What is cytology?
That fact that we as humans are made up of millions of tiny cells, and that other lifeforms around us are similarly constituted, now barely needs explanation. However, the concept of the cell is relatively new. The scientific community did not accept the idea of the existence of cells until the late 18th century. Cytology became, in the 19th century, a way to describe and identify cells, and also to diagnose certain medical diseases. Cytology, more commonly known as cell biology, studies cell structure, cell composition, and the interaction of cells with other cells and the larger environment in which they exist. Cytology can also refer to cytopathology, which analyzes cell structure to diagnose disease. Microscopic and molecular studies of cells can focus on either multi-celled or single-celled organisms. Recognizing the similarities and differences of cells is of the utmost importance in cytology. Microscopic examination can help identify different types of cells. Looking at the mole
Cytology is the study of individual cells to detect abnormal cells. Used extensively to diagnose cancer, cytology is also used in screening for fetal abnormalities and in diagnosing infectious organisms. The cells to be examined may be obtained through the following methods: • scraping the tissue surface • body fluids • fine-needle aspirations (removing cells by drawing them through a fine needle) Cytology is different from histology, which is the study of grouping of cells that form tissues.
Cytology is the study of individual cells to detect abnormal cells. Used extensively to diagnose cancer, cytology is also used in screening for fetal abnormalities and in diagnosing infectious organisms. The cells to be examined may be obtained through: • scraping the tissue surface • body fluids • fine-needle aspirations (removing cells by drawing them through a fine needle) Cytology is different from histology, which is the study of grouping of cells that form tissues.
Cytology is the study of individual cells to detect abnormal cells. Used extensively to diagnose cancer, cytology is also used in screening for fetal abnormalities and in diagnosing infectious organisms. The cells to be examined may be obtained through: • scraping the tissue surface • body fluids • fine-needle aspirations (removing cells by drawing them through a fine needle) Cytology is different from histology, which is the study of grouping of cells that form tissues. This page was last updated on: October 18, 2007.
