BENGHAZI UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF MEDICINE

Histology Department

SYLLABUS FOR THE HISTOLOGY PROGRAM

For

The First Year Medical Students

(M.B.B.Ch)

Why Is the Study of Histology Important in Overall Understanding of Medicine?

Histology is the study of tissues, including their role in the body, their anatomy, their interaction with body systems and the ways they are affected by disease.

Tissues as Building Blocks

Tissues are made from large groups of cells that cluster together to complete a shared function. From tissues arise organs, and organs keep the body operating. Histology can help students gain a better understanding of cell behavior and reproduction, making cellular biology more understandable.

Understanding Development

Familiarity with histology helps students gain insight into the development of complex organs and organ systems. When students evaluate the tissue, they gain more insight into how organs and organ systems develop and change across the life course.

Role in Disease

Many diseases occur at the tissue level. For example, cancer is often the result of problematic tissue overgrowth, and some infections cause tissue to necrotize. For future medical professionals, histology can help you understand why some treatments work more effectively than others and why certain lifestyle choices can harm your body over time.

Preparation for Laboratory Work

Histology often has a strong laboratory component. Students may view tissues under a microscope or be required to label various tissue slides according to which organ they came from. Students planning to pursue careers in medicine and science will learn basic lab skills and learn how to easily recognize different types of tissue.

Benghazi University

Faculty of Medicine

Histology Department.

Undergraduate Program

Course Specification

Course Title: Histology ForThe First Year

Code: 2 HIS 022

Description

Medical Histology is a required, lecture-based course for first and second year medical students. The course consists of lectures and teaching laboratories which cover the microscopic anatomy of the human body from cell biology to histology at the light and electron microscopic level. Histology topics are correlated with their concurrent study of human embryology, human gross anatomy and human physiology. Teaching laboratories follow each of the major lectures and consist of staff-supervised sessions utilizing a set of digitized color images of normal tissue specimens. The images are constructed as a near-seamless montage of images encompassing a complete tissue or organ specimen. Students are able to explore the tissue specimen as they would utilize a traditional light microscope and glass specimen slides. Medical Histology is designed to develop in students a solid foundation of knowledge of normal microscopic structure and function in preparation for their subsequent study of abnormal structure and function related to human disease during the third year of the medical curriculum.

GOAL

The students should gain the knowledge and insight into the structure and function of the normal Human body and an appreciation of the genetic basis of inheritance and disease.

AIM OF THE COURSE

  1. To inform undergraduate students about the different histological tools and techniques.
  2. To teach the undergraduate students the basic histological structures of different cells and tissues.
  3. Preparing the undergraduate students for studying organs and systems in the second year.
  4. To know the microscopic structure of the various tissues, a pre-requisite for understanding of the disease processes.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course is intended to students in the first year with the prerequisite of successful completion of the pre-medical year, faculty of Medicine Courses.

I.KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING

By the end of the course, the undergraduate student should be able to:

  1. Describe histological characteristic of normal cells.
  2. Differentiate between normal and abnormal karyotyping.
  3. Describe and compare between different blood cells.
  4. Discuss the basic histological tissues.

II. PRACTICAL SKILS

By the end of the course, the undergraduate students should be able to:

  1. Identify various types of stain and microtechniques.
  2. Identify different cell organellesin projector slides.
  3. Identify different blood cells in blood films.
  4. Identify different types of tissue in histological slides seen under the microscope.

III. INTELLECTUAL SKILLS

By the end of the course, the undergraduate students should be able to:

  1. Answer MCQ on various topic of the curriculum.
  2. Differentiate between various tissues under microscope.
  3. Know how to label diagrams of different tissues and cells.
  4. Distinguish between normal and abnormal karyotyping.
  5. Interpret a complete blood picture report.
  6. Correlate between histological structure and function of any cell or tissue.
  7. Locate various structures of the body and to mark the topography of the living anatomy.
  8. Detect various congenital abnormalities.

