Histology Flashcards
Histology
The study of structure and function of individual cells and organ systems
Histotechnology
Techniques used to prepare TISSUES for microscopic examination and diagnosis
Histopathology
The study of diseased tissues
Histochemistry
Marking the location of known substance within the cellular tissues/structures by reacting substances with chemical solutions, i.e. special stains
Immunohistochemistry
Antigen/antibody reactions are used to achieve histochemistry
Cytotechnology
Technology used to prepare CELLS exploited or aspirated for microscopic examination
What (5) questions do specimens answer about the patient
Is the specimen normal
Is the lesion Bennie or malignant
What is the patients prognosis
Anything unexpected detected
Is there a correlation with other findings
Prognosis
Predict a probable outcome based on patient condition against the usual course of disease in similar circumstances
Common sources of submitted tissues
Autopsy, surgical tissue
Whole or partial organ
Excited tumor or cyst
Curettage
Amputation
Products of conception
Biopsy or exfoliated cells
Requires by law
Exemptions of tissues not required to send to lab
Teeth, varicose veins, hernias, foreskin, children’s tonsils, normal placentas
Specimen prep: sectional method
Cuts section into thin, translucent slices of tissue (4-6um)
Preserves tissue pattern where cell relationship is demonstrated
Specimen prep: touch preparation
Cut side of fresh tissue is touched to slide and imprints specimens architectural arrangements
May be used to detect malignancy or microorganisms
Specimen prep: Fresh cells
Cells suspended in their own fluids
Examined directly, under a microscope, in a drop of fluid
Specimen prep: Dissociation
Material “teased” apart to break up pattern and allow individual cells to be examined
Not routinely done- may have application in research
Specimen prep: Fluid spread on slide
Cells “fixed” to slide to preserve appearance, stained, mounted, examined (cytology, hematology)
Tissue examination: Gross examination
Macroscopic evaluation
Initial examination and subsequent description of all specimens by a pathologist/technologist
Tissue examination: Brightfeild Microscopy
Routinely used to examine tissue sections
Tissue examination: Polarizing microscope
Used to identify certain materials
Tissue examination: fluorescent microscope
Useful in immunohistochemistry where antigens found in tissues are detected
Tissue examination: Electron microscope
Approximately 200,000x magnification
Usually for research and in study of viruses
