Histology is literally "the study of tissue." Tissue sections that are entirely accurate and representative "snapshots" of the tissue in its living state cannot be produced. Instead, histologists seek to preserve the tissue in the most lifelike state possible. We can achieve a somewhat distorted yet permanent representation of the tissue's living condition.
Histologists must learn and visualize how specimen handling, including gross dissection and tissue processing, affects the appearance of tissues at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels.
A clear understanding of anatomy and the ability to spatially visualize the specimen in three dimensions is beneficial. The histologist must use this background knowledge and experience to visually identify any alterations in the tissue appearance caused during gross dissection and/or tissue processing. The histologist then applies this insight to correct specimen orientation during embedding.
In visually assessing and identifying tissue samples, note that:
- Some sections cut through tubes or invaginations are not large enough to show the entire lumen.
- Many cells and tissues are organized into partitions that divide the structure into numerous smaller areas, which may be transected in any given specimen.
- Many submitted specimens may not show all the structural details that are depicted in images in histology atlases or anatomy textbooks.
- You may become skillful at visually identifying many specimen types, but you must still verify the specimen type using an electronic or paper-based worksheet/specimen log.
