Laboratory 6

ANIMAL TISSUE  ·  HISTOLOGY

The study of tissues is called histology. In this laboratory we will be concerned strictly with animal tissues. Plant tissues (a coming attraction) will be studied during plant histology toward the end of the semester.

Recall that according to the cell theory, living things are composed of cells. Some "lower" organisms consist of single cells (unicellular) while the "higher" plants and animals are multicellular and contain trillions of specialized cells and their cell products. They are differentiated based on their structure, size, and form. Each is specifically designed to serve a particular function for the benefit of all (division of labor). 

You will study the five major tissue types: epithelium, connective, muscle and blood in this lab. Work to achieve success in recognizing the tissue when you see it microscopically or when it is presented in a diagram or micrograph. Identify special features of each tissue that are responsible for a particular function (form follows function).

 As with all human endeavors, we will mimic nature’s design and employ division of labor in accomplishing our work with tissues. Your instructor will assign a group of students one or more animal tissues to investigate. You along with your group members will be responsible for teaching the class about that particular tissue (or tissues) during the appropriate laboratory.

1 Consult your textbook first. Chapter 40, An Introduction to Animal Structure and Function, will provide a solid introduction of animal histology. Utilize your Photographic Atlas and the micrographs in your textbook for visual recognition of each tissue.

2 View the Animal Tissues videotape on reserve in the Library. You may view this individually or with your group. Make notes as you watch the video.

3 A number of medical schools have good histology micrograph libraries accessible on the worldwide web. You may want to tap into these Internet resources. If you do so, include the Internet address for each slide(s) you download and print.

4 Prepare a typed handout which summaries each tissue, provides descriptions of important features, lists locations where the tissue is found, etc. It would also be helpful to include a simple labeled diagram of each tissue. Include references with page numbers for each source (Campbell, Atlas, etc.). Your instructor will provide charts of each tissue type for your use and serve as a resource and consultant for your group.

 

$ Listed below are the histology slides for BIOL1120 laboratory study.

You may find it helpful to construct a chart showing 1) location,  2) function,  3) unique features, and  4) tissue drawing, illustration or diagram for each tissue. 

 

BLOOD

(1)      Slide of Amphibian (salamander) blood

                    -  label nucleus of red blood cell

                    -  label white blood cell

(2)      Slide of Human Blood Smear

                    -  label red blood cell (no nucleus)

-  label at least one white blood cell (find as many types of white blood cells as you can)

 

NERVOUS TISSUE

(1)      Slide of Spinal Cord of Ox

                    -  label neuron, nucleus, dendrite, axon

 

EPITHELIAL TISSUE

(1)      Slide of Simple Squamous Epithelium (Pavement Epithelium)

-  label nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane (also you make a wet mount of cheek cells showing squamous epithelial cells; stain with iodine and label as above)

(2)      Slide of Columnar Epithelium

                    -  label striated border, mucous plug, goblet cell, nucleus, basement membrane

(3)      Slide of Ciliated Columnar Epithelium

                    - label cilia, cytoplasm, nucleus, basement membrane

(4)      Slide of Cuboidal Epithelium

                    - label nucleus, basement membrane, tubules (spaces around which the cells form a lining)

 

MUSCULAR TISSUE

(1)      Slide of Smooth Muscle

                    -  label peritoneum, nucleus, longitudinal and circular fibers

(2)      Slide of Striated (Skeletal) Muscle

                      -  label sarcolemma (cell membrane), cross striations, syncytium (multi-nucleated),                       sarcoplasm (cytoplasm)

(3)      Slide of Cardiac Muscle (Intercalated Discs)

                    -  label sarcolemma, cross striations, intercalated discs


CONNECTIVE TISSUE

(1)      Slide of Hyline Cartilage

                    -  label chondrocytes (cytoplasm and nucleus), lacunae, matrix

(2)      Slide of Elastic Cartilage

                    -  label as in A but note difference in appearance of matrix of cartilage          

(3)      Slide of white Fibrous Tissue

                    -  label fibers

(4)      Slide of Adipose Tissue

                    -  label adipose cell, lipid droplets (black lipid droplet fills entire cell)

(5)      Slide of Ground Human Bone

                    -  label canaliculi, lamellae, Haversian canal, lacunae, matrix, cementing line

(6)      Slide of Decalcified Bone

-  label periosteum, osteoblasts, Haversian canal, marrow in cavity, lamellae, lacunae, Haversian systems