Week 5 – Histology Module

The different tissue layers of the skin cross section in the image are stained different colours. The epidermis is dark purple, while the layer immediately beneath it (the dermis) is light pink.
Cover Page Image by R. Belowitz (2019). Cross section of skin from a 30-day mouse, stained with H&E. 100X. Imaged captured with a Zeiss Axio Lab.A1 microscope.

This module was originally designed by Dr. Sunita Nadella (School of Interdisciplinary Science). It has been revised by Ms. Devon Jones,  Mr. Ryan Belowitz and Dr. Ana Tomljenovic-Berube in the School of Interdisciplinary Science.

Module Overview

In this Histology Module, we will use the integumentary system (skin) to introduce you to the field of histology and the techniques used in the preparation of tissues for observation and image acquisition using light microscopy, and subsequent analysis of these images using software. The lecture will provide general background information on histological techniques, the components of different tissues, the structure of skin, and age related effects on skin structure. In lab, you will conduct an H&E histological staining protocol and try coverslipping prepared microscope slides. You will also use the compound light microscopes to obtain images of prepared mouse skin samples. In tutorial, you will complete a case study showing how microscopy can be used in diagnostic tests in the health care field.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, students should be able to:

  1. Describe the different sectional planes and the various internal views achieved with each plane.
  2. Explain why accurate representations of tissues and their structures is important for histology, and how various factors can change normal tissue appearance.
  3. Follow an H&E staining protocol and coverslip slides they have stained using permount.
  4. Use the Zeiss Primostar compound microscope to capture images of prepared mouse skin tissue.
  5. Use ImageJ to analyze images captured in the lab.
  6. Create a publication quality, multi-panel figure.

Missed work

If you miss the lab, tutorial or any work associated with this module, here are the details on accommodations.

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

LIFESCI 2L03: Living Systems Laboratory Course Pack (5th Edition) Copyright © by Ryan Belowitz; Ana Tomljenovic-Berube; and Devon Jones is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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