Human Histology and Embryology Single channel
Chair (Coordinator) and Rapporteur: ANTONIO MUSARO'
Module 1: APPLIED BIOLOGY
- Activity type
- B_03. Morfologia umana, C_19. Formazione clinica interdisciplinare e medicina basata sulle evidenze e medicina di precisione, Tirocini formativi e di orientamento
- SSD
- BIO/17, BIO/17, BIO/17
- Year
- N/D
- Semester
- N/D
- CFU
- 8
- Hours distribution
- 87.5 classroom hours, 25 others hours
- Lecturers
- ANGIOLINA CATIZONE
ANTONIO MUSARO'
Module 2: Human Histology and Embryology
- Activity type
- B_01. Discipline generali per la formazione del medico
- SSD
- BIO/13
- Year
- N/D
- Semester
- N/D
- CFU
- 1
- Hours distribution
- 12.5 classroom hours
- Lecturers
- CLAUDIA CARISSIMI
Objectives
The course has a medical orientation, as it is aimed at training Medical Doctors (Physicians and Surgeons). It comprises two (2) disciplines:
a) Human Histology
b) Human Embryology.
The Human Histology component is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge concerning the tissues of the human body, always in relation to their specific functions and in the context of the normal, healthy condition of the human organism. In addition to the histophysiology of tissues, students will be introduced to the essential foundations necessary for understanding the relationship between tissue function and disease, including—but not limited to—the underlying mechanisms of molecular regulation. For each tissue type, students will be presented with examples of human pathologies resulting from morphological, structural, functional and/or molecular alterations.
The Human Embryology component aims to equip students with knowledge of human embryonic development across the various stages, from gametogenesis and fertilisation through to organogenesis and the development of embryonic annexes. This includes all relevant regulatory mechanisms, especially in relation to congenital malformations and developmental defects, as well as the interplay between the maintenance of the differentiated state and the processes that disrupt it—leading to dedifferentiation, which underpins numerous pathological conditions.
Both disciplines also examine the molecular mechanisms underlying differentiation and proliferation processes, and their impact on the emergence of defects and abnormalities. Moreover, students will be introduced to advanced methodological approaches for studying tissue, cellular, and subcellular structures and their genesis, as well as processes of cell migration, growth, and embryogenesis. These tools will support the investigation of specific scientific questions at the tissue, cellular, molecular, and ultrastructural levels, including those related to tissue regeneration.
Learning outcomes
The course has a medical orientation, as it is aimed at training Medical Doctors (Physicians and Surgeons). It comprises two (2) disciplines:
a) Human Histology
b) Human Embryology.
The Human Histology component is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge concerning the tissues of the human body, always in relation to their specific functions and in the context of the normal, healthy condition of the human organism. In addition to the histophysiology of tissues, students will be introduced to the essential foundations necessary for understanding the relationship between tissue function and disease, including—but not limited to—the underlying mechanisms of molecular regulation. For each tissue type, students will be presented with examples of human pathologies resulting from morphological, structural, functional and/or molecular alterations.
The Human Embryology component aims to equip students with knowledge of human embryonic development across the various stages, from gametogenesis and fertilisation through to organogenesis and the development of embryonic annexes. This includes all relevant regulatory mechanisms, especially in relation to congenital malformations and developmental defects, as well as the interplay between the maintenance of the differentiated state and the processes that disrupt it—leading to dedifferentiation, which underpins numerous pathological conditions.
Both disciplines also examine the molecular mechanisms underlying differentiation and proliferation processes, and their impact on the emergence of defects and abnormalities. Moreover, students will be introduced to advanced methodological approaches for studying tissue, cellular, and subcellular structures and their genesis, as well as processes of cell migration, growth, and embryogenesis. These tools will support the investigation of specific scientific questions at the tissue, cellular, molecular, and ultrastructural levels, including those related to tissue regeneration.
Prerequisites
The student should know the structure and function of the cell, which are part of the biology course.
In particular, they must possess in-depth knowledge of the structure, function, and importance of the plasma membrane, nucleus, and cytoskeleton. It must also know the structure and function of the main cellular organelles, such as mitochondria, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes. Finally, it must know the main phases of the cellular cycle and cellular metabolism.
Programme
Histology
Epithelial Tissue: Overview of epithelial structure and function, classification of epithelium, the apical domain and its specialization, the basal domain and its specialization.
