[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › Histology

# Histology

What the microscope shows and why it matters: the cell, the four basic tissues and the histology of each organ, described in words, with clinical notes and a link to the same structure in Durgical's 3D anatomy.

84 pages

- Methods and stains
- The cell
- Epithelium
- Connective tissue, cartilage and bone
- Muscle tissue
- Nervous tissue
- Blood and hematopoiesis
- Cardiovascular system
- Skin and breast
- Respiratory system
- Digestive system
- Urinary system
- Endocrine system
- Reproductive system
- Special senses
- Lymphoid organs
- A to Z

## Methods and stains

How tissue is prepared and stained, and what each stain shows.

- [**Microscopy and stains: H&E, PAS, trichrome, silver, immunohistochemistry** Tissue is almost transparent; stains give it colour so nuclei, cytoplasm, fibres, mucus and specific proteins can be told apart. Technique](https://durgical.com/en/histology/microscopy-and-stains-h-y-e-pas-trichrome-silver-immunohistochemistry/)
- [**From biopsy to slide: fixation, sectioning, frozen section** Before tissue can be seen under a microscope it must be preserved, hardened, cut very thin and stained. Technique](https://durgical.com/en/histology/from-biopsy-to-slide-fixation-sectioning-frozen-section/)
- [**Electron microscopy: what it shows that light can't** It uses electrons instead of light and shows structures far smaller than light can, such as membranes, ribosomes and the inside of cilia. Technique](https://durgical.com/en/histology/electron-microscopy-what-it-shows-that-light-can-t/)

## The cell

Membrane, organelles, junctions, cytoskeleton, the cell cycle and cell injury.

- [**The cell membrane and transport** The membrane is the cell's border: a double layer of fat with proteins that lets some substances through and blocks others. Topic](https://durgical.com/en/histology/the-cell-membrane-and-transport/)
- [**Organelles: nucleus, ER, Golgi, mitochondria, lysosomes, peroxisomes** Organelles are the cell's compartments; each has a job, and when one fails a specific disease appears. Topic](https://durgical.com/en/histology/organelles-nucleus-er-golgi-mitochondria-lysosomes-peroxisomes/)
- [**Cell junctions: tight, adherens, desmosomes, gap, hemidesmosomes** Cell junctions seal, glue and connect neighbouring cells; when the immune system attacks them, the skin blisters. Topic](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cell-junctions-tight-adherens-desmosomes-gap-hemidesmosomes/)
- [**Cytoskeleton: microfilaments, intermediate filaments, microtubules** The cytoskeleton is the cell's inner scaffold: it gives shape, moves the cell and shares out the chromosomes when it divides. Topic](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cytoskeleton-microfilaments-intermediate-filaments-microtubules/)
- [**Cilia, microvilli and stereocilia** These are projections of the cell surface: cilia sweep mucus, microvilli absorb, and stereocilia sense sound. Topic](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cilia-microvilli-and-stereocilia/)
- [**Cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis** The cell cycle is the sequence by which a cell grows, copies its DNA and divides; its brakes fail in cancer. Process](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cell-cycle-mitosis-and-meiosis/)
- [**Cell injury, apoptosis and necrosis** A damaged cell can recover, die in an orderly way (apoptosis) or die in a messy, inflammatory way (necrosis). Process](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cell-injury-apoptosis-and-necrosis/)
- [**Cell adaptations: hypertrophy, hyperplasia, atrophy, metaplasia** Under a sustained stimulus, cells grow, multiply, shrink or change type to survive. Process](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cell-adaptations-hypertrophy-hyperplasia-atrophy-metaplasia/)
- [**Stem cells and tissue renewal: labile, stable and permanent tissues** Some tissues renew themselves all the time, some only after injury, and some almost never. Stem cells make the difference. Process](https://durgical.com/en/histology/stem-cells-and-tissue-renewal-labile-stable-and-permanent-tissues/)

## Epithelium

Covering and glandular epithelia.

