What is Histology?
Histology is the study of the microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues of plants and animals. It is a crucial branch of biology and medicine that helps us understand the complex architecture of tissues and their functions. Histology involves examining
biological samples under a microscope to identify abnormalities, diagnose diseases, and understand cellular interactions.
Types of Biological Samples
In histology, various types of biological samples are studied, including: Fixation: Preserving the tissue using chemicals like formalin to prevent decay.
Dehydration: Removing water from the tissue using alcohols.
Embedding: Enclosing the tissue in a medium like paraffin wax for support during sectioning.
Sectioning: Cutting thin slices of the tissue using a microtome.
Staining: Applying dyes to enhance contrast and highlight specific structures.
Why is Staining Important?
Staining is a critical step in histology as it differentiates and highlights various cellular components. Common stains include:
Challenges in Histology
Histology faces several challenges, including: