Histology

Biology 354

The microscopic and ultramicroscopic structure of human cells, tissues and organs correlated with function and development including weekly lab work.

Objectives:

Histology is taught as a lab-driven course, meaning that there are no formal lecture sessions. You will be in the classroom with your microscope in front of you, viewing the histological specimens being discussed, as well as the appropriate visual clues that will enable you to identify these tissues and organ systems. At various times lab work will stop and more lecture/discussion will continue. The more I have taught histology the more I came to realize that the primary goal of a histology course should be present the material in a manner that allows students to learn how to visually identify an unknown histological specimen. Hence the organization for this course. At the completion of this course you should have had fun and enjoyed the term. In addition, you should have:

• Developed a visual and mental understanding of the four basic tissues of the body such that you will be able to successfully identify these tissues now and in the future.
• A visual and mental understanding of how the four basic tissues of the body interrelate to construct the various organs and organ systems of the human body such that you will be able to successfully identify these tissues now and in the future.
• A firm understanding of how structure and function relate histologically.
• A firm understanding of how structure and function relate histologically.
• A mental picture of all of the specimens studied in the laboratory so that you will be able to give a minimum of three good histological reasons for your correct identification of the specimen in question.
• A mechanism to develop logic trees in order to facilitate future specimen identification in a manner that you will be able to give a minimum of three good histological reasons for your correct identification of the specimen in question now and in the future.
• A comprehensive understanding of histological terminology such that it will assist you in the correct identification of the specimen in question now and in the future.