- [**Epithelium: classification (the table to know)** Epithelium is the sheet of tightly packed cells that covers the body, lines its cavities and tubes, and forms glands. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/epithelium-classification/)
- [**Simple, stratified, pseudostratified and transitional epithelium** How the main covering epithelia look under the microscope, and why each organ has the lining it has. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/simple-stratified-pseudostratified-and-transitional-epithelium/)
- [**Glands: exocrine vs endocrine, secretion types** Glands are epithelial cells that make and release products, either into a duct (exocrine) or into the blood (endocrine). Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/glands-exocrine-vs-endocrine-secretion-types/)
- [**Basement membrane** A thin sheet of proteins under every epithelium that anchors it to the tissue below and acts as a filter and a barrier. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/basement-membrane/)

## Connective tissue, cartilage and bone

Fibres, cells, fat, cartilage and bone.

- [**Connective tissue proper: cells and fibres** The tissue that binds and supports the body: a few cells scattered in a matrix of fibres and gel. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/connective-tissue-proper-cells-and-fibres/)
- [**Adipose tissue: white and brown fat** Fat tissue stores energy, insulates and cushions the body, makes hormones, and in its brown form produces heat. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/adipose-tissue-white-and-brown-fat/)
- [**Cartilage: hyaline, elastic, fibrocartilage** Cartilage is a firm, flexible tissue with no blood vessels: it lines joints, shapes the ear and airway, and cushions the spine. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cartilage-hyaline-elastic-fibrocartilage/)
- [**Bone tissue: cells, compact and spongy bone** Bone is a living, mineralized connective tissue that is constantly built and broken down by its own cells. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/bone-tissue-cells-compact-and-spongy-bone/)
- [**Ossification, growth plate and bone remodeling** How bone forms in the embryo, how long bones grow in length at the growth plate, and how adult bone is renewed and repaired. Process](https://durgical.com/en/histology/ossification-growth-plate-and-bone-remodeling/)
- [**Extracellular matrix: collagen types, elastin, ground substance** The extracellular matrix is the material between cells: fibres that give strength and stretch, and a gel that holds water. Topic](https://durgical.com/en/histology/extracellular-matrix-collagen-types-elastin-ground-substance/)
- [**Synovial joints: capsule, synovial membrane and articular cartilage** Movable joints are sealed bags of slippery fluid: a fibrous capsule, a thin lining that makes the fluid, and smooth cartilage on the bone ends. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/synovial-joints-capsule-synovial-membrane-and-articular-cartilage/)

## Muscle tissue

Skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle.

- [**Skeletal muscle: sarcomere and contraction** Skeletal muscle is the striated, voluntary muscle that moves the skeleton; its repeating unit, the sarcomere, shortens to make force. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/skeletal-muscle-sarcomere-and-contraction/)
- [**Cardiac muscle: intercalated discs** Cardiac muscle is the striated, involuntary muscle of the heart; its branching cells are joined end to end so they beat as one. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cardiac-muscle-intercalated-discs/)
- [**Smooth muscle** Smooth muscle is the non-striated, involuntary muscle in the walls of vessels, airways, the gut, the bladder and the uterus. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/smooth-muscle/)
- [**Muscle injury, repair and satellite cells** Skeletal muscle repairs itself with its own stem cells, the satellite cells; heart muscle mostly scars; smooth muscle regrows best. Process](https://durgical.com/en/histology/muscle-injury-repair-and-satellite-cells/)
- [**Neuromuscular junction: motor end plate and acetylcholine receptors** The spot where a motor nerve tells a muscle fibre to contract, using acetylcholine. Several diseases and toxins act right here. Topic](https://durgical.com/en/histology/neuromuscular-junction-motor-end-plate-and-acetylcholine-receptors/)

## Nervous tissue

Neurons, glia, peripheral nerves and the central nervous system.

- [**The neuron and synapse** Neurons are the cells that carry electrical signals; they pass the message to the next cell at a synapse. Cell](https://durgical.com/en/histology/the-neuron-and-synapse/)
- [**Glial cells: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, Schwann cells** Glial cells support, insulate, feed and defend neurons; they outnumber neurons and, unlike them, can divide. Cell](https://durgical.com/en/histology/glial-cells-astrocytes-oligodendrocytes-microglia-schwann-cells/)
- [**Peripheral nerve: endoneurium, perineurium, epineurium; myelin** A peripheral nerve is a cable of many axons, each with its Schwann cells, bundled by three layers of connective tissue. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/peripheral-nerve-endoneurium-perineurium-epineurium-myelin/)
- [**Gray and white matter, cerebellar cortex, meninges** How the brain and spinal cord look under the microscope: gray matter with cell bodies, white matter with myelinated tracts, wrapped in three meninges. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/gray-and-white-matter-cerebellar-cortex-meninges/)
- [**Nerve injury and regeneration (Wallerian degeneration)** When a nerve is cut or crushed, the part beyond the injury breaks down and is cleared; peripheral axons can then slowly regrow, central ones mostly cannot. Process](https://durgical.com/en/histology/nerve-injury-and-regeneration/)
- [**Blood–brain barrier, choroid plexus and cerebrospinal fluid** The brain guards what enters it from the blood, and it floats in a clear fluid made by tufts of vessels inside its cavities. Topic](https://durgical.com/en/histology/blood-brain-barrier-choroid-plexus-and-cerebrospinal-fluid/)

