10 topics with brief reviews: definitions, key facts, and class questions.
This section is the foundation of all histology. Before studying tissues, it is necessary to understand how we visualize and prepare them for analysis. It provides a detailed breakdown of the light microscope's structure and the step-by-step algorithm for preparing histological specimens: from tissue sampling to coverslipping.
Special attention is paid to histological stains, which are the most frequently tested topic in modules and exams. You will review the principles of Romanowsky staining and Heidenhain's iron hematoxylin staining, as well as special methods for targeted visualization of bone tissue elements and complex structures of the nervous system.
The final part of the section covers advanced analysis methods: histochemical studies for assessing the chemical composition of cells in situ, and the principles of electron microscopy, which grants researchers access to the ultrastructure of organelles.
How to calculate the total magnification of a microscope?
You must multiply the objective magnification value by the eyepiece magnification value. For example, a 40x objective and a 10x eyepiece give a total magnification of 400x.
What is the purpose of tissue fixation?
Fixation is necessary to prevent autolysis (self-digestion) of tissues by cellular enzymes. Fixatives cause protein denaturation while preserving the vital structure.
What is the difference between oxyphilia and basophilia?
Oxyphilia is the ability of structures to stain with acidic dyes (cytoplasmic proteins and collagen stain this way). Basophilia is the affinity for basic dyes, typical of acid-rich structures (nuclei, ribosomes, amorphous ground substance).
For the study of which structures is Romanowsky staining the standard?
This method is a universally recognized standard for studying peripheral blood cells, as well as hematopoietic organs (on red bone marrow smears).
What colors do structures stain in using Heidenhain's method?
The specimen acquires distinct brownish-grey or black shades.
How to distinguish collagen fibers from muscle tissue on a histological slide?
Using special stains. According to Mallory's method, collagen will be dark blue, and muscles red or orange. When stained with van Gieson's method, collagen will turn bright red, and muscle tissue will acquire a contrasting yellow color.
Master the entire topic in the "Histology" course
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