Introduction To Pathology

Question 1

What is disease?

Answer 1

A pathological condition or body part, an organ, or a system characterised by an identifiable group of signs or symptoms.

Question 2

Describe pathology disciplines.

Answer 2

Chemical pathology- biochemical investigations of disease. Haematology- diseases of the blood. Immunology- diseases of the immune system.

Question 3

Histology vs cytology.

Answer 3

Histology- often therapeutic as well as diagnostic, can differentiate invasive from in situ disease, better for immunohistochemical and molecular testing. Cytology- faster and cheaper, can be used for cells in fluids, higher inadequate and error rates.

Question 4

Describe fixation.

Answer 4

Hold tissue in ‘suspended animation’, usually use formalin which penetrates tissue at approximately 1mm/hr. Usually fix for 24-48hrs.

Question 5

Describe staining.

Answer 5

Usually with H&E: haematoxylin stains nuclei purple, eosin stains cytoplasm and connective tissue pink.