## Blood and hematopoiesis

The cells of the smear and where they are made.

- [**Blood cells on a smear: erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets** A drop of blood spread on a slide shows red cells, five kinds of white cells and tiny platelets, each with a look that tells you what it is. Cell](https://durgical.com/en/histology/blood-cells-on-a-smear-erythrocytes-leukocytes-platelets/)
- [**Hematopoiesis and bone marrow** Blood cells live from hours to months, so the bone marrow keeps making new ones from a small pool of stem cells. Process](https://durgical.com/en/histology/hematopoiesis-and-bone-marrow/)

## Cardiovascular system

Vessel layers, the heart wall and lymphatics.

- [**Blood vessels: artery, vein and capillary layers** Arteries and veins share three wall layers; arteries have a thick muscle layer for pressure, veins a thin wall and valves, capillaries only endothelium. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/blood-vessels-artery-vein-and-capillary-layers/)
- [**The heart wall, valves and conduction tissue** The heart wall has three layers: a thin inner lining, a thick muscle and an outer coat. Valves are flaps of lining around a fibrous core. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/the-heart-wall-valves-and-conduction-tissue/)
- [**Lymphatic vessels** Lymphatic vessels collect the fluid that leaks out of capillaries and return it to the veins, passing it through lymph nodes on the way. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/lymphatic-vessels/)

## Skin and breast

Epidermis, dermis, appendages, wound healing and the breast.

- [**Skin: epidermis layers, dermis, hypodermis** Skin has an outer epidermis of stacked cells, a strong dermis of collagen with vessels and nerves, and a fatty hypodermis underneath. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/skin-epidermis-layers-dermis-hypodermis/)
- [**Keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans and Merkel cells** The epidermis is mostly keratin-making cells, helped by pigment cells, immune sentinel cells and touch cells. Cell](https://durgical.com/en/histology/keratinocytes-melanocytes-langerhans-and-merkel-cells/)
- [**Hair follicles, sebaceous and sweat glands, nails** Hair, oil glands, sweat glands and nails grow down from the epidermis into the dermis and help with protection and temperature. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/hair-follicles-sebaceous-and-sweat-glands-nails/)
- [**Wound healing: phases and scar** A wound closes in four overlapping phases: stop the bleeding, clean up, rebuild with new tissue, then remodel it into a scar over months. Process](https://durgical.com/en/histology/wound-healing-phases-and-scar/)
- [**Where blisters form: pemphigus vs pemphigoid** In pemphigus the skin cells come apart inside the epidermis; in pemphigoid the whole epidermis lifts off the dermis. Topic](https://durgical.com/en/histology/where-blisters-form-pemphigus-vs-pemphigoid/)
- [**Skin receptors: Meissner, Pacinian, Merkel, Ruffini and free nerve endings** Tiny nerve endings in the skin feel touch, vibration, stretch, heat, cold and pain, each type tuned to its own job. Cell](https://durgical.com/en/histology/skin-receptors-meissner-pacinian-merkel-ruffini-and-free-nerve-endings/)

## Respiratory system

From the airway to the alveolus, and the serous membranes.

- [**The airway: from nose to bronchioles** The tubes that carry air are lined by a moist, ciliated layer that traps dust and germs; their support changes from cartilage to muscle as they narrow. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/the-airway-from-nose-to-bronchioles/)
- [**The alveolus: type I and II pneumocytes, surfactant, the blood–air barrier** Alveoli are tiny air sacs with walls so thin that oxygen passes straight into the blood; a soap-like film keeps them from collapsing. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/the-alveolus-type-i-and-ii-pneumocytes-surfactant-the-blood-air-barrier/)
- [**Serous membranes: pleura and peritoneum** The lungs and belly organs are wrapped in thin, slippery membranes that let them slide; fluid builds up between the layers when they are diseased. Tissue](https://durgical.com/en/histology/serous-membranes-pleura-and-peritoneum/)

## Digestive system

The layers of the GI tract, each segment and its glands.

