The section of anatomy that studies the structure and physiology of human and animal tissues is called "histology." What can this give modern medicine? In fact, a lot. Medical histology sets among its priorities such as:
- the study of the reasons for the transformation of normal cells into atypical;
- tracking the occurrence of malignant and benign tumors;
- identification of natural mechanisms for the fight against cancer tumors.
Of course, this is far from all the tasks that histology solves. It is closely related to modern medicine and the diagnosis of diseases in particular. Histological studies have been widely used in therapy, surgery, gynecology, endocrinology.
Histology - what is it?
Histology is often called microscopic anatomy. This name is fully justified, since it studies the structure of tissues and entire organ systems at the microscopic level. The object of research is the thinnest sections fixed on a glass slide. Histology is primarily a descriptive science. Its main task is to monitor changes in tissue cultures, both normal and in pathological processes. The histologist must know everything about the formation and subsequent
embryonic development of the tissue - about what changes it undergoes in the postembryonic period, what is the norm, and what is the pathology. Histology closely interacts with sciences such as cytology and embryology.
History of the development of science
The development of histology is associated with the creation of the first microscope. The father of microscopic anatomy is Malpighi. But, of course, many scientists participated in the formation of science. They enriched histology with observations, found new research methods, and carefully described their results. The contributions of great scientists are evidenced by terminology. She immortalized their names in the names of tissue structures and research methods: for example, Giemsa stain, Malpighian layer,
Langerhans islets, Maximov stain, Liberkun glands. For over 400 years, science has existed as an independent, separate from anatomy. Her main interests lie in the field of veterinary medicine. Currently, the most widely used methods of histological examination, allowing detailed study of individual cells. This is done by making temporary preparations on a glass slide. Such modern methods include tissue cultivation, the technique of frozen sections, histochemical analysis, phase-contrast and electron microscopy. In addition, the latter allows you to study in detail not only the structure of a single cell, but also its organelles. Using
electron microscopy, it was possible to recreate a three-dimensional model of tissues.
Histology sections
Like any science, microscopic anatomy is divided into sections. The general histology is engaged in the study of the structure, properties and functions of tissues as a single organism as a whole and their interaction. A study of specific organs and structures is devoted to a private microscopic anatomy. Also, histology is divided into normal and pathological. The first specializes in the study of tissues in a healthy body, and the second considers the nature of their morphological and physiological changes in connection with a particular disease.
Pathological histology also describes the effect of bacteriological and viral agents on the functioning of tissues and individual cells. What can this give modern medicine? First of all, information about the stages of development of cancer. In addition, the study of tissue changes can further help to cope with many malformations of organs, primarily congenital.
Histology - what is it: a descriptive science or a branch of medicine?
It is impossible to overestimate the role of histology in modern medicine. It is difficult to find an industry in which it has not yet penetrated. Histological studies are relevant in therapy, pediatrics, gynecology, urology, endocrinology, dermatology. And the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of many diseases is impossible without it. So what is
histological examination? This is a study of the morphological structure
of human tissues, which involves a biopsy and examination of surgical material. Most often it is carried out for diagnostic purposes. A biopsy is a study of microscopic pieces of tissue that are taken from a patient during an examination procedure. Such a pathomorphological examination is paramount in the diagnosis of almost all oncological neoplasms. It is also indispensable for assessing the quality and effectiveness of drug treatment.
How is histological analysis performed?
Conducting research on tissue samples, the pathomorphologist makes a microscopic description of its structures. The sizes, consistency, color, characteristic changes are considered. As a result of such a thorough clinical and anatomical analysis, a conclusion is given. The results of histology can indicate both the presence of pathology and its absence. Such an indicative answer may serve as a reason for further examination in order to identify a circle of possible diseases. The results of histological analysis cannot serve as a reason for making a final diagnosis. They only indicate a developing disease in a particular organ or system. Based on them, conduct further diagnosis. Often, a histological examination reveals a state of precancerous structural change. In this case,
atypical cells are traced in the material
. This is a clear reason for carrying out preventive treatment of the patient in order to strengthen immunity. The presence of atypical cells does not indicate a developing oncology, but it clearly indicates a high risk of such diseases.