HISTOLOGY Single channel

Chair (Coordinator) and Rapporteur: MARINA BOUCHE'

Module 1: HISTOLOGY I

Activity type
B_03. Morfologia umana e funzioni biologiche integrate di organi, sistemi e apparati umani
SSD
BIOS-13/A
Year
1st year
Semester
2nd semester
CFU
3
Hours distribution
30 classroom hours
Lecturers
MARINA BOUCHE'
DARIO COLETTI
LUCA MADARO

Module 2: HISTOLOGY II

Activity type
Attività formative affini o integrative
SSD
MEDS-01/A
Year
1st year
Semester
2nd semester
CFU
2
Hours distribution
24 classroom hours
Lecturers
ANTONIO PIZZUTI

Module 3: APPLIED BIOLOGY

Activity type
B_01. Discipline generali per la formazione dell'odontoiatra
SSD
BIOS-10/A
Year
1st year
Semester
2nd semester
CFU
2
Hours distribution
20 classroom hours
Lecturers
CARLO COGONI

Module 4: GENETICS

Activity type
B_03. Morfologia umana e funzioni biologiche integrate di organi, sistemi e apparati umani
SSD
BIOS-13/A
Year
1st year
Semester
2nd semester
CFU
4
Hours distribution
40 classroom hours
Lecturers
MARINA BOUCHE'
DARIO COLETTI
LUCA MADARO

Objectives

General aim
Upon completing the course, the student will become acquainted with the relationship between structure and function in adult tissues and during organogenesis

Specific aims (notions and know-how)
Upon completing the course, the student will have learnt the morpho-functional organization of histological structures in the human body and in the embryo.
Upon completing the course, the student must have become familiar with the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in tissue development, homeostasis, and regeneration.
Upon completing the course, the student must have acquired the ability to analyze, interpret and describe histological samples.
Upon completing the course, the student must have understood the methodological and experimental approaches used to define and describe tissues; learn how to apply these approaches to biomedical and physio-pathological problems.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, the student will become acquainted with the relationship between structure and function in adult tissues and during organogenesis

In particular:

Upon completing the course, the student will have learnt the morpho-functional organization of histological structures in the human body and in the embryo.

Upon completing the course, the student must have become familiar with the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in tissue development, homeostasis, and regeneration.

Upon completing the course, the student must have acquired the ability to analyze, interpret and describe histological samples.

Upon completing the course, the student must have understood the methodological and experimental approaches used to define and describe tissues; learn how to apply these approaches to biomedical and physio-pathological problems.

Prerequisites

Necessary pre-requisites: high-school level knowledge of Physics, inorganic and organic Chemistry. Useful prerequisites: elements of Cell Biology.

Programme

Module: HISTOLOGY I
INTRODUCTION: Histological techniques: overview of methods in cytology and histology; tissue preparation for microscopic examination; optical and electronic instruments for studying cells and tissues.

HISTOLOGY: Introduction to tissues. Cell differentiation and histogenesis of tissue. Tissue engineering.
Epithelial tissue. Overview of epithelial structure and function. Classification of epithelium. Specializations of cells surface and cell polarity. Lining epithelia: generalities: Histological structure of epidermis, oral and digestive mucosa.
Glands: Classification of multicellular glands. Mechanisms of secretion. Histogenesis and structure of major exocrine and endocrine glands.
Connective tissues: General structure and functions of connective tissue; extracellular matrix, fibers, ground substance and cells; basement membranes. Classification of connective tissue. Connective tissue proper: loose, dense, reticular,


EMBRYOLOGY:
A: General Embryology
Introduction. Genetics and molecular biology of human development. Morphogenetic mechanisms.
Gonads, meiosis, male and female gametogenesis. The uterine cycle and its regulation. Hormonal control of gametogenesis. Fertilization. Medically assisted reproduction.
Early stages of the embryo development. Segmentation. Morula. Blastocyst and implantation. The bilaminar embryonic disk.
Embryonic and adult stem cells, somatic cell reprogramming into pluripotent stem cells (iPS): concepts, definition and potentiality for tissue regeneration and repair.
Gastrulation: timing and 3D formation of primitive layers: endoderm, ectoderm and mesoderm.
The notochord and its role in embryo development.
Neurulation
Embryonic folding processes and definition of body cavities
Development of trophoblast. Placenta and fetal membranes. Embryo annexes.
Ectoderm: neural tube, brai vescicles, stomodeo
Other ectoderm derivatives: epidermis, pituitary gland and other glands
Endoderm: primitive gut and respirator system
Mesoderm: paraxial, intermedia and lateral mesoderm and their derivatives
Basic notions of the initial organogenesis of cardiovascular, respiratory, urogenital, endocrine systems


