Fundamentals of histology

Question 1

Which cells are associated with chronic inflammation?

Answer 1

Lymphocytes and plasma cells. (Lymphomas)

Question 2

What are eosinophils associated with?

Answer 2

Allergic reactions.
Parasitic infections.
Tumours, e.g. Hodgkin’s disease.

Question 3

What are macrophages associated with?

Answer 3

Late acute inflammation.
Chronic inflammation (including granulomas).

Question 4

List some different types of tumours.

Answer 4

Carcinoma
Sarcoma
Lymphoma
Melanoma

Question 5

What are the different types of carcinoma?

Answer 5

Squamous cell carcinomas: keratin production, intercellular bridges.
Adenocarcinomas: mucin production.
Glands (transitional cell carcinomas).

Question 6

What are the main sites of origin of squamous cancers?

Answer 6

Skin
Head and neck
Oesophagus
Anus
Cervix
Vagina

Question 7

What are the main sites of origin of adenocarcinomas?

Answer 7

Lung
Breast
Stomach
Colon
Pancreas

Question 8

What is a (histo)chemical stain?

Answer 8

Based on the chemical reaction between the stain and a specific component of the tissue.
The product of this reaction has a specific colour or other property which can be identified.
e.g. Congo red stain, positive for amyloid, or apple green birefringence .

Question 9

What is an immunohistochemical stain?

Answer 9

Based on using an antibody specific to an antigen in the tissue.
Need a detection system to make this binding visible.
e.g. immunofluorescence, immunoperoxidase.