VI. LIFE LONG LEARNING

By the end of the course the undergraduate students should be able to:

  1. Appreciate the importance of lifelong learning.
  2. Use the sources of current biomedical information.
  3. Search, collect, and analyze the obtained information.
  4. Express themselves by improving their descriptive capabilities and enhancing their communication skills.
  5. Maintain professional image in manner, dress, speech, and interpersonal relationships.
  6. Honor and respect, superiors, colleagues and any other member of health profession.

COURSE CONTENTS

Topics / Hrs. / No. of Lectures. / No. of Practical / Hrs.
Methodology / 3 / 2 / 2 / 4
Cytology / 8 / 3 / 2 / 4
Genetics / 8 / 5 / 2 / 4
Epithelium Tissue / 7 / 4 / 3 / 6
Connective Tissue / 6 / 3 / 2 / 4
Cartilage / 3 / 2 / 1 / 2
Bone / 5 / 3 / 1 / 2
Blood & Hematopoiesis / 5 / 3 / 2 / 4
C.V. S / 6 / 3 / 1 / 2
Nerve Tissue / 8 / 5 / 3 / 6
Muscle Tissue / 6 / 3 / 2 / 4
Lymphatic Tissue & Immune system / 8 / 5 / 1 / 2
Integument / 4 / 2 / 1 / 2
Total / 81 / 47 / 23 / 46

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures /week / Practical /week / Duration/week
(3Hrs.)
(1)Hrs. L+ (2) Hrs. L / (2Hrs.)
(1) P. / (5) Hrs.

COURSE DURATION

Total teaching hours/week / Course duration/hours / Course duration/week
5hrs
(3 hrs.L+2hrs. P) / 127hrs
(81hrs. L + 46 hrs. P) / 26 week
(127hrs/5hrs)

TEACHING STUFF

  • Histology Department

COURSE DIRECTOR

  • Histology Department

ATTENDANCE CRITERIA

  • The minimum acceptable attendance is 75% in order to set for the final examination.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Introduction to Histology

  1. The Word Histology.
  2. Body Composition.

Objectives:

By the end of this topic, the undergraduate students should understand that:

  • Synonym for microscopic anatomy.
  • The body is composed of cells, intercellular matrix, and fluid substance.
  • The direct relationship to other disciplines (e.g., Biochemistry, Physiology).

Methodology

  1. Preparation of Tissues for Microscopic Examination:
  • Paraffin Section:
  1. Fixation.
  2. Dehydration.
  3. Clearing.
  4. Embedding.
  5. Sectioning.
  6. Mounting and Staining.
  1. Light Microscopy (parts and resolution).
  2. Types of Microscope:
  1. Phase contrast microscopy.
  2. Differential interference microscopy.
  3. Polarizing microscopy.
  4. Confocal microscopy.
  5. Fluorescence microscopy.
  6. Electron microscopy (transmission and Scanning microscopy)
  1. Autoradiography of Tissue Sections.
  2. Cell and Tissue Culture.
  3. Histochemistry and Cytochemistry.
  4. Immunocytochemistry.
  5. Hybridization Techniques.
  6. Cell Fractionation.

4. ChemicalBasis for Staining.

Objectives:

By the end of this topic, the undergraduate students should understand that:

  • Steps required in preparing tissues for light microscopy.
  • A specific arrangement of lenses that permit a high magnification and good resolution of the tissues being viewed.
  • Stains that differentiate between acidic and basic components of the cell.
  • Specialized stains that that differentiate the fibrous components of the extracellular matrix.
  • Metallic salts that precipitate on tissues, forming deposits on them.
  • Histochemistry provides information concerning the presence and location of intracellular and extracellular macromolecules.
  • Immunocytochemistry uses fluorescinated antibodies and antibodies to provide more precise intracellular and extracellular localization of macromolecules than is possible with histochemistry.
  • Autoradiography uses the incorporation of radioactive isotopes into macromolecules and visualized by the use of an overlay of film emulsion.
  • The use of electron as a light source in electron microscopy permits greater magnification and resolution than that realized by light microscopy.
  • Organelles and other components of cells and tissues can be isolated by cell fractionation.
  • The use of tissue culture, the cells and tissue can be maintained and studied outside the body.
  • The hybridization is to understand the workings of the cell in molecular detail.

