Histology is one of the fundamental disciplines of (bio)medical sciences. The aim of the Molecular and Functional Histology course is to describe the histology of each organ in the human body and to correlate its tissue structure with the function of the organ. At the end of the course, the student will have acquired the following notions - knowledge of the tissue and cell structure of each organ in the human body, in a normal (physiological) context - linking the structure of organs to their function (by integrating notions of histophysiology) - The ability to identify differences in histological structures found in the main domestic animals compared to the basic human model. Relate these differences in terms of evolution and adaptation to the living environment. - acquisition of a scientific vocabulary used in morphological sciences - ability to identify an organ on the basis of precise morphological criteria e.g.: tinctorial affinity, cell shape and number, morphological tissue arrangements or specialisations, ... - Through the knowledge of the different morphological criteria, the student will be initiated to the differential diagnosis approach which consists in : (1) analyse a morphological document by recognising the different tissues of which it is composed; to this end, knowledge of general histology is an essential prerequisite, (2) prioritise the results of the observation according to their importance, (3) synthesise the results and develop one or more diagnostic leads, (4) refine, justify and corroborate the validity of each hypothesis, in a complete and correct manner Example: (1) Presence of covering and glandular epithelial tissue, simple columnar epithelial cells with apical specialisation of microvilli and caliciform cells, the organ has a lumen and is bordered by mucosal folds: villi and crypts, peripheral smooth muscle tissue arranged in concentric and longitudinal layers, presence of loose connective tissue, presence of blood vessels and nerve plexuses. (2) Hierarchisation and mental reconstruction of the organ by linking the presence of each tissue to a particular function e.g. microvilli, villi è increased intestinal absorption surface / peripheral smooth muscle layers è muscle tube ensuring peristalsis (3) Digestive system, digestive tract, intestine, duodenum or jejunum or ileum or colon (4) Duodenum if Brünner's glands are present or jejunum if digitiform villi or ileum if Peyer's Plate is present...
As regards the theoretical part, the student is expected to : • know the cytological and tissue characteristics of each organ • knows the role and function of tissues within an organ and intrinsically relates to the physiology of the organ • replace the histology course in all biomedical disciplines and be able to create links with anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, anatomo-pathology, immunology, ... • is able to recognise an organ as non-human, identify how the histology deviates from the human model and suggest ways to identify the species from which the specimen was taken, and justify morphological differences based on adaptations or behaviour. In the practical part, the student is expected to be able to identify a tissue or an organ by microscopic observation alone, within a reasonable time. In order to achieve this goal, the student will have to be progressively introduced to the method of differential diagnosis (see above) and will have to be able to justify by means of arguments his diagnostic reasoning.
The different chapters deal with the major systems (see Table of Contents), describing the microanatomy of each organ, the relationship between the structure and the function of the organ, while also integrating notions of histophysiology. Potential interactions between systems, elements of physiopathology and recent data from biochemistry, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry or genetics that may explain certain regulations and deregulations will also be presented. The comparative histology course takes as a basis the study of the histology of the healthy human model and emphasizes the histological diversities and specificities encountered in different species of domestic mammals (e.g. carnivores, horses, ruminants) and more rarely in birds.
Integumentary system - Blood and hematopoiesis - Cardiovascular system - Respiratory system - Endocrine system - Digestive system - Urinary system - Introduction to the sense organs: eye and ear
The practical work illustrates in a practical, didactic and interactive way the cells, tissues and organs covered during the theoretical course. The microscope and a collection of histological slides are the main tools for acquiring histological skills but can be supplemented by diagrams, illustrations from reference books or the student's pen. The computer support www.histology.be offering a library of digitized microscopic images is a powerful educational tool allowing the student to complete his study in the field. The order of the Practical Work sessions respects the order of the theoretical course lessons, with a slight time lag necessary for the assimilation and understanding of the material. Participation in practical work is not compulsory, but is strongly recommended. As a reminder, the overall assessment of this teaching unit involves an exam on the practical part (see Assessment methods).
Assessment method: The evaluation relating to the theoretical material will be carried out in the form of a written examination, including MCQ and/or open questions; the evaluation of the theoretical material will constitute the basis for the calculation of the final mark (X/20). This calculation depends on the result obtained during an examination relating to the Practical Work. The Practical Work will be the subject of an oral examination (if logistically possible) based on the diagnostic approach. The exact terms of the assessment are subject to change when drawing up the exam schedules, depending on the practical constraints that the faculty administration may face, or in the event of illness/force majeure/encroachment with an internship, preventing the student from taking his exam on the date originally scheduled. Score calculation: The result of the theoretical exam gives the numerical value (X/20) which serves as the basis for calculating the final mark. This calculation depends on the result obtained during an examination relating to general histology practical work. A successful lab result (10 or more/20) at least 3 points higher than the score obtained in theory (i.e. X+3/20) increases the latter by 1 point (final score = X+1/20). A successful lab result (10 or more/20) at least 6 points higher than the score obtained in theory (i.e. X+6/20) increases the latter by 2 points (final score = X+2/20). However, a failed TP result of 9/20 penalizes the final score by 1 point (X-1/20), 8/20 penalizes it by 2 points (X-2/20), 7/20 penalizes it 3 points (X-3/20), 6/20 penalizes it by 4 points (X-4/20) and so on. Special cases and exemptions: In case of impossibility to present the examination for justified reason (force majeure, medical certificate), the student will request the holder (and the secretariat) who will convene him at a later date, within the deadlines provided by the R.E.E. The student who has not validated the credits of the Teaching Unit but who has obtained a mark equivalent to or greater than 10/20 in one or the other Learning Activity is automatically granted a partial exemption (DIPA ) for the Learning Activity concerned within the same academic year. However, the student may waive the benefit of the DIPA in order to try to improve his result by attending the Learning Activity. By taking this responsibility, if the outcome leads to a less favorable result, the student cannot claim the right to his initial grade.
*Human History. Stevens - Lowe (De Boeck) *Histology and Cell Biology - Kierszenbaum (De Boeck) *Immunology. Roitt - Brostoff - Male (De Boeck) *Fundamentals of Basic and Clinical Immunology - Abbas and Lichtman (Campus Reference) *Color Atlas of Veterinary Histology - Bacha and Bacha (Wiley Blackwell) *Comparative Veterinary Histology with Clinical Correlates - Aughey and Frye (Manson Publishing)
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine | Standard | 0 | 4 | |
| Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine | Standard | 2 | 4 |