Histology

Histology, also known as microscopic anatomy, is the branch of biology that examines the microscopic structure of tissues. As a crucial sub-discipline of anatomy and physiology, it bridges the gap between the study of individual cells and the larger-scale study of organs by revealing how cells are organized into functional tissues. Through the preparation and staining of tissue slices for observation under a microscope, histology provides essential insights into how the specific arrangement of cells dictates the specialized function of tissues, which is fundamental to understanding both normal physiology and the changes that occur during disease.

1. Introduction to Histology
   1. Definition and Scope of Histology
      1. Etymology of Histology
      2. Historical Development of Histology
      3. Modern Applications in Medicine and Research
   2. Relationship to Other Biological Sciences
      1. Relationship to Anatomy
      2. Relationship to Physiology
      3. Relationship to Pathology
      4. Relationship to Cell Biology
      5. Relationship to Embryology
      6. Relationship to Molecular Biology
   3. Levels of Structural Organization
      1. Chemical Level
         1. Atoms and Molecules
         2. Macromolecules
            1. Proteins
            2. Lipids
            3. Carbohydrates
            4. Nucleic Acids
      2. Cellular Level
         1. Cell Structure
         2. Cell Function
         3. Cell Types
      3. Tissue Level
         1. Definition of Tissue
         2. Four Basic Tissue Types
      4. Organ Level
         1. Definition of Organ
         2. Organ Composition
      5. Organ System Level
         1. Definition of Organ System
         2. Integration of Systems