Krause's Self Examination Atlas for the Histology Laboratory : Organs/Systems

Abstract

Use of a Histology Atlas presented in an examination format can be utilized as a teaching tool for the Histology Laboratory and provides a means to aid novice students sharpen their identification skills and understanding of this discipline in preparation for practical laboratory examinations. The following questions are designed to aid students sharpen their identification skills when examining cells, tissues, and organs using the light microscope. On occasion, pertinent electron micrographs [both transmission and scanning electron micrographs] have been included to ensure a thorough presentation of microscopic structure. Several repeat questions utilizing both paraffin and plastic embedded materials have been presented as subtle differences in tissue appearance for each preparation do exist. Different types of questions [how the question is worded] are asked not only to aid the beginning student with refining identification skills but also to sharpen their reasoning and critical thinking skills when evaluating and interpreting a histological specimen. Of these – the simple question – identify the tissue/organ presented- then- justify the conclusion- is by far the most important. In this format the student should provide two or three morphological features that characterize the tissue/ organ in question and are unique to the tissue/ organ under consideration. When this format is utilized it is essential that the student be required to provide concrete reasons to substantiate the rational for the choice made with regard to each identification. The Histology Atlas was designed to follow a previous experience, either a traditional laboratory experience or a similar laboratory experience presented in an online format. Answers to the questions asked and the structures to be identified by labels are presented at the end of the atlas. Most histological preparations selected for this Histology Atlas can be found and examined further at: http://web.missouri.edu/~krausew by viewing the appropriate tutorial housed at this site. The following pre-examination exercise was designed in an attempt to help fellow students of Histology everywhere.