Cytology

Cell components:

  1. Plasma Membrane and Cell Coat.
  2. Cytoplasm.

3. Membranous Organelles:

  1. Mitochondria.
  2. Endoplasmic reticulum.
  3. Gologi complex.
  4. Lysosomes.
  5. Perioxisomes or microbodies.
  6. Non-membranous Organelles:
  7. Ribosomes.
  8. Centrioles.
  9. Cilia.
  10. Flagella.

5.Cell Inclusion:

  1. Glycogen.
  2. Lipids.
  3. Pigments.
  4. Crystals.

6. Cytoskeleton:

  1. Microtubules.
  2. Thin filaments.
  3. Intermediate filaments.
  • Neurofilaments.

7. Nucleus:

  1. Nuclear envelope
  2. Nuclear pores.
  3. Nucleoplasm.
  4. Nucleolus.
  5. Chromatin.
  6. Classification of chromosomes.
  7. Structure of chromosomes.
  8. Sex chromosome.
  9. Karyotyping.
  1. Cell Division.
  2. Cell Cycle.

Objectives:

By the end of this topic, the undergraduate students should understand that:

  • The metabolically active cellular structures that execute specific functions.
  • The light microscopy and the electron microscopy pictures and functions of cell components.
  • The molecular biology of cell components.
  • The signaling molecules that bind to extracellular or intracellular receptors to elicit a specific cellular response.
  • The genetic material of the cell and the complex of DNA.
  • Chromosomes and chromatin fibers during mitosis and meiosis that they are visible with the light microscope.
  • The non-membrane bounded structure (nucleolus) within the nucleus that is involved in rRNA synthesis and in the assembly of small and large ribosomal subunit.
  • The series of events within the cell that prepare the cell for dividing into two daughter cells.
  • Some important abnormalities in chromosome numbers may occur during meiosis.
  • Some important clinical correlation (e.g., Mitochondrial Cytopathy, Hurler Disease, Glycogen Storage Disorders).

Epithelial Tissue

  1. The Forms and Characteristics of Epithelial Cells.
  2. Basal Lamina and Basement Membrane.
  3. Intercellular Junction.
  4. Lateral and Basolateral Specialization).
  5. Specialization of the Cell Surface:
  1. Microvilli
  2. Sterocilia.
  3. Cilia and flagella.
  1. Types of Epithelia:
  1. Covering epithelia
  1. Simple Epithelium.
  2. Stratified Epithelium
  1. Glandular epithelia.
  2. Types of Glandular Epithelia:
  1. Simple gland.
  2. Compound gland.
  1. General Biology of Epithelial Tissues:
  1. Polarity.
  2. Innervation.
  3. Renewal of epithelial cells.
  4. Metaplasia.
  5. Control of glandular activity.
  6. Cells that transport ions.
  7. Cells that transport by pinocytosis.
  8. Serous cells.
  9. Mucus-secreting cells.
  10. Myoepithelial cells.
  11. Steroid-secreting cells.
  12. The diffuse neuroendocrine system (DENS).
  1. Basolateral Specialization.

Objectives:

By the end of this topic, the undergraduate students should understand that:

  • The tightly bound contiguous cells forming sheets covering or lining the body.
  • The cell arrangement and morphology.
  • The epithelial polarity and cell-surface specializations with references to cellular morphology and function.
  • The high turnover rate, which is related to their location and function.
  • The origin of the glandular epithelium, types, and functions.
  • The differences between exocrine glands and endocrine glands.
  • The functions of diffuse neuroendocrine system.
  • The structures and function of epithelial types based on microscopic observation (Simple epithelium, Stratified, Pseudostratified epithelium, and transitional epithelium).
  • Some important clinical correlation (adenocarcinoma and metaplasia).

