COURSE DESCRIPTION

Studies minute structure of the tissues of the body with particular reference to the teeth and the supporting tissues.  Explains morphology of different tissues, early embryonic development, and histologic features of the structures of the oral cavity.  Lecture 2 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

The general course purpose is to provide an understanding of the basic structure, development, and functions of the oral tissues along with an overall view of body tissues in general. The course serves as a basic science background for other courses such as oral pathology and periodontology.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

High school biology or college-level biology course.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the completion of the course, the student will demonstrate proficiency in the following objectives:

1. Identify basic cell structure and tissue organization.
2. Discuss the structure of epithelial tissues in general with special reference to their presence in the oral cavity with the underlying connective tissues: the pathologic changes these tissues undergo along with their capacity for repair.
3. Identify the structure of the classes of connective tissue, their location and function, and their participation in healing and repair.
4. Describe the structure of muscle tissue and something of its physiology.
5. Identify peripheral nervous tissue with an understanding of the mechanics of neural transmission.
6. Describe the structure of the dental hard tissues and the pulp within along with their embryologic development, and the pathologic changes they undergo.
7. Describe tooth eruption and succession.
8. Describe the structure and development of the periodontium, and the changes it undergoes with age and disease processes.
9. Discuss the embryology of the major structures of the head including the tongue and pharynx.