The section of anatomy that studies the structure and physiology of human and animal tissues is called "histology." What can this give to modern medicine? In fact, there is much. Medical histology puts among its priorities such as:
- Study the causes of the degeneration of normal cells into atypical cells;
- Tracking the processes of malignant and benign tumors;
- Revealing of natural mechanisms of struggle against oncological neoplasms.
Of course, this is far from all the tasks that histology decides. It is closely connected with modern medicine and diagnostics of diseases in particular. Histological studies have found wide application in therapy, surgery, gynecology, endocrinology.
Histology - what is it?
Histology is often called microscopic anatomy. This name is fully justified, since it deals with the study of the structure of tissues and entire organ systems at the microscopic level. The object of investigation is the finest sections, fixed on a slide. Histology is the science in the first place, descriptive. Its main task is to monitor the changes occurring in tissue cultures, both in normal and in pathological processes. The histologist is obliged to 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 such sciences 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 methods of research, and diligently described their results. The contributions of the great scientists are evidenced by terminology. She immortalized their names in the names of tissue structures and methods of research: for example, Giemsa coloring, Malpighian layer, Langerhans islets, Maximov coloring, Liebercuin glands. For over 400 years, science has existed as an independent science, separate from anatomy. Her main interests lie in the field of veterinary medicine. At present, the most widely used methods of histological research, allowing to study in detail individual cells. This is done by making temporary preparations on a slide. Such modern methods include tissue cultivation, the technique of frozen sections, histochemical analysis, phase-contrast and electron microscopy. In addition, the latter allows us to study in detail not only the structure of an individual cell, but also its organelles. With the help of electron microscopy, it was possible to reconstruct a three-dimensional model of tissues.
Histology sections
Like any science, microscopic anatomy is divided into sections. The study of the structure, properties and functions of tissues as a single organism as a whole and their interaction is engaged in general histology. A special microscopic anatomy is devoted to the study of specific organs and structures. Also, the histology is divided into normal and pathological. The first specializes in the study of tissues in a healthy body, and the second examines the nature of their morphological and physiological changes associated with a particular disease.
The pathological histology also deals with the description of the effect of bacteriological and viral agents on the functioning of tissues and individual cells. What can this give to modern medicine? First of all, information about the stages of development of cancer. In addition, the study of tissue changes can further help cope with many malformations of organs, especially congenital ones.
Histology - what is it: a descriptive science or a division 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 and even without it is impossible. So what is a histological examination? This study of the morphological structure of human tissue, which involves biopsy and examination of operating material. Most often it is carried out for diagnostic purposes. A biopsy is the examination of microscopic pieces of tissue that are taken from a patient during an examination procedure. Such pathomorphological examination is paramount in the diagnosis of almost all cancerous tumors. It is also indispensable for assessing the quality and effectiveness of drug treatment.
How is the histological analysis performed?
Carrying out studies of tissue samples, the pathomorphologist does a microscopic description of her structures. The sizes, consistency, color, characteristic changes are considered. As a result of such a thorough clinical anatomical analysis, a conclusion is given. The results of histology may indicate both the presence of pathology and its absence. Such an indicative response may serve as an excuse for further investigation in order to identify the range of possible diseases. The results of the histological analysis can not serve as an occasion for setting the final diagnosis. They only indicate a developing disease in one or another organ or system. Relying on them, conduct further diagnostics. Often a histological examination reveals the state of precancerous changes in structures. In this case, the material traces the atypical cells. This serves as a clear reason for carrying out preventive treatment of a patient with a view to strengthening immunity. The presence of atypical cells does not indicate a developing oncology, but it unequivocally indicates a high risk of such diseases.