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Medical Histology and Cell Biology is designed to provide medical students with a background in the structure of the human body at the microscopic level so that they can succeed in their future medical school courses and, ultimately, as physicians. The course also focuses on analysis of the functional reasons for certain anatomical features, both in the normal and, to a lesser extent, the abnormal state. The course is integrated with other first year courses such as Gross Anatomy and Physiology to provide a sound basic science background to human structure and function, and is an essential pre-requisite to the Year 2 Pathology course. 
Our Medical Histology and Cell Biology course, like the entire Year 1 curriculum, takes a traditional “bottom up” approach to studying human anatomy. We begin with in-depth study of the structure and function of individual cells at the light and electron microscope level (EM of pancreatic acinar cells are shown to the right). Next, the course examines the four major tissue types and their subtypes, including discussion of the specific cell types found in each tissue, the organization and functions of these cells in the context of the tissue, and an introduction to the structure and function of extracellular components. Finally, the organ systems in the human are studied, providing more specific details concerning the structure and function of each organ at the tissue and cellular level.
The course is equally weighted between lecture and corresponding laboratories. The lectures are conceptual discussions of the subject matter that also serve as an introduction to subsequent laboratory sessions. The laboratory component provides a visual reinforcement of the material covered in the lecture.
 The major thrust of the laboratory consists of a self-guided study of specimens mounted on glass slides and viewed with a light microscope. To assist student learning, we have produced a Virtual Laboratory Manual (VLM), which is an electronic version of our laboratory manual that contains links to annotated images taken directly from our slide set. Each student has access to a laptop computer that allows them to view the VLM. In addition, we have recently introduced the virtual microscope from Bacus Laboratories (http://www.bacuslabs.com/blog/general/VirtualMicroscopy.html); using this system, students can navigate digital versions of our slides using their mouse. A significant portion of laboratory time is also spent studying cellular detail from electron micrographs. All laboratories have knowledgeable faculty that are more than happy to assist students who have questions about the material.
 Although Medical Histology and Cell Biology is a basic science course, we also introduce students to topics that they will encounter later in their clinical years. This is done through clinical correlations discussed during the lectures, as well as via several cases presented either during the laboratory or as part of small group Team Based Learning exercises. These correlations underscore the fact that a firm foundation in the basic sciences is essential for an understanding of diseases and clinical practice.
Course Director:
D.J. Lowrie Jr., Ph.D.
Field Service Associate Professor
Course Director, Medical Histology and Cell Biology
Cancer and Cell Biology Department
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
231 Albert B. Sabin Way ML 0667
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0667
(513) 558-5032
(513) 558-2727 (fax)
DJ.Lowrie@uc.edu
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