Connective Tissue

  1. Extracellular Matrix :
  • Ground substance.
  1. Proteoglycans.
  2. Multiadhesive glycoproteins.
  • Fibers:
  1. Collagen fibers.
  2. Elastic fibers.
  3. Reticular fibers.
  4. Biosynthesis of collagen.
  • Cellular components:
  1. Fibroblasts.
  2. Macrophages.
  3. Mast cells.
  4. Plasma cells.
  5. Adipose cells.
  6. Leukocytes.
  7. Macrophages and the mononuclear phagocyte system.
  1. Classification of Connective Tissue:
  1. Embryonic connective tissue
  1. Mesenchymal connective tissue.
  2. Mucous connective tissue.
  1. Connective tissue proper
  2. Loose (areolar) connective tissue.
  3. Dense connective tissue.
  4. Reticular tissue.
  5. Adipose tissue.
  1. Specialized Connective Tissue:
  1. Cartilage.
  2. Bone.
  3. Blood.
  1. Histophysiology.
  2. General Function of Connective Tissue.

Objectives:

By the end of this topic, the undergraduate students should understand that:

  • The connective tissue, as the name implies.
  • The continuum with epithelial tissue, muscle, and nervous tissue as well as with other components.
  • The collagen and elastic fiber as the two major fibrous proteins with distinctive biochemical and mechanical properties.
  • The components of ground substance and fibers that resists compressive and stretching force.
  • The types of connective tissue cells, fixed cells and transient cells with reference to sites and functions.
  • The major classes of connective tissue and their subclasses.
  • The arrangement of fibers and dispersed cells embedded in a gel-like ground substance.
  • The differences between the two types of adipose tissue.
  • The support, packing, storage, defense, repair, and transport functions of connective tissues.
  • Some important clinical correlation (e.g., keloid, Mediate Hypersensitivity Reaction,Progressive Systemic Sclerosis, and Marfan syndrome).

Cartilage

  1. Types of Cartilage:
  1. Hyaline Cartilage.
  2. ElasticCartilage.
  3. Fibrocartilage.
  1. Intervertebral Disks.
  2. Cartilage Cells.
  1. Chondrogenic Cells.
  2. Chondroblasts.
  3. Chondrocytes.
  1. Perichondrium.
  2. Cartilage Matrix.
  3. Sites and General Functions.
  4. Histogenesis.
  5. Growth.

Objectives:

By the end of this topic, the undergraduate students should understand that:

  • Cartilage is a specialized form of connective tissue.
  • Cartilage possesses a firm pliable matrix that resists mechanical stresses.
  • Cartilage substance is neither vascularized nor supplied nerves or lymphatic vessels.
  • The three types of cells that associated with cartilage.
  • Cartilage matrix is composed of collagen, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and extracellular fluid with reference to sites and functions.
  • The effects of hormones and vitamins on types of cartilage.
  • Cartilage degeneration and regeneration.
  • Cartilage types based on microscopic observation (hyaline cartilage, Elastic cartilage, and fibrocartilage).
  • Some important clinical correlation (e.g., chondroma and chondrosarcoma).

Bone

  1. Bone Matrix.
  2. Bone Cells:
  1. Osteoblasts.
  2. Osteocytes.
  3. Osteoclasts.
  1. Periosteum and Endosteum.
  2. Bone Structure.
  3. Types of Bone with Reference to Sites.
  4. Histogenesis of Bone.
  5. Bone Growth and Remodeling.
  6. Internal Structure of Bone.
  7. Metabolic role of Bone Tissue.
  8. Fracture Repair.
  9. Joints.