Glands: overview of glands structure and function, glands classification, exocrine glands, endocrine glands: pancreas, pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, pineal gland, interstitial glands.
Connective Tissue: overview of connective tissue, embryonic connective tissue, connective tissue proper, connective tissue fibers structure and formation.
Cartilage: overview of cartilage, hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, fibrocartilage, chondrogenesis and cartilage growth and repair.
Bone: overview of the bone, general structure, types of bone tissues, cells of the bone, bone formation (endochondral and intramembranous ossification), mineralization process, bone repair.
Blood: overview of the blood, plasma, erythrocytes, leukocites, thrombocytes, complete blood count, formation of blood cells (hematopoiesis), bone marrow.
Muscle tissue: overview and classification of muscle tissue, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, structure of the sarcomere, contraction in the smooth muscle, functional consideration.
Lymphatic system: overview of lymphatic system, cells of the lymphatic system, lymphatic tissue and organs.
Nerve tissue: overview of nervous system, composition of nervous tissue, the neuron, the supporting cells (neuroglia), organization of central and peripheral nervous system.
General embryology
Introduction to embryology: general consideration on development, glossary, how to approach the topic.
Gametogenesis: primordial germ cells, morphological changes during gametes maturation, oogenesis, spermatogenesis, menstrual cycle (effect on ovary, uterus, hormones, corpus luteum).
First week of development: from ovulation to implantation: changes to the sperms in the female reproductive system fertilization, cleavage blastocyst formation, initiating implantation.
Second week of development: full implantation, formation of syncytiotrophoblast and its function, hCG, formation of amniotic cavity, formation of the chorionic cavity and yolk sac, formation of bilaminar disc, uteroplacental circulatory system.
Third week of development: gastrulation, formation of the notochord, establishment of body axes, neural plate formation. Clinical Correlates: Holoprosencephaly, situs inversus, caudal regeression syndrome.
Forth week of development: Embryo folding, neurulation, neural crests, somite differentiation.
Development of placenta: fetal membranes and placenta, structure of placenta, chorion frondosum and decidua basalis. Clinical correlate: preeclampsia, placenta previa.
Organogenesis
Muscluloskeletal system: differentiation and origin of musculoskeletal system, Somites differentiation into sclerotome and dermomyotome development of skull, vertebrae and vertebral column, limbs development. Clinical Correlates: craniosynostosis, cranioschisis, spina bifida, scoliosis: limbs malformations: meromelia, amelia, syndactyly, polydactyly.
Development of the Heart: formation of the primary heart tube, cardiac looping, formation of septa, formation of aorticopulmunary septum, fetal circulation and change at birth, development of vasculature. Clinical Correlates: atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of fallot, transposition of great arteries, patent ductus arteriosus.
Development of gastrointestinal tract: formation of gut tube, role of endoderm and and lateral mesoderm. nomenclature: visceral and parietal peritoneum, mesentery, peritoneal organs, primarily and secondarily retroperitoneal organs. Formation of foregut, stomach formation and rotation, formation of lesser and greater omentum, formation of liver, pancreas, spleen, development of midgut and rotations, physiological hernia, development of hindgut, portal circulation. Clinical Correlates: Annular pancreas, omphalocoele, gasatroschisis, umbilical hernia, Merkel diverticulum, vitelline cists and fistula.
Development of urogenital system: the intermediate mesoderm, formation of pronephros and mesonephros, formation of definitive kidneys, mesonephric and paramesonephric ducts, formation of urinary bladder and urethra, the trigone. Development of gonadal ridges, germ cells migration, formation of testis and ovaries. Development of female reproductive tract: fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina. Development of male reproductive tract: epididymis, vas deferent, ejaculatory duct, seminal
vesicle, and prostate. Formation of the external genitalia. Clinical correlates: renal agenesis and dysplasia, polycystic kidney, oligohydroamnios and Potter sequence, horseshoe kidney, pelvic kidney accessory renal arteries, ureters malformations, bladder defect, urachal cist and fistula, uterus defects, cryptorchidism, hypospadias.
Developments of pharyngeal apparatus and face: pharyngeal arches, pouches and clefts, development of splancocranium, mandible and maxilla, development of face, nasal and oral cavities, development of tongue, thyroid, parathyroid and thymus, cranial nerves associates with arches, neural crests. Clinical Correlates.