Module: HISTOLOGY II
N/D
Module: APPLIED BIOLOGY
Foundations and Tools of Molecular Biology.
Techniques for nucleic acid extraction and purification.
Electrophoresis and restriction enzyme digestion.
Molecular cloning.
Hybridization and probe-based techniques.
DNA amplification: PCR and its variants.
Protein analysis: protein extraction and quantification, chromatographic techniques for purification, electrophoresis, immunoblotting, and structural analysis.
Introduction to gene expression.
Gene expression analysis.
DNA sequencing techniques: Classical Sanger sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
The Human Genome Project and post-genomic genomics: applications in medicine and biotechnology, ethics, data management, and future perspectives.


Module: GENETICS
Adipose tissue: types and functions
Cartilage: cells and extracellular matrix. Types of cartilage and their distribution. Perichondrium. Chondrogenesis and cartilage growth and repair.
Bone: Bone architecture and functions. Bone matrix. Cells of bone. Osteogenesis, bone remodeling and homeostasis.
Tooth and oral cavity: morpho-functional features and histogenesis of dental tissues. Pulp; Dentin; Cement; Enamel; Periodontal ligament; Alveolar bone. Histological organization of gingiva, oral mucosa, tongue, taste buds. The salivary glands.
Blood: plasma, erythrocytes, leucocytes, platelets. Bone marrow. Prenatal and postnatal hemopoiesis. Hematopoietic stem cells, progenitor cells and precursor cells.
Immune system and organs, including the histological structure of thymus, spleen and lymph nodes.
Muscle tissues: types of muscle tissues: overview of structure and function. Morphology and functional characteristics of skeletal muscle. Fine structure of skeletal muscle fibers. Contraction and relaxation. Motor and sensory innervation of skeletal muscle. Neuromuscular junction.
Morphology and functional characteristics of cardiac muscle. Fine structure of cardiac muscle fibers; intercalated disk, organelles. Contraction of cardiac fibers. Conducting system of the heart.
Morphology and functional characteristics of smooth muscle. Fine structure of smooth muscle fibers. Smooth muscle contraction. Regeneration of muscle tissues.
Nervous tissue: Histogenesis, general organization, morpho-functional relationships. Cells of the nervous system. Neuron types and their morphology. Axonal transport system. Synapses and synaptic transmission. The nerve fibers; general structure of nerves, connective tissue investments. Neuroglia. Impulse conduction. Response of neurons to injury.

EMBRYOLOGY:
Development of the stomatognathic system: neurocranium and splanchnocranium
Tooth development
Teratogenesis. General etiology and mechanisms of congenital disorders.

Books

Module: HISTOLOGY I
The high quality textbooks suggested here can be used for the preparation of the Histology exam for Dental School students. The student will need one textbook for Histology , and one for Embryology.
The students are free to choose any university level Histology / Embryology textbook, including textbooks not listed here.
The specific items / subjects required to pass the examinations (ongoing and final) are listed in the syllabus, regardless of their presence on individual textbooks.

Histology y (one textbook):
AA.VV., ISTOLOGIA di Monesi, Piccin, 8° ed
M.H. Ross, M.W. Pawlina, ISTOLOGIA, CEA

Embriology (one textbook):
AA.VV., EMBRIOLOGIA UMANA, Piccin
T.W. Sadler, EMBRIOLOGIA MEDICA di Langman, Edra-Masson
K.L. Moore, T.V.N. Persaud, M.G. Torchia, LO SVILUPPO PRENATALE DELL'UOMO, Edra


Dental Histology and Embryology
MARALDI-GAGLIANO Istologia ed Embriologia orale (EDI-ERMES)


(Further titles and details can be found at the elearning pageof the current year

It is recommended that the students consult and study the chosen textbooks in parallel with the class lessons. The lecture presentations, supplied to the students on the eLearning page of the course, are not sufficient for exam preparation.

