Histology and Developmental Biology: Clinical and Research Implications

Recommended Prerequisites

Morphology; Developmental Biology; Physiology, Anatomy, Cardiology, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology 

Teaching Methods

After a brief introduction of the theoretical aspects, the TP classes will be mostly laboratory. Implementation of some methodologies as well as the observation and analysis of preparations and images of light and electron microscopy will be promoted. The projection of explanatory videos oriented essentially to the study of biology of development will be prometed. Clinically oriented problems will be solved.

Use of transmission and scanning electronic microscopes and visits to Clinical Pathology and Pathological Anatomy Services can be scheduled.

Learning Outcomes

This Curricular Unit aims to reinforce students' knowledge and skills in Histology and Developmental Biology, with emphasis on laboratory and applied research, as well as in clinical situations, namely related to human development. The student should acquire knowledge that allows a correlation between prenatal development, malformations and their clinical manifestations.

They should also acquire skills in immunocytochemical and molecular biology methodologies for light and electronic microscopy in order to understand its application in diagnosis, prognosis and therapy as well as in the context of research. 

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1 – Light microscopy versus electron microscopy.

2 – Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

3 – Histochemical and immunocytochemical methods.

4 – Molecular biology methods and their application.

5 – Methodologies of artificial intelligence.

6 – Molecular aspects, signaling pathways and developmental biology.

7 – The bilaminar disc, the embryo and the fetus. Prenatal diagnosis.

8 – The importance of the maternal-fetal environment in developmental biology.

9 – Cancer, oncobiology and developmental biology.

10 – Defects and clinical repercussions on heart development.

11 – The development of the respiratory system and clinical correlations.

12 – Clinical aspects related to the development of the stomach and intestine.

13 – Neurosciences and development of the nervous system.

14 – Urogenital development and clinical correlation.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria de Fátima Pinto Saraiva Martins

Assessment Methods

Assessment method
Continuous Assessment: 100.0%

Bibliography

- B. Young, P. Woodford and G. O´Dowd, Wheater´s Functional Histology, última edição, Elsevier.

- W. K. Ovalle and P. C. Nahirney, Netter’s Functional Histology with correlated histopathology, ultimo edição, Elsevier.

- C. Gonçalves e V. Bairos, Histologia Texto e Imagens, Histologia, Histogénese e Organogénese, última edição. Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra.

- J. D. Bancroft, C. Layton and K. S. Suvarna, Bancroft’s Theory and Practice of Histological Techniques, última edição, Elsevier.

- I. B. Buchwalow, W. Bocker, Immunohistochemistry basic and methods, última edição, Springer.

- T. W Sadler, Langman’s Medical Embryology, última edição, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

- K. L. Moore, T. V. N. Persaud e M. G. Torchia, The Developing Human, Clinically Oriented Embryology, última edição, Elsevier.