Histology

Histology is more an introduction to Pathology than anything else. One learns the "normal" appearance of cells and tissues under the microscope and the types and locations of them in the body. Of course, structure and function are closely related. The Department of Cell and Tissue Biology made the only attempt we experienced in basic sciences to coordinate their material with that of another departments. In this case, they coordinated with what was being taught in Physiology and Neuroscience. The effort was not mutual. Even still, it enhanced the learning experience.

Recognition is everything when working with microscope and Kodachrome slides, so several of us organized sessions in which we would do one of two things: We either lined up microscopes and moved around the table looking at the slides, or we staged "speed races" with the Kodachrome carousels, in which the first person to identify the item then told all he knew about it. It was an effective method of study.

I wouldn't want to tell the department, but much of the written exam material was duplicated in the other courses, and it required very little study time. On the other hand, the slides required a great deal of time and more than compensated for the discrepancy. It is my understanding that the course has been restructured somewhat to reduce the emphasis on the visual aspects of the material. Too bad - it was quite valuable.

last updated 6/6/95

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cwpowell@thechildrensclinic.net
"...intricately wrought in the depths of the earth."
Psalm 139:15