LINKS DIDATTICI
http://www.udel.edu/biology/Wags/histopage/histopage.htm
http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MedEd/Histo/frames/histo_frames.html
http://lifesci.dls.rutgers.edu/~babiarz/DrBsRev.htm
http://www.uni-mainz.de/FB/Medizin/Anatomie/workshop/EM/EMAtlas.html


Module: HISTOLOGY II
N/D
Module: APPLIED BIOLOGY
Bruce Alberts, Rebecca Heald, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter. Biologia molecolare della cellula. Settima edizione.


Module: GENETICS
The high quality textbooks suggested here can be used for the preparation of the Histology exam for Dental School students. The student will need one textbook for Histology , and one for Embryology.
The students are free to choose any university level Histology / Embryology textbook, including textbooks not listed here.
The specific items / subjects required to pass the examinations (ongoing and final) are listed in the syllabus, regardless of their presence on individual textbooks.

Histology y (one textbook):
AA.VV., ISTOLOGIA di Monesi, Piccin, 8° ed
M.H. Ross, M.W. Pawlina, ISTOLOGIA, CEA

Embriology (one textbook):
AA.VV., EMBRIOLOGIA UMANA, Piccin
T.W. Sadler, EMBRIOLOGIA MEDICA di Langman, Edra-Masson
K.L. Moore, T.V.N. Persaud, M.G. Torchia, LO SVILUPPO PRENATALE DELL'UOMO, Edra


Dental Histology and Embryology
MARALDI-GAGLIANO Istologia ed Embriologia orale (EDI-ERMES)


(Further titles and details can be found at the elearning pageof the current year

It is recommended that the students consult and study the chosen textbooks in parallel with the class lessons. The lecture presentations, supplied to the students on the eLearning page of the course, are not sufficient for exam preparation.

LINKS DIDATTICI
http://www.udel.edu/biology/Wags/histopage/histopage.htm
http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MedEd/Histo/frames/histo_frames.html
http://lifesci.dls.rutgers.edu/~babiarz/DrBsRev.htm
http://www.uni-mainz.de/FB/Medizin/Anatomie/workshop/EM/EMAtlas.html

Bibliography

Module: HISTOLOGY I
N/D
Module: HISTOLOGY II
N/D
Module: APPLIED BIOLOGY
N/D
Module: GENETICS
N/D

Lessons mode

The teacher delivers lectures with traditional methods with audiovisual aids and scheduling of lessons as reported on GOMP Aure/Orari system, published on the website of the Dental School, and on the course eLearning page:https://elearning.uniroma1.it/course/view.php?id=16673
The course includes labs (use of a compound microscope, analysis of histological preps - see calendar), and integrates electives (ADE) and seminars

Frequency

The student is required to attend educational activities, formal, non-formal, vocational (§ 4.5, Regulations of the Dental School). The frequency is checked by the teachers through signature / updated lists provided by the Academic Office, as established by CCLMOPD. The certificate of mandatory attendance to the teaching course is required to the student to be admitted at the final test.

Exam mode

Non-compulsory, ongoing tests (multiple-choice quizzes) are organized - indicatively - in January (cytology) and May (general embryology and non-dental special embryology).
The final oral examination consists of questions covering the three main subdivisions of the syllabus (cytology, histology proper, and embryology). The student must demonstrate a sufficient knowledge of each of the three parts. A more specific list of topics included in each subdivision is reported in the detailed program of the course; all topics may be object of questions during the oral examination, independently from what is covered during the frontal lessons.
The exam dates are published on the Dental School web page and on the Histology course eLearning page: https://elearning.uniroma1.it/course/view.php?id=16673

Example exam questions

The interview will be on topics included in the sillabus

Arguments

Module: HISTOLOGY I

  • Introduction to the course. Methods

  • Epitheliai tissue: lying, secretory and sensory epithelia

  • Connective tissues: proper conn. tissue

  • Female and male gametogenesis

  • Fertilization and first week of development

  • Second, third and fouth week of development

  • Ectoderm and its derivatives

  • Endoderm and its derivatives

  • Mesoderm and its derivatives

  • Embryonic appendages



Module: HISTOLOGY II
N/D
Module: APPLIED BIOLOGY
  • Fundamentals and Tools of Molecular Biology (4 hours).--- Structure and function of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Central dogma of molecular biology. Techniques for extraction and purification of nucleic acids. Extraction of DNA and RNA from different types of cells. Purity and quantification (spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, control gels). Preservation and degradation of nucleic acids. Electrophoresis and restriction enzyme digestion. Restriction enzymes and restriction mapping. Agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Analysis of DNA and RNA fragments.
    • Books: Bruce Alberts, Rebecca Heald, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter. Biologia molecolare della cellula. Settima edizione

