. Lymph.

• Muscle tissue: smooth muscle, striated skeletal and cardiac muscle.

• Nervous tissue: neuron or nervous cell, morphology and structure. Types of nerve fibers and their structures. Synapses and nerve endings. Neuroglia.

• Calligaro et al. Cytology and functional histology, Edi-Ermes

• Geoffrey M. Cooper and Robert E. Hausman. The Cell: a Molecular Approach. Seventh Edition. ASM press, Washington, D.C. 

Oral examination and recognition of histological preparations under an optical microscope.

Criteria for assigning the vote. The highest grade is assigned to the student who has demonstrated mastery of the topics, ability to relate acquired knowledge, expository skills and mastery of the disciplinary vocabulary.

Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, should the conditions require it.

Biological macromolecules and their role: proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids.
The plasma membrane: structure and functions.
Cytoplasmic organelles: morphology and functions.
Cell cycle and cell division.
DNA duplication and transcription.
Protein synthesis.
Cytoskeleton.
Tissues: recognition under the optical microscope and their functional organization.