Histopathology and Histotechnology Overview

Histopathology and Histotechnology

• Histopathology is the processing and preparation of tissue and cell samples for microscopic examination by pathologists.
• Histotechnologists prepare tissue sections for pathologists to interpret and diagnose diseases. Their work is crucial for accurate diagnoses.

Development of Histopathology

• Johannes Müller: Known as the "Father of Histopathology" and "Father of Histologic Pathology." Wrote a foundational physiology textbook. Pioneered systematic tissue structure study.
• Marcello Malpighi: Called the "Founder of Pathology" and "Father of Modern Anatomic Pathology." Known for embryology and gland/viscera physiology research. Used various tissue preservation methods, including heat fixation.
• Rudolf Virchow: Known as the "Father of Microscopic Pathology." Established the first pathology lab. Emphasized studying diseases and infections at the cellular level. Notably, he stressed the visibility of these at the cellular level using microscopes.
• Ferdinand Blum: Discovered formaldehyde's fixing properties.
• Formaldehyde vs. Formalin: Formalin is a 10% solution of formaldehyde.

Invention of Microtomes

• Microtomes are machines that slice tissue blocks into thin sections (also called ribbons).
• Sliding Microtome: Invented by George Adams Jr. in 1798.
• Rocking/Cambridge Microtome: Invented by Paldwell Trefall in 1881. Used for softer specimens.
• Minot/Rotary Microtome: Invented by Minot in 1885-1886. Produces consistent thin sections.
• Freezing Microtome: Invented by Queckett in 1848. Enables rapid diagnoses by skipping preservation and embedding steps.

Explore the essential practices of histopathology and histotechnology, including the preparation and processing of tissue samples for microscopic examination. Discover the contributions of key figures such as Johannes Müller, Marcello Malpighi, and Rudolf Virchow, who shaped the field and advanced our understanding of diseases at the cellular level.