About Microscopic Anatomy
Microscopic anatomy, also known as histology, is the study of tissues and cells through the use of a microscope. Histology differs from what is known as gross anatomy, which is the study of the parts of the body that can be examined with the naked eye. Microscopic anatomy is used in a variety of medical fields, including forensics.
Significance
Microscopic anatomy has been a highly significant advance in the larger world of anatomical studies, because when single cells are segregated from larger tissue, classification becomes more complex. The microscope allows the examination of cells within the context of neighboring cells and tissue. In this way, the single cells can be more accurately identified and the characteristics of the cell more closely analyzed.
Identification
Histology has received the alternative term "microscopic anatomy" because a compound microscope must be used for the study of tissue. Light is incapable of piercing through the thick lining of body tissue, and requires a process known as staining to reveal certain details that only the microscope can detect. In fact, the process of staining the tissue is incredibly complex, involving cutting the tissue and the use of paraffin wax to avoid dehydration.
Function
The primary instrument used in microscopic anatomy has been the compound microscope. It is essential for a histologist to learn the proper techniques involved in using this lab instrument. The microscope cannot function without the use of slides, on which the tissue must be placed. Using these microscopes throughout the day can put a great deal of stress on the eye and head, so it is also necessary to learn to use them wisely to avoid headaches and eyestrain.
Types
Histology uses microscopes to study a dazzling array of different types of tissue. The manner in which the different types of cells appear is the key to analysis. Among the types of tissue that can be examined are epithelium, connective tissue, muscle tissue, nervous tissue, reproductive tissue and blood. The histologist must become so familiar with the identifying characteristics of each type of tissue that he can classify it immediately.
Benefits
One major benefit of advances in microscopic anatomy is the specialized field of histopathology, in which tissues and cells are examined and evaluated to determine whether cancer cells may be malignant. When a cancerous lump is analyzed by pathologists and physicians, it will undergo a histological diagnosis to determine whether further treatment may be required. Without the ability to examine cells so closely, many more cases of cancer would have gone undetected than do now.
Potential
The potential of microscopic anatomy in the field of forensic science continues to be exploited. Histological examinations of blood and tissue samples that were involved in crimes can do much to lead police in their investigations. Forensic examination of crimes involves the study of microscopic fibers that can potentially contain a wealth of valuable information. For instance, hair fibers can reveal not just whether the hair was dyed, but the specific chemical breakdowns of the dye itself, which can narrow the possible number of stores where the dye was sold. Examination of stomach tissues can determine a cause of death that may not be apparent from gross anatomical evaluation.
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