Carbohydrates are organic molecules consisting of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms. They are classified into three main groups: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Common examples include glucose, fructose, cellulose, and glycogen. In histology, carbohydrates are often studied in the context of their roles in cellular structures like the cell membrane and extracellular matrix.