Microscopic Human Structural Biology

Welcome!

Welcome to Microscopic Human Structural Biology. This is the study of anatomy at a microscopic level. Lectures and laboratory sessions will guide the students in the dissection of the human cell, developmental anatomy, and components of the nervous system. Each student will be provided with an electronic light microscope in the laboratory. A multiheaded teaching microscope and a projection microscope will further augment their learning process. We hope that you will enjoy your journey in medicine with us.

Course Overview:

Microscopic HSB is an annual subject given to first year medical students with 4 hours lectures and 4 hours laboratory per week for a total of 10 units/year. It is divided into three sub-disciplines – Histology, Embryology and Neuroanatomy. Following horizontal integration of subjects in the 1^st year, all three sub-disciplines are discussed synchronously with the other major first year subjects (Biochemistry and Physiology) in relation to a body system together with their clinical correlation.

In Histology, the normal microscopic features of the cells, tissues and organs are discussed and viewed under the light microscope. Included in the discussion are the parenchymal cells, stroma, and characteristic histologic features of the different organs of the body. Embryonic development of the tissues and organs are included in the discussion prior to the histological structures to enable the students to appreciate their development and correlate normal development with abnormalities in the course of development. Under the light microscope, an actual cut section of a pig embryo is made available for demonstration and individual viewing of the students.

Neuroanatomy involves the study of major macroscopic and microscopic components of the central and peripheral nervous system. Preserved specimens of the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem are available for students to study in the laboratory. These specimens are eventually cut, to locate the different internal features. In addition, sensory and motor pathways are traced and illustrated. Common neurologic conditions are also introduced to the students.

Selected clinical cases involving different organ systems of the body are prepared for the students. Consultants from the clinical departments will give a short lecture relevant to these cases. This is followed by the discussion of the specific abnormalities, congenital malformations, as well as neurological defects as the case may require. Correlating the normal and the abnormal structures, and its clinical manifestations as early as the first year will enable the first year students to develop a solid foundation that will help them in their future clinical subjects and eventual clinical practice.

Learning Modules:

WEEK 1: Preboarding Week

WEEK 2: Microscopy & Microtechnique | Cell/ Parenchyma/ Stroma

WEEK 3: Intro to Tissues | Nervous Tissues (CNS/PNS)

WEEK 4: Muscle Tissue | Sensory & motor Nerve Endings/ Receptors Effectors

WEEK 5: Epithelial Tissue | Connective Tissue

WEEK 6: Embryo/Histo of Bones & Cartilages | Spinal Cord (External & Internal Features)

WEEK 7: PRELIM THEORETICAL EXAMINATION

WEEK 8: Autonomic Nervous System | Sensory/ Motor/ Association Neuron

WEEK 9: Embryo of GIT/ Histo of Accessory Gland of Digestion

WEEK 10: Oral Cavity/ Esophagus/ Stomach/ Intestine | Myeloid Tissue

WEEK 11: Blood and Lymph | Lymphatic Tissue and Organ

WEEK 12: Immune System I (Basic) & II (Clinical)

WEEK 13: Embryo/ Histo of CVS

WEEK 14: MIDTERM THEORETICAL EXAMINATION

WEEK 15: Embryo/ Histo of Skin | Embryo of Nervous System

WEEK 16: Cerebrum (Ext & Int Features)/ Meninges/ CSF/ BBB | Embryo/ Histo of Respiratory System

WEEK 17: Review for Final Examination I & II

WEEK 18: FINAL THEORETICAL EXAMINATION

WEEK 18: FINAL PRACTICAL EXAMINATION