Things to keep in mind when studying for the exam:

1. Be sure you understand what we mean when we ask you to 'classify' a structure vs. 'identify' a structure
   We make a fuss about classifying vs. identifying structures mainly when we are talking about epithelium, glands and connective tissues, so later in the course this will not be such an issue. For now, however, you should realize that to classify a structure means to place it in a group with similar structures, while to identify it means to give its own unique name - the name that distinguishes it from all other similar structures.
   Suppose we took you as an example, and wanted to classify vs. identify you. You are a male of the species Homo sapiens. That would be classifying you. You are also Michael Carrington. That is identifying you.
   To take an example from histology, suppose we are looking at the epithelium that lines a blood vessel. We classify it as a simple squamous epithelium. We identify it by saying that it is the endothelium. This name distinguishes it from all other simple squamous epithelia in the body.

2. When we say 'be specific' we mean it:

   For many of the organs that you have learned about, you are often required to be able to distinguish not only what organ it is, but where in the organ the section comes from, or from what physiological state it is in. For example:

• Mammary Gland: When looking at a slide, you need to be able to distinguish whether the glands are inactive, proliferating(pregnancy) or lactating.

3. Don't forget to utilize all the resources available on the website and in the laboratory:

• For each laboratory, you can find 'focus questions' that may help clarify details about the histological structure or function of cells, tissues or organs that you need to identify. From the main webpage, click on a case, select the laboratory assignment and scroll to the end of the assignment. Test yourself - think about what the answer is, then check it by clicking on the 'answer' link.
• The online lab-manuals contain both annotated micrograph images and virtual slides (many with annotations) that can help you learn how to locate and identify particular structures.
• Use the histology atlas online (link is on the main webpage), or videodisks in the laboratory. These are particularly useful for learning the cell types and details of tissue and organ structure when higher magnification views are useful. Using the macintosh computer attached to the videodisk player (one set up in each lab) you can use a quiz mode to test yourself. Information on how to use this feature can be found in the course information section of the microanatomy website.
• Don't forget to look at the electron micrographs - in the Rhodin atlas in your locker, or online (link on main page). Ross also has some good EM images.
• Study from your glass and virtual slide collections. Quiz each other by displaying a slide and having other members of your group guess what slide is being shown - just cover up the labels.
• The "Structure Checklists" at the end of each laboratory can be used as a guide for deciding which structures to focus on when you are studying.

4. A useful tip:

   When you are studying, keep in mind a couple of key features that can help you quickly identify a particular tissue or an organ, particularly those features that are unique to that organ, region or tissue that can help you distinguish it from similar ones.

Structure Checklist:

Microscopy, Stains and Organelles (based on your microscopy and cell structure self-study guides)

Epithelia and Glands (based on your epithelium self-study guide)

Integument (skin and appendages)

Connective tissue (based on your laboratory assignment and CT cells self-study guide)

Mammary Gland

Muscle

Nerve

Cartilage and Bone

Bone Formation and Remodeling

Respiratory System

Cardiovascular System