Introduction to Microscopic Anatomy
Written By: Adrija Basani
Anatomy, as a discipline, can be studied as either microscopic anatomy or macroscopic (also known as ‘gross’) anatomy. As their names suggest, microscopic anatomy involves using aids such as microscopes to study tissues and cells of living organisms. Macroscopic anatomy is the study of larger body parts with the unaided eye. Microscopic anatomy can be further divided into – cytology (which involves the study of cells and sub-cellular components), and histology (dealing with the study of tissues and their components). The term histology is often used interchangeably with microscopic anatomy.
The development of microscopic anatomy was catalyzed by the introduction of compound microscopes and magnifying glasses. Marcello Malpighi, who is known as the father of microscopic anatomy, had many prolific discoveries. Many microscopic structures are even named after him, such as Malpighian corpuscles in the kidneys. The development of lenses and the use of dyes for staining specimens resulted in a better understanding of the cell as the fundamental unit of living organisms. The development of the electron microscope allowed for a closer look at sub-cellular components, which eventually made it the prime tool for anatomical study at the microscopic level.
Microscopic anatomy has various applications in the medical sciences as well. Applying the preexisting knowledge of tissue structure can help in identifying new tissues. Studying cytological characteristics is a way to diagnose infectious diseases, inflammation, and even cancer. Microscopic studies find their use in forensic examinations as well, and they can help in identifying the cause of death. Cytopathology is the intersection of pathology and cytology that studies diseases on a cellular level. Studies have shown that the cytological study of oral cells can help in the early diagnosis of oral cancer. This method of diagnosis has a dual advantage of being relatively simple and painless, which makes it an attractive option for patients. (1)
Although microscopic studies today have been replaced with in vitro studies of cytology, biochemistry, and genetics; it is still convenient for diagnosis on a regular basis. Most of our current knowledge about organs and human anatomy have primarily derived from the classical methods of staining and observing samples under a microscope. (2)
Sources:
Mehrotra, R., Gupta, A., Singh, M. et al. Application of cytology and molecular biology in diagnosing premalignant or malignant oral lesions. Mol Cancer 5, 11 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-4598-5-11
Musumeci G. Past, present and future: overview on histology and histopathology. J Histol Histopathol. 2014; 1:5. http://dx.doi.org/10.7243/2055-091X-1-5
