MMED1007 Histology: The Building Blocks of the Human Body

2018

4.5

1 x 2-hour practical weekly

1 1 of MDSC1102, BIOL1102, BIOL1203
2 ^ 1 of MMED1005, HLTH1210
Must Satisfy: ((1) or (2))

A general understanding of biology

Practical work; Tests; Examination.

This topic will introduce students to the cellular basis of function in the human body. It will deal with techniques of microscopy, staining, sectioning. Students will also be introduced to the major types of cells in the human body; their general features and their specialised structures, in a systematic, organ-by-organ fashion. The emphasis will be on relating cellular structures to their functions. The topic will cover both theoretical aspects of microscopy and histology as well as practical microscopy. Students will complete a number of practical classes during the course of the semester. Understanding will be assessed in an ongoing fashion by weekly online quizzes, by practical worksheets and write-ups and by an examination at the end of the topic.

The topic aims to provide students with an understanding of the principles of imaging cells, an opportunity to identify the common microscopic features of mammalian cells, and describe specialised features of major cell types in the human body. Students will be able to relate, where appropriate, cell structure to its normal function in the body.

On completion of the topic students should be able to:

• describe the basic principles of microscopy and show insight into how this technique has contributed to biomedicine

• recognise a range of important cells and tissues from their histological features and have an understanding of the range of types of cells of the human body

• demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the dimensions and complexity of individual mammalian cells and tissues

• appreciate that an understanding of cell biology is an essential component of an overall understanding of the functions of tissues, organs and organisms.