Objectives:

By the end of this topic, the undergraduate students should understand that:

  • Bone is a specialized form of connective tissue.
  • Bone matrix has inorganic and organic constituents.
  • Bone cells with reference to sites and functions.
  • The Classification of bone according to their anatomical shape (long, short, flat, irregular, and sesamoid).
  • Bone types based on microscopic observation (primary or secondary).
  • The bone formation (Intramembranous and Endochondral).
  • The events of bone lengthening (interstitial growth).
  • Growth of the diaphysis in girth (appositional growth).
  • The most commonly accepted theory of calcification.
  • The bone resorption as bone is remodeled to meet stresses placed on it.
  • The bone repair involves both intramembranous and endochondral bone formation.
  • The hormonal control and factors affecting bone formation and growth.
  • Differences between cartilage and bone.
  • Some important clinical correlation (e.g.,Osteomalacia, Osteosarcoma, Osteoporosis, and Rickets).

Nervous Tissue

  1. Development of Nerve Tissue.
  2. Neurons.
  3. Membrane Potentials.
  4. Synaptic Communication.
  5. Glial Cells and Neuronal Activity.
  1. Oligodendrocytes.
  2. Schwann cells.
  3. Astrocytes.
  4. Ependymal cells.
  5. Microglia.
  1. The Central Nervous System.
  1. Meninges.
  2. Dura mater.
  3. Arachnoid.
  4. Pia mater.
  5. Blood brain barrier.
  1. Choroid Plexus and Cerebrospinal Fluid.
  2. Peripheral Nervous System.
  3. Nerve Fibers.
  1. Myelinated fibers.
  2. Unmyelinated fibers.
  1. Nerves.
  2. Ganglia
  1. Sensory ganglia.
  2. Autonomic ganglia.
  1. Autonomic Nerve System.
  1. Sympathetic system.
  2. Parasympathetic system.
  1. Degeneration and Regeneration of Nerve Tissue.

Objectives:

By the end of this topic, the undergraduate students should understand that:

  • The nervous system develops from the ectoderm of the embryo.
  • The cells of the nervous system are classified into two categories, neurons and neuroglia.
  • Neurons are classified morphologically into three major types.
  • The neuroglial cells function in the physical and metabolic support of neurons.
  • The nerve impulses are generated in the spike trigger zone of the neuron and are conducted along the axon to the axon terminal.
  • Synapses are the sites of impulse transmission between the presynaptic cells.
  • The white matter is composed mostly of myelinated nerve fibers.
  • The gray matter consists of aggregations of neuronal cell bodies.
  • The dura mater is the dense outermost layer of the meninges.
  • The arachnoid is the intermediate layer of the meninges.
  • The pia mater is the innermost highly vascular layer of the meninges.
  • The passage of selective blood-borne substance into the neural tissue.
  • The connective tissue investments of peripheral nerves (Epineurium, Perineurium, and Endoneurium).
  • The differences between sensory ganglia and autonomic ganglia.
  • The effect of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
  • Nerve cells, unlike neuroglial cells, cannot proliferate but can regenerate their axons.
  • Some important clinical correlation (e.g., Neuroma, Hydrocephalus).

Muscle Tissue

  1. Organization of Skeletal Muscle:
  1. Organization of skeletal muscle fibers.
  2. Sarcoplasmic reticulum and transverse tubule system.
  3. Motor Endplate.
  4. Mechanism of contraction.
  5. Innervation.
  6. Muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs.
  7. Other components of the sarcoplasm.
  1. Cardiac Muscle.
  2. Smooth Muscle.
  3. Regeneration of Muscle Tissue.

Objectives:

By the end of this topic, the undergraduate students should understand that:

  • General histological structure of muscle cells ((LM & EM).
  • The investments of skeletal muscle (Epimysium, Perimysium, and Endomysium).
  • The EM picture of myofibrils.
  • The muscle contraction obeys the "all-or-none law" and is followed by muscle relaxation.
  • The energy source for muscle contraction.
  • The impulse transmission at the myoneural junctions.
  • The conducting system of heart (Purkinje muscle fibers).
  • Some important clinical correlation (Myasthenia gravis, hypertrophy, and hyperplasia).

Circulatory System