Systems Histology

Course Directors:

Cheryl Dreyfus, PhD
Frank Wilson, PhD

Systems Histology is taught in the first year, spring semester, to medical students. The course presents the structure and function of the organs of the body as revealed by light and electron microscopy. Key concepts from the fall semester course in Cellular and Genetic Mechanisms form the basis for students’ understanding of how cells and tissues are organized into the organs of the body. In addition, the students are exposed to relevant histopathologies to emphasize the importance of normal structure.

The course integrates with other spring semester courses in Medical Physiology, Neuroscience and Microbiology and Immunology. Cooperation and communication among the spring semester course directors have made the integration of topics successful and enhanced student mastering of concepts.
The major goals of the Systems Histology course are:

Knowledge of the normal structure and function of the body (as an intact organism) and of each of its major organ systems.
Knowledge of the molecular, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms important in maintaining the body’s homeostasis.
Knowledge of the altered structure and function (pathology and pathophysiology) of the body and its major organ systems that are seen in various diseases and conditions.
An understanding of the power of the scientific method in establishing the causation of disease and efficacy of traditional and non-traditional therapies.

Course lectures cover aspects of cell biology as they relate to cell, tissue and organ structure and function. Students have a wide variety of tools to help them master material covered in lecture and laboratory. These include lecture handouts, 35mm slide and glass microscope slide collections, microfiche and computer assisted instruction. The computer based programs were developed by departmental faculty and consist of Histology ImageReview, a CD text/atlas that has over 1400 light and electron micrographic images arranged in 20 chapters and Histology QuizBank 2 which has over 600 multiple choice questions relating to cell, tissue and organ structure and function. In 2006 the department faculty created a virtual microscopy experience for the students consisting of digitally scanned images from the glass slide collection.

There are three examinations that have both multiple choice question covering information presented in lecture and practical examination questions with images from the laboratory. At the conclusion of the course students submit an evaluation utilizing WebCT. Systems Histology has consistently received positive evaluations by the students who comment on the dedication of the faculty and the reinforcement and integration of material presented in the other spring semester courses.