What are the main cellular characteristics observed in Histology?
Histology examines the morphology and organization of cells within tissues. Key cellular characteristics include cell shape, size, and the presence of specialized structures. For example, epithelial cells are often closely packed with a distinct polarity, featuring apical and basal surfaces. In contrast, connective tissue cells such as fibroblasts are more dispersed within an extracellular matrix.
The nucleus of a cell is another critical feature, varying in size and shape depending on the cell type and its functional state. The presence of nucleoli within the nucleus indicates active ribosomal RNA synthesis. Additionally, the cytoplasm contains various organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, each contributing to the cell's function and health.
