(32) BIOL 275: A Journey to the Center of the Mouse Cecum

     During the Spring semester, the Microanatomy and Histology class has learned techniques of tissue collection, histological processing and staining, microscopic observation, and cellular evaluation and analysis. Here,... [ view full abstract ]

     During the Spring semester, the Microanatomy and Histology class has learned techniques of tissue collection, histological processing and staining, microscopic observation, and cellular evaluation and analysis. Here, we present a product of this work in a gallery of nine student project posters, each exploring a selected mouse (Mus musculus) tissue or organs. For each project, tissue slides were processed using two complementary staining techniques to visualize a broader range of cellular structures and gain a better understand of the relationship between morphological structures and the regulation of physiological functions. To that end, each student’s poster delves into tissue-specific cell types and architectures to provide an overview of how those cells’ function to support the organism as a whole. The cecum, located in the right side of the abdominal cavity, is a pouch that marks the beginning of the large intestine. The organ stores bacteria that plays a role in maintaining the organism's microflora. The bacteria found aid in enzymatic activity on food breakdown which ultimately helps the body acquire nutrients. The cell types found within the cecum are specific in structure and function that play a crucial role in maintaining the mouse healthy. We invite you to take this “Journey to the Center of the Mouse”, to talk with the students who did this work, and to gain a greater understanding of multicellular organism complexity.