- [**The GI tract wall: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, serosa; enteric plexuses** From the esophagus to the anus the gut wall has the same four layers; what changes from organ to organ is the lining and its glands. Topic](https://durgical.com/en/histology/the-gi-tract-wall-mucosa-submucosa-muscularis-serosa-enteric-plexuses/)
- [**Oral cavity, tongue and teeth** The mouth is lined by a tough layered skin-like tissue; the tongue is muscle covered with papillae, and teeth are built of enamel, dentin and pulp. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/oral-cavity-tongue-and-teeth/)
- [**Esophagus and the Barrett change** The esophagus is a muscular tube lined by layered flat cells; long-standing acid reflux can turn its lower lining into intestine-like tissue. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/esophagus-and-the-barrett-change/)
- [**Stomach: gastric glands, parietal and chief cells** The stomach lining is full of tiny pits and glands; some cells make acid, others make enzymes, mucus or hormones. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/stomach-gastric-glands-parietal-and-chief-cells/)
- [**Small intestine: villi, crypts, enterocytes, Paneth cells; duodenum vs jejunum vs ileum** The small intestine is lined by finger-like villi covered with absorbing cells; each part has a feature that lets you tell it apart. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/small-intestine-villi-crypts-enterocytes-paneth-cells-duodenum-vs-jejunum-vs-ile/)
- [**Large intestine, appendix and anal canal** The large intestine has no villi; its lining is straight glands full of mucus cells that absorb water and make stool slide. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/large-intestine-appendix-and-anal-canal/)
- [**Liver: lobule, acinus, hepatocytes, sinusoids, Kupffer cells** The liver is built of cords of cells that blood flows past slowly; where a cell sits in that flow decides what it does and what can hurt it. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/liver-lobule-acinus-hepatocytes-sinusoids-kupffer-cells/)
- [**Gallbladder and bile ducts** The gallbladder is a small sac that stores and concentrates bile; its wall is thin and lacks some layers the gut has. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/gallbladder-and-bile-ducts/)
- [**Pancreas: acini and islets** The pancreas is two glands in one: grape-like clusters make digestive enzymes, and scattered pale islands make insulin and glucagon. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/pancreas-acini-and-islets/)
- [**Salivary glands: serous and mucous acini** Three pairs of glands make saliva: one makes watery saliva, one mixed, and one thick mucus; their ducts adjust the salt before it reaches the mouth. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/salivary-glands-serous-and-mucous-acini/)
- [**Enteroendocrine cells and GALT** Scattered in the gut lining are hormone-making cells and a large immune system that samples what we swallow. Cell](https://durgical.com/en/histology/enteroendocrine-cells-and-galt/)

## Urinary system

The nephron, the filtration barrier and the urinary tract.

- [**Kidney: cortex, medulla and the nephron** The nephron is the unit that filters blood and makes urine; each segment has its own epithelium, which explains its job. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/kidney-cortex-medulla-and-the-nephron/)
- [**Glomerulus and the filtration barrier: podocytes, mesangium, JGA** The glomerulus is a tuft of capillaries that filters blood; its three-layer barrier lets water and salts through but holds back proteins. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/glomerulus-and-the-filtration-barrier-podocytes-mesangium-jga/)
- [**Ureter, bladder and urethra: urothelium** The urinary tract is lined by urothelium, an epithelium that stretches without tearing and seals the wall off from urine. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/ureter-bladder-and-urethra-urothelium/)

## Endocrine system

Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and islets.

