Course overview
The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of the normal structure of, and interrelationship between, the cells and tissues of the body. Cell structure and function: Epithelium; nomenclature, classification, specialisations, secretory mechanisms: Connective tissue components; dense, areolar, adipose, cartilage, bone: Muscle; skeletal, cardiac, smooth: Nervous system; peripheral; fibres, ganglion / central; spinal cord, cerebellum, cerebrum. meninges, choroid plexus: Lymphoid System: lymph node, spleen, thymus, tonsils, mucosa associated lymphoid system: Cardiovascular system; heart, blood vessels, sinusoids, lymphatic vessels: Respiratory tissues: trachea, bronchial tree, inter-alveolar septa: Skin and appendages; epidermis, dermis, hair follicle, glands: Urinary system; nephron, collecting ducts, ureter, bladder, urethra: Endocrine system; pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, islets of Langerhans, pineal body, diffuse neuroendocrine system: Gastrointestinal system; teeth, salivary glands, tongue, gastrointestinal tract, liver, gall bladder, pancreas: Male reproductive system; testis, genital ducts, seminal vesicle, prostate, penis: Female reproductive system; ovary, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, vagina, mammary glands.
Course learning outcomes
- Identify and describe the histological structure of normal human cells and tissues
- Appreciate significant ultrastructural differences between specialised body cells
- Relate the structure of cells and tissues to their function
- Provide a critical assessment of the artifacts associated with histological preparation
- Undertake a complete assessment of histological preparations including identification, orientation and staining characteristics