Histology

Histology is that branch of biological science that deals with the study of the microscopic form of structures of cells and tissues of animals and plans. In other words, it is the study of anatomy of cell and tissues seen under the microscope. This study is done by viewing a thin section of the tissue concerned under the magnifications of an electron microscope or light microscope.

Histological staining is often used in order to differentially identify or visualize different microscopic structures. Some cell components are acidic in nature and can be stained only by using basic dyes; while some are basic and can be stained only with acidic dyes. Those components that are dyed with basic dyes are known as basophilic and those with acid dyes are known as acidophilic. Nuclear chromatin shows basophilic staining while various cytoplasm show acidophilic reaction.

The word “histology” is derived from two Greek words – “histo” meaning tissue, and “logos” meaning treatise. Therefore, this word histology literally means the treatise of the body tissues and the cells in it.

Such a microscopic study when it is done on a diseased or infected tissue, it is known as histopathology. Histopathology is a significant instrument in anatomical pathology. For providing diagnosis and treatment for diseases or infections, pathologists do histopathological examinations and give treatments on the basis of their observations.

The tissue sections and prepared by slicing and staining for histological observations by trained scientists who are known as histotechnicians, histology technologists, histology technicians, biomedical scientists, medical scientists, or medical laboratory technicians. The study involved in preparing histological sections is known as histotechnology.

These days advanced techniques other than staining and microscopic viewing are also done for histological studies and this includes microincineration, centrifuging, autoradiography, microchemical testing, interference, and X ray diffraction.

Medical students usually study both anatomy and histology together in their first year of graduation. Histology is an important study in medicine and pharmacology.