- [**Pituitary: adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis** The pituitary is two glands in one: the front part makes hormones and the back part stores the ones the hypothalamus makes. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/pituitary-adenohypophysis-and-neurohypophysis/)
- [**Thyroid follicles, C cells and parathyroid** The thyroid stores its hormone in colloid-filled follicles; the parathyroids, stuck behind it, control blood calcium. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/thyroid-follicles-c-cells-and-parathyroid/)
- [**Adrenal cortex zones and medulla** The adrenal gland has a three-layer cortex that makes steroids and a medulla that releases adrenaline. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/adrenal-cortex-zones-and-medulla/)
- [**Islets of Langerhans: α, β, δ cells** Islets are clusters of cells inside the pancreas that release insulin and glucagon into the blood to control sugar. Cell](https://durgical.com/en/histology/islets-of-langerhans-cells/)
- [**Pineal gland and the diffuse endocrine system** The pineal makes melatonin, which sets the day-night rhythm; many other hormone cells are spread through other organs. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/pineal-gland-and-the-diffuse-endocrine-system/)

## Reproductive system

Testis, male ducts and glands, ovary, uterus, cervix and placenta.

- [**Breast: ducts, lobules and changes with life stage** The breast is a modified sweat gland: lobules make milk and ducts carry it to the nipple, inside fat and fibrous tissue that change through life. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/breast-ducts-lobules-and-changes-with-life-stage/)
- [**Fertilisation, implantation and the decidua** How a sperm and an egg meet in the uterine tube, and how the early embryo travels to the uterus and burrows into its lining. Process](https://durgical.com/en/histology/fertilisation-implantation-and-the-decidua/)
- [**Testis: seminiferous tubules, Sertoli and Leydig cells, spermatogenesis** The testis makes sperm in coiled tubes and testosterone in the cells that sit between them. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/testis-seminiferous-tubules-sertoli-and-leydig-cells-spermatogenesis/)
- [**Epididymis, vas deferens, seminal glands and prostate** The ducts mature and move sperm; the glands add the fluid that makes up most of semen. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/epididymis-vas-deferens-seminal-glands-and-prostate/)
- [**Ovary: follicles, ovulation and corpus luteum** The ovary keeps immature eggs in follicles; each cycle one matures, is released and leaves a corpus luteum that makes progesterone. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/ovary-follicles-ovulation-and-corpus-luteum/)
- [**Uterus and the endometrial cycle** The lining of the uterus grows, gets ready and is shed each month, following the hormones of the ovary. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/uterus-and-the-endometrial-cycle/)
- [**Cervix and vagina: the transformation zone** Two epithelia meet in the cervix; that zone of change is where HPV causes nearly all cervical cancers. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cervix-and-vagina-the-transformation-zone/)
- [**Uterine tube** The uterine tube catches the egg and carries it to the uterus with cilia and contractions; fertilisation usually happens there. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/uterine-tube/)
- [**Placenta** The placenta links fetus and mother: its villi, bathed in maternal blood, swap oxygen, nutrients and waste. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/placenta/)

## Special senses

Eye, retina, inner ear, smell and taste.

- [**Vestibular apparatus: maculae, cristae and otoliths** The balance organ of the inner ear: small patches of hair cells that feel gravity and tilting, and crests that feel the head turning. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/vestibular-apparatus-maculae-cristae-and-otoliths/)
- [**Conjunctiva, eyelid glands and lacrimal gland** The eyelids, their oil glands and the tear gland keep the front of the eye wet, clean and protected. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/conjunctiva-eyelid-glands-and-lacrimal-gland/)
- [**The eye wall: cornea, sclera, uvea and lens** The eyeball has three layers: a tough outer coat that is clear at the front, a middle layer full of vessels and pigment, and the retina inside. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/the-eye-wall-cornea-sclera-uvea-and-lens/)
- [**Retina: the ten layers, rods and cones** The retina is nerve tissue that turns light into signals. Under the microscope it shows ten layers, with the light sensors at the outer edge. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/retina-the-ten-layers-rods-and-cones/)
- [**Inner ear: the cochlea and the organ of Corti** The cochlea is a fluid-filled spiral tube. Inside it, the organ of Corti has hair cells that turn sound vibration into nerve signals. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/inner-ear-the-cochlea-and-the-organ-of-corti/)
- [**Olfactory epithelium and taste buds** Smell relies on nerve cells in the roof of the nose, and taste on taste buds in the bumps of the tongue. Both kinds of cell are replaced over time. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/olfactory-epithelium-and-taste-buds/)

## Lymphoid organs

Lymph node, spleen, thymus and tonsils under the microscope (their function is in Immunology).

