General Histology

This book summarises the concept of general histology is the microscopic study of the body's basic tissues and how cells arrange themselves to form organs. Often referred to as microscopic anatomy, it bridges the gap between cytology (the study of individual cells) and gross anatomy (the study of larger, visible structures). Understanding general histology is critical for medical diagnostics, as many underlying pathologies and diseases present unique cellular abnormalities identifiable under a microscope. The target tissue is the lining epithelial which is a type of tissue composed of tightly packed, polarised cells arranged in continuous layers that line the body's free surfaces (skin, mucous membranes, serous membranes). It rests on a basal lamina that separates it from the underlying connective tissue, and is avascular (it is nourished by diffusion).