Development of nervous system: structural and functional division of nervous system. Primary and secondary brain vesicle, differentiation of neural tube. Development of spinal cord, development of brain. Neural Crest. Clinical Correlates.
THE BASIS OF REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Stem cells. Origin and classification of stem cells: Embryonic and adult stem cells. Generation and properties of pluripotent stem cells (iPS). Plasticity and therapeutic potential of stem cells.
Books
Istologia: Istologia di V. Monesi; VII Edizione, 2018. Piccin Editore
Embriologia: Embriologia Umana II Edizione, prima ristampa, 2016; De Felici et al. Piccin editore
Atlante di Istologia con correlazioni funzionali e cliniche di Cui. Piccin Editore
Bibliography
Module: APPLIED BIOLOGY
N/D
Module: Human Histology and Embryology
N/D
Lessons mode
The course is delivered according to the following teaching methods: frontal teaching activity.
The student can find all the information and details of the course both on the e-learning platform: https://elearning2.uniroma1.it/enrol/index.php?id=987 and/or on the course web site: https://istologia-embriologia-cdlb.jimdofree.com/
Frequency
Mandatory attendance
Exam mode
The evaluation consists of a written test with 50 multiple choice questions and an oral exam. The student is admitted to the oral examination only if he/she passes the writing test. The written test lasts 90 minutes. The oral exam lasts an average of 30 minutes/student, in which the teacher assesses the student's knowledge on all parts of the program. The objective of the test is to certify the student's knowledge about the fundamentals of the discipline.
The elements taken into consideration for the evaluation are: knowledge of the subject, the use of an appropriate language, the ability of reasoning demonstrated during the exam. Furthermore, the student must demonstrate that he / she has mastered the topics of the discipline, avoiding the simple notions and demonstrating a more articulated integration of the discipline.
To pass the exam the student needs to achieve a grade of not less than 18/30. The student must demonstrate to have acquired a good knowledge of the topics of histology and embryology and to be able to connect different topics of the discipline.
To achieve a score of 30/30 cum laude, the student must instead demonstrate that he/she has acquired excellent knowledge of all the topics covered during the course, being able to link them in a logical and coherent way in the context of an integrated knowledge.
Example exam questions
Essential microscopic and submicroscopic morphological characteristics of cells and tissues of the human organism
The mechanisms of organogenesis
The mechanisms through which the organization of the human body takes place during embryonic development
Histogenesis and morpho-functional characteristics of the various tissues
Arguments
- Introduction to the course; folliculogenesis, uterine cycle; 1st, 2nd, and 3rd week of embryonic development (preimplantation, implantation, formation and development of the 3 germ layers); neurulation, ventral flexure of the embryo. Methods of studying experimental embryology.
- Histological study methods; lining epithelia (with reference to the cytoskeleton and junctions); the epithelium of the small intestine, histogenesis; the epidermis, endothelia; exocrine and endocrine glandular epithelia (with reference to the membranous system of the cytoplasm and the cell membrane and signal transduction); sensory epithelia.
- Connective tissues. Histogenesis, mesenchyme. Connective tissue proper; adipose tissue and its regulation
- blood and lymph; hematopoiesis; lymphoid tissue.
- cartilage tissue; bone tissue; mechanisms of bone ossification and remodeling.
- 4th week of development: embryonic folding and the beginning of organogenesis; development of the digestive and respiratory systems; development of the urogenital system; spermatogenesis, fertilization, embryonic appendages, and placenta.
- Mesodermal derivatives: histogenesis of muscle tissues and their histology.
- Histological organization and morpho-functional relationships of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle tissue. Skeletal muscle as an endocrine organ.
- Ectodermal derivatives: nervous tissue and its histogenesis; neural crest derivatives. Glia, myelinogenesis, and the factors involved.
- The biological properties of stem cells and the foundations of regenerative medicine.
- https://istologia-embriologia-cdlb.jimdofree.com/notizie-del-corso/
Sustainability goals
- Academic year2026/2027
- Degree program to which the course belongsMedicine and Surgery "B" - Roma Azienda Policlinico Umberto I
- Mandatory presenceNo
- LanguageITA
- CFU9 CFU, distributed among 2 integrated didactic modules
- Total duration125 hours