- [**Lymph node and spleen under the microscope** The lymph node filters lymph and the spleen filters blood. Under the microscope the node has a cortex and medulla; the spleen has white and red pulp. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/lymph-node-and-spleen-under-the-microscope/)
- [**Thymus and tonsils under the microscope** The thymus is where T cells mature and it has no follicles. The tonsils are lymphoid nodules under the lining of the throat, with deep crypts. Organ](https://durgical.com/en/histology/thymus-and-tonsils-under-the-microscope/)

## A to Z

- [**Adipose tissue: white and brown fat**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/adipose-tissue-white-and-brown-fat/) Connective tissue, cartilage and bone · Tissue
- [**Adrenal cortex zones and medulla**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/adrenal-cortex-zones-and-medulla/) Endocrine system · Organ
- [**Basement membrane**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/basement-membrane/) Epithelium · Tissue
- [**Blood cells on a smear: erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/blood-cells-on-a-smear-erythrocytes-leukocytes-platelets/) Blood and hematopoiesis · Cell
- [**Blood vessels: artery, vein and capillary layers**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/blood-vessels-artery-vein-and-capillary-layers/) Cardiovascular system · Tissue
- [**Blood–brain barrier, choroid plexus and cerebrospinal fluid**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/blood-brain-barrier-choroid-plexus-and-cerebrospinal-fluid/) Nervous tissue · Topic
- [**Bone tissue: cells, compact and spongy bone**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/bone-tissue-cells-compact-and-spongy-bone/) Connective tissue, cartilage and bone · Tissue
- [**Breast: ducts, lobules and changes with life stage**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/breast-ducts-lobules-and-changes-with-life-stage/) Reproductive system · Organ
- [**Cardiac muscle: intercalated discs**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cardiac-muscle-intercalated-discs/) Muscle tissue · Tissue
- [**Cartilage: hyaline, elastic, fibrocartilage**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cartilage-hyaline-elastic-fibrocartilage/) Connective tissue, cartilage and bone · Tissue
- [**Cell adaptations: hypertrophy, hyperplasia, atrophy, metaplasia**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cell-adaptations-hypertrophy-hyperplasia-atrophy-metaplasia/) The cell · Process
- [**Cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cell-cycle-mitosis-and-meiosis/) The cell · Process
- [**Cell injury, apoptosis and necrosis**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cell-injury-apoptosis-and-necrosis/) The cell · Process
- [**Cell junctions: tight, adherens, desmosomes, gap, hemidesmosomes**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cell-junctions-tight-adherens-desmosomes-gap-hemidesmosomes/) The cell · Topic
- [**Cervix and vagina: the transformation zone**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cervix-and-vagina-the-transformation-zone/) Reproductive system · Organ
- [**Cilia, microvilli and stereocilia**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cilia-microvilli-and-stereocilia/) The cell · Topic
- [**Conjunctiva, eyelid glands and lacrimal gland**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/conjunctiva-eyelid-glands-and-lacrimal-gland/) Special senses · Organ
- [**Connective tissue proper: cells and fibres**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/connective-tissue-proper-cells-and-fibres/) Connective tissue, cartilage and bone · Tissue
- [**Cytoskeleton: microfilaments, intermediate filaments, microtubules**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cytoskeleton-microfilaments-intermediate-filaments-microtubules/) The cell · Topic
- [**Electron microscopy: what it shows that light can't**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/electron-microscopy-what-it-shows-that-light-can-t/) Methods and stains · Technique
- [**Enteroendocrine cells and GALT**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/enteroendocrine-cells-and-galt/) Digestive system · Cell
- [**Epididymis, vas deferens, seminal glands and prostate**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/epididymis-vas-deferens-seminal-glands-and-prostate/) Reproductive system · Organ
- [**Epithelium: classification (the table to know)**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/epithelium-classification/) Epithelium · Tissue
- [**Esophagus and the Barrett change**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/esophagus-and-the-barrett-change/) Digestive system · Organ
- [**Extracellular matrix: collagen types, elastin, ground substance**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/extracellular-matrix-collagen-types-elastin-ground-substance/) Connective tissue, cartilage and bone · Topic
- [**Fertilisation, implantation and the decidua**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/fertilisation-implantation-and-the-decidua/) Reproductive system · Process
- [**From biopsy to slide: fixation, sectioning, frozen section**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/from-biopsy-to-slide-fixation-sectioning-frozen-section/) Methods and stains · Technique
