Which term describes the microscopic examination of tissue samples taken during an autopsy?

• A. Histology
• B. Cytology
• C. Anatomy
• D. Gross Pathology

Answer: (A)

Histology is the microscopic study of tissue structure and cells. In an autopsy, tissue samples are processed into thin sections, stained, and examined under a light microscope to observe how the cells are organized and how the tissue appears in disease. This microscopic view reveals changes like inflammation, necrosis, fibrosis, or tumor infiltration that aren’t visible to the naked eye, which is why histology is the term used for examining tissue at the microscopic level.

Cytology, by contrast, looks at individual cells or small clusters from samples like smears or aspirates, focusing on cellular features rather than tissue architecture. Anatomy is the study of body structure, typically at a macroscopic level. Gross pathology refers to the macroscopic, non-microscopic examination of tissues.