  • Molecular Cloning (1 hour).----- Plasmid and phage vectors. Ligases, bacterial transformation, clone selection. Genomic and cDNA libraries.
    • Books: Bruce Alberts, Rebecca Heald, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter. Biologia molecolare della cellula. Settima edizione

  • Hybridization and Probe-Based Techniques (1 hour).----Southern blot, Northern blot. DNA microarrays. Applications in molecular diagnostics.
    • Books: Bruce Alberts, Rebecca Heald, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter. Biologia molecolare della cellula. Settima edizione

  • DNA Amplification: PCR and Variants (1 hour).----Principles of PCR. Types: quantitative PCR (qPCR), RT-PCR, digital PCR. Diagnostic and research applications.
    • Books: Bruce Alberts, Rebecca Heald, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter. Biologia molecolare della cellula. Settima edizione

  • Protein Analysis (2 hours).-----Protein extraction and quantification: methods of cell lysis and protein assays. Chromatography: ion exchange, size exclusion, affinity. Electrophoresis and immunoblotting: SDS-PAGE and 2D-PAGE. Western blot: principles, antibodies, detection, ELISA, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, diagnostic and research applications. Structural and functional protein analysis: Mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF); X-ray crystallography and NMR. Introduction to proteomics.
    • Books: Bruce Alberts, Rebecca Heald, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter. Biologia molecolare della cellula. Settima edizione

  • Introduction to Gene Expression (2 hours).-----Concept of gene and gene expression. Regulation of transcription and translation. Post-translational regulation and protein regulation: transcription factors, promoters, enhancers, and silencers. Differences between gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Relationship between mRNA and protein. mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, miRNA, siRNA, lncRNA. mRNA maturation and splicing. RNA stability and turnover.
    • Books: Bruce Alberts, Rebecca Heald, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter. Biologia molecolare della cellula. Settima edizione

  • Gene Expression Analysis (1 hour).----Total and fractionated RNA extraction (mRNA, miRNA). Assessment of RNA quality and quantity (spectrophotometry, Bioanalyzer). Northern blot and hybridization: DNA–RNA hybridization principle, in situ hybridization. RT-PCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR), reverse transcription and RNA amplification.
    • Books: Bruce Alberts, Rebecca Heald, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter. Biologia molecolare della cellula. Settima edizione

  • he Human Genome Project and Post-Genomic Genomics (4 hours).-----The Human Genome Project: history and objectives. Technologies used in the project. Results and impact on biology and medicine. Comparative genomics and genome annotation: identification of genes and regulatory regions. Genomic databases (GenBank, Ensembl, UCSC Genome Browser). Applications of genomics: personalized medicine and pharmacogenomics; molecular diagnostics and genetic testing; biotechnology and agricultural genomics. Future perspectives and final discussion: single-cell sequencing; epigenomics and multi-omics; ethics and privacy of genomic data.
    • Books: Bruce Alberts, Rebecca Heald, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter. Biologia molecolare della cellula. Settima edizione



Module: GENETICS
  • Specialized connective tissues: fat, cartilage, bone and blood tissues

  • Bone marrow, hemopoiesis, primary and secondar limphoid organs

  • Tooth and oral cavity

  • Muscle tissues: skeletal, crdiac and smooth muscle

  • Nervous tisuue and neuroglia

  • Pharingeal gut development: furrows, arches and pouches, development of slaivary glands 

  • development of stomatognathic system, neurocranium and slanchnocranium

  • Tooth development

  • Teratogenesis


Sustainability goals

  • Goal3
  • Goal4
  • Academic year2026/2027
  • Degree program to which the course belongsDental School
  • Mandatory presenceNo
  • LanguageITA
  • CFU11 CFU, distributed among 4 integrated didactic modules
  • Total duration114 hours