- [**Gallbladder and bile ducts**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/gallbladder-and-bile-ducts/) Digestive system · Organ
- [**Glands: exocrine vs endocrine, secretion types**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/glands-exocrine-vs-endocrine-secretion-types/) Epithelium · Tissue
- [**Glial cells: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, Schwann cells**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/glial-cells-astrocytes-oligodendrocytes-microglia-schwann-cells/) Nervous tissue · Cell
- [**Glomerulus and the filtration barrier: podocytes, mesangium, JGA**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/glomerulus-and-the-filtration-barrier-podocytes-mesangium-jga/) Urinary system · Organ
- [**Gray and white matter, cerebellar cortex, meninges**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/gray-and-white-matter-cerebellar-cortex-meninges/) Nervous tissue · Tissue
- [**Hair follicles, sebaceous and sweat glands, nails**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/hair-follicles-sebaceous-and-sweat-glands-nails/) Skin and breast · Organ
- [**Hematopoiesis and bone marrow**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/hematopoiesis-and-bone-marrow/) Blood and hematopoiesis · Process
- [**Inner ear: the cochlea and the organ of Corti**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/inner-ear-the-cochlea-and-the-organ-of-corti/) Special senses · Organ
- [**Islets of Langerhans: α, β, δ cells**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/islets-of-langerhans-cells/) Endocrine system · Cell
- [**Keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans and Merkel cells**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/keratinocytes-melanocytes-langerhans-and-merkel-cells/) Skin and breast · Cell
- [**Kidney: cortex, medulla and the nephron**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/kidney-cortex-medulla-and-the-nephron/) Urinary system · Organ
- [**Large intestine, appendix and anal canal**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/large-intestine-appendix-and-anal-canal/) Digestive system · Organ
- [**Liver: lobule, acinus, hepatocytes, sinusoids, Kupffer cells**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/liver-lobule-acinus-hepatocytes-sinusoids-kupffer-cells/) Digestive system · Organ
- [**Lymph node and spleen under the microscope**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/lymph-node-and-spleen-under-the-microscope/) Lymphoid organs · Organ
- [**Lymphatic vessels**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/lymphatic-vessels/) Cardiovascular system · Tissue
- [**Microscopy and stains: H&E, PAS, trichrome, silver, immunohistochemistry**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/microscopy-and-stains-h-y-e-pas-trichrome-silver-immunohistochemistry/) Methods and stains · Technique
- [**Muscle injury, repair and satellite cells**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/muscle-injury-repair-and-satellite-cells/) Muscle tissue · Process
- [**Nerve injury and regeneration (Wallerian degeneration)**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/nerve-injury-and-regeneration/) Nervous tissue · Process
- [**Neuromuscular junction: motor end plate and acetylcholine receptors**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/neuromuscular-junction-motor-end-plate-and-acetylcholine-receptors/) Muscle tissue · Topic
- [**Olfactory epithelium and taste buds**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/olfactory-epithelium-and-taste-buds/) Special senses · Organ
- [**Oral cavity, tongue and teeth**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/oral-cavity-tongue-and-teeth/) Digestive system · Organ
- [**Organelles: nucleus, ER, Golgi, mitochondria, lysosomes, peroxisomes**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/organelles-nucleus-er-golgi-mitochondria-lysosomes-peroxisomes/) The cell · Topic
- [**Ossification, growth plate and bone remodeling**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/ossification-growth-plate-and-bone-remodeling/) Connective tissue, cartilage and bone · Process
- [**Ovary: follicles, ovulation and corpus luteum**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/ovary-follicles-ovulation-and-corpus-luteum/) Reproductive system · Organ
- [**Pancreas: acini and islets**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/pancreas-acini-and-islets/) Digestive system · Organ
- [**Peripheral nerve: endoneurium, perineurium, epineurium; myelin**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/peripheral-nerve-endoneurium-perineurium-epineurium-myelin/) Nervous tissue · Tissue
- [**Pineal gland and the diffuse endocrine system**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/pineal-gland-and-the-diffuse-endocrine-system/) Endocrine system · Organ
- [**Pituitary: adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/pituitary-adenohypophysis-and-neurohypophysis/) Endocrine system · Organ
- [**Placenta**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/placenta/) Reproductive system · Organ
