What does histology study?

Histology is the branch of biology that focuses on the microscopic structure of tissues. It studies how cells are organized within various tissues, examining their arrangement, relationship, and function at a cellular level. This involves analyzing the characteristics and properties of different types of cells and how they contribute to the overall function of organs and systems in the body.

Understanding histology is essential in fields such as medicine and biology, as it provides insights into normal tissue structure and can help identify pathological changes associated with diseases. For instance, when examining tissue samples under a microscope, histologists can identify cancerous cells, inflammation, or other abnormalities, which are crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.

This focus on the microscopic anatomy of tissues differentiates histology from other fields that may examine larger-scale factors influencing health, such as genetics, environmental impacts, or statistical health data.