Acquisition of the knowledge underlying the development processes: from cell proliferation to differentiation and morphogenesis. Learning of the main stages that lead to the development of the human organism. Knowledge of the main clinical correlations deriving from morphogenetic and histogenetic alterations of development. At the end of the course the student should be able to remember the fundamental concepts of the molecular processes of cell induction and differentiation and discuss the main events of the early stages of embryogenesis.
Course Prerequisites
For a correct and easier acquisition of the topics that will be addressed, it is necessary that the student has understood the fundamental notions of Physics (osmosis, oncotic pressure, etc.), Chemistry and Biochemical Propaedeutic concepts (concept of pH, chemical bonds, types of ions and types of molecules, etc.), Biology and Genetics (nucleic acids, protides, lipids, carbohydrates, enzymes, cell and cell organelles, etc.). Mandatory prerequisites
Teaching Methods
Frontal lessons in Histology and Embryology with videos. Student seminars on recent scientific articles related to the topics of the course.
Assessment Methods
Oral exam.
Texts
EMBRIOLOGY Embriologia, Barbieri-Carinci, CEA
Contents
Introduction to development. Differentiation. Mechanisms of molecular induction. Gametogenesis. Clinical correlates: numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities. Oogenesis. The control mechanisms of the ovarian cycle. Spermatogenesis. Hormonal control of spermatogenesis. Fertilization: transport in the sperm ducts; the seed; transport in women's streets; capacitation; penetration of the sperm into the egg. The reactions of the egg. First week events: segmentation. Compaction of the morula. Determination and totipotency of blastomeres. Blastocyst formation. Embryonic and adult stem cells. Events of the second week: The embryonic disc. The extraembryonic mesoderm. The syncytiotrophoblast and its functions. The first circulation. Chorion and extraembryonic coelom. Primary and secondary yolk sac. Events of the third week: the formation of the three germ layers; the formation of the notochord; the induction of the nervous system; the subdivision of the mesoderm; primitive circulation; adhesion and migration of embryonic cells. Fourth week events: the longitudinal folds; the lateral folds and the primitive intestine; the development of the ectoderm; the development of the mesoderm; the development of the endoderm. Formation of the placenta: the primitive placenta; the definitive placenta. The umbilical cord. The placental circulation. The functions of the placenta. Development Review. Summary of the embryonic period. Main events of the second trimester of pregnancy. Main events of the third trimester of pregnancy. Congenital malformations.organoids as new emerging models for biomedical research. Organoids are small self-organizing three-dimensional (3D) tissue cultures derived from stem cells that mimic certain tissues or organs.
Course Language
Italian Lessons with English supporting videos or slides.
More information
Students reception: Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, I floor, Building A/NPD, Wednesday 10-13 am, appointement on others days, Tel. +39.0871.3554089/4097; e-mail guya.marconi@unich.it
