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Histology, Embryology, and Genetics
Student Resources:
- 1 & 2 year:
- Curriculum
- Block Calendars
- 3 & 4 year:
Clinical Rotation Resources:
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Welcome to Histology, Embryology, and Genetics!
Histology, or microscopic anatomy, studies the morphology of cells, tissues and organs with considerable emphasis placed on the structure/function relationship. Laboratory sessions are electronic rather than microscope based. Histology is embedded within the anatomy course, and material is presented in each systems-based block.
Embryology is the study of the fundamental mechanisms underlying normal developmental processes. Early embryology, from fertilization through cranial/caudal and lateral folding, is studied in Block 1. The embryology of each organ system is taught within the anatomy course in each system-based block. While this discipline does look at some of the mechanisms that result in abnormal development, much of the congenital malformations are presented in the pediatrics curriculum.
The sub-discipline of genetics focuses on Mendelian inheritance, non-Mendelian inheritance, population genetics and cytogenetics. This curriculum is combined with introductory embryology in a Block 1 course. Molecular genetics is taught within the Cellular Biology and Physiology curriculum in Block 1. Genetic diseases are taught within Pediatrics or Medicine lectures within the appropriate system-based block.