- [**Retina: the ten layers, rods and cones**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/retina-the-ten-layers-rods-and-cones/) Special senses · Organ
- [**Salivary glands: serous and mucous acini**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/salivary-glands-serous-and-mucous-acini/) Digestive system · Organ
- [**Serous membranes: pleura and peritoneum**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/serous-membranes-pleura-and-peritoneum/) Respiratory system · Tissue
- [**Simple, stratified, pseudostratified and transitional epithelium**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/simple-stratified-pseudostratified-and-transitional-epithelium/) Epithelium · Tissue
- [**Skeletal muscle: sarcomere and contraction**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/skeletal-muscle-sarcomere-and-contraction/) Muscle tissue · Tissue
- [**Skin receptors: Meissner, Pacinian, Merkel, Ruffini and free nerve endings**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/skin-receptors-meissner-pacinian-merkel-ruffini-and-free-nerve-endings/) Skin and breast · Cell
- [**Skin: epidermis layers, dermis, hypodermis**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/skin-epidermis-layers-dermis-hypodermis/) Skin and breast · Organ
- [**Small intestine: villi, crypts, enterocytes, Paneth cells; duodenum vs jejunum vs ileum**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/small-intestine-villi-crypts-enterocytes-paneth-cells-duodenum-vs-jejunum-vs-ile/) Digestive system · Organ
- [**Smooth muscle**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/smooth-muscle/) Muscle tissue · Tissue
- [**Stem cells and tissue renewal: labile, stable and permanent tissues**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/stem-cells-and-tissue-renewal-labile-stable-and-permanent-tissues/) The cell · Process
- [**Stomach: gastric glands, parietal and chief cells**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/stomach-gastric-glands-parietal-and-chief-cells/) Digestive system · Organ
- [**Synovial joints: capsule, synovial membrane and articular cartilage**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/synovial-joints-capsule-synovial-membrane-and-articular-cartilage/) Connective tissue, cartilage and bone · Tissue
- [**Testis: seminiferous tubules, Sertoli and Leydig cells, spermatogenesis**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/testis-seminiferous-tubules-sertoli-and-leydig-cells-spermatogenesis/) Reproductive system · Organ
- [**The airway: from nose to bronchioles**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/the-airway-from-nose-to-bronchioles/) Respiratory system · Organ
- [**The alveolus: type I and II pneumocytes, surfactant, the blood–air barrier**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/the-alveolus-type-i-and-ii-pneumocytes-surfactant-the-blood-air-barrier/) Respiratory system · Organ
- [**The cell membrane and transport**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/the-cell-membrane-and-transport/) The cell · Topic
- [**The eye wall: cornea, sclera, uvea and lens**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/the-eye-wall-cornea-sclera-uvea-and-lens/) Special senses · Organ
- [**The GI tract wall: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, serosa; enteric plexuses**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/the-gi-tract-wall-mucosa-submucosa-muscularis-serosa-enteric-plexuses/) Digestive system · Topic
- [**The heart wall, valves and conduction tissue**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/the-heart-wall-valves-and-conduction-tissue/) Cardiovascular system · Organ
- [**The neuron and synapse**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/the-neuron-and-synapse/) Nervous tissue · Cell
- [**Thymus and tonsils under the microscope**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/thymus-and-tonsils-under-the-microscope/) Lymphoid organs · Organ
- [**Thyroid follicles, C cells and parathyroid**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/thyroid-follicles-c-cells-and-parathyroid/) Endocrine system · Organ
- [**Ureter, bladder and urethra: urothelium**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/ureter-bladder-and-urethra-urothelium/) Urinary system · Organ
- [**Uterine tube**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/uterine-tube/) Reproductive system · Organ
- [**Uterus and the endometrial cycle**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/uterus-and-the-endometrial-cycle/) Reproductive system · Organ
- [**Vestibular apparatus: maculae, cristae and otoliths**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/vestibular-apparatus-maculae-cristae-and-otoliths/) Special senses · Organ
- [**Where blisters form: pemphigus vs pemphigoid**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/where-blisters-form-pemphigus-vs-pemphigoid/) Skin and breast · Topic
- [**Wound healing: phases and scar**](https://durgical.com/en/histology/wound-healing-phases-and-scar/) Skin and breast · Process

Educational content on normal microscopic structure and its clinical relevance; no substitute for studying slides or for a health professional's advice.

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/histology/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/histology/