Histology slides provide valuable insights into their structure, composition, and cellular organization. In this article, we will guide you through the process of identifying and describing histology slides effectively. From recognizing tissue types and cellular components to understanding staining techniques and interpreting key features, we will provide you with practical tips and terminology to enhance your histology slide analysis skills. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind mastering the art of histology slide identification and description.
How to identify a histology slide ?
- Look at the epithelium
- Look at the specific features (Ex: muscularis mucosa, cartilage in respiratory
system) - Identify the slide by rest of the features
What is the correct way to name an epithelium?
- Write the number of layers of the epithelium
Eg:- simple, stratified, pseudostratified - Write the shape of the cells
Eg:- cuboidal, columnar, squamous - Mention the specific feature
Eg:- Cilia, stereocilia, microvilli - Write ‘epithelium’
Eg:- Pseudstratified columnar ciliated epithelium
stratified squamous non keratinized epithelium
How to describe histological slides?
When describing the microscopic appearance of something, always adhere to what you see, not what you assume. Certain terminology is associated with this unspoken rule. For example, when observing neutrophils infiltrated in inflamed tissue, describe them as polymorphonuclear cell infiltration instead. This rule does not apply when identifying the tissue; assumptions are permitted. Sometimes examiners like to exaggerate this by stating to identify the tissue precisely. When they ask like this, you need to be aware they are asking about an additional detail that is not immediately apparent. For example, instead of just writing a section of oesophagus, you have to also indicate whether it is a section of the upper part of the oesophagus or the lower part, by using clues from the slide.
Vast majority of the tissues we come across in histology and histopathology are stained by H&E stain. The stained structures are describes as eosinophilic or basophilic. I have created a separate article for those who want to understand the difference between the terms eosinophilic and basophilic.
