Standards and guidelines are critical in histology for several reasons: 1. Consistency: They ensure that procedures are performed uniformly, which is essential for reproducibility in research and diagnosis. 2. Quality Control: They help in maintaining high-quality specimens and slides. 3. Accuracy: They reduce the risk of errors and artifacts that could lead to misinterpretation of results. 4. Compliance: They ensure that laboratories comply with regulatory requirements and best practices.