L3: Introduction to Histology Flashcards
What is histology?
The microscopic study of NORMAL cells and tissues.
What is disease?
Changes to the normal structure or function of tissues.
inc. infection, extreme temperatures, drugs, genes, ageing, cancer
What is pathology?
The microscopic study of DISEASED cells and tissues.
What are the four main tissue types?
- Epithelial;
- Connective;
- Muscle;
- Nervous.
What is the function of epithelial tissue? Provide an example of one
- Barrier/ lining;
- e.g. skin outer layer.
What is the function of connective tissue? Provide an example of one
- Structural/ functional support;
- e.g. bone, cartilage.
What is the function of muscle tissue? Provide an example of one
- Contraction to cause movement;
- e.g. cardiac cells.
What is the function of nervous tissue? Provide an example of one
- Information carrier, by the form of electrical impulses;
- Nerves.
What are the two main types of microscopy for histology?
- Light microscope (LM);
- Electron microscope (EM).
What is the resolution for LM and what is it used for?
0.2um, basic cell structure
What is the resolution for EM and what is it used for?
1nm, ultrastructure
What are the steps to sample preparation for microscopy?
- Collection;
- Fixation;
- Dehydration;
- Embed;
- Section (1 layer);
- Stain.
When preparing a sample for microscopy, why is it essential that dehydration (with alcohol) is done gradually?
To prevent distortion
What is H&E staining and what is it used for?
- Haematoxylin and Eosin;
- Haematoxylin - purple - basic - stains acidic structures e.g. nucleic acids in nucleus;
- Eosin - pink - acidic - stains basic structures e.g. cytoplasmic proteins.
What is periodic acid schiff?
Staining method used to stain complex carbohydrates magenta
