The Anatomy Course represents all the notions about macroscopic morphology of certain human organs and organ systems. Basic preclinical knowledge of the anatomy of human body is a prerequisite for a more thorough understanding of clinical subjects. Throughout the course, students are trained in finding and recognizing all the anatomical structures, with a special emphasis on the areas they will be encountering more intensively in their future clinical work. That being said, the students are expected to have the basic knowledge of the systematic anatomy as a whole, but for dental medicine students, the emphasis is on the topographic anatomy of head and neck, whereas for physiotherapy students the emphasis is on the knowledge of musculoskeletal system. During the seminar sessions, professors refer to clinically significant differences that could affect establishing the clinical diagnosis and the treatment. In the practical segment of the course, the boundaries of certain areas and their complete anatomical content are demonstrated on a corpse, which enables students to notice and explain topographic relations in each region. By mastering the anatomy course content, students will be able to analyse the human body anatomy and interpret life functions, which will later serve as a prerequisite for a successful completion of the courses in Clinical Medicine, developing an integral approach to health and illnesses along the way.
As part of the Histology Course, students are taught basic knowledge about the microscopic structure of tissues and the way they are arranged in the organs and organ systems. In teaching, special emphasis is placed on a comprehensive approach to microscopy, in terms of correlation with anatomy, physiology and pathology. Closely related to histology is Embryology, an area that involves the research and transfer of knowledge about the molecular, structural, and cellular factors that lead to the creation of a new individual.
Pathology Course is divided into two parts: general pathology, which deals with the principles and mechanisms of fundamental processes occurring in the majority of diseases; and special pathology, which is based on the application of general pathology principles to individual organs and organ systems. Whereas general pathology relies on experimental biology and other basic sciences, special pathology is more clinically oriented. In the pathology course, students learn about causes of a disease (etiology), deterioration of healthy tissue (pathogenesis) and about morphological changes in tissues, organs or the body. As a morphological science, pathology includes autopsy pathology, surgical pathology, and cytopathology, along with the application of histochemical, immunohistochemical and molecular techniques. In the pathology course, students get acquainted with the changes that occur in the body as a consequence of a disease or a treatment. Pathological knowledge is important for determining the treatment and establishing the prognosis (survival or recovery) based on pathological results.
Scientific research conducted by members of the Department is closely connected to the research of obesity, adipose tissue biology, glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as the impact of obesity and metabolic complications on conception, implantation, embryogenesis and pregnancy. The impact of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms on the development of cancer, especially breast cancer, is also being researched. Scientists at the Department are educated to conduct research on animal and human models, and the results are regularly published in scientific papers and presented at international congresses.
Head of department
Assistant Professor Anđela Grgić, Ph.D.
Teachers and associates
Professor Branko Dmitrović, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Željka Perić Kačarević, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Cvjetko Lež, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Tanja Kovač, Ph.D.
Senior Assistant Ivana Ilić, Ph.D.
Teaching Assistant Robert Mujkić, Ph. D.
Teaching Assistant Karla Rožac
External collaborators
Associate Professor Tihomil Žiger, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Elizabeta Horvatić, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Valerija Blažičević, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Zoran Veir, Ph.D.
Senior Assistant Irena Zagorac, Ph.D.
Teaching Assistant Alen Imširović
Teaching Assistant Marko Kovačević
Teaching Assistant Nenad Čekić