Histology Lab slides

Simple Squamous Epithelium .Capillary wall. H&E stain

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium .Kidney tubules. H&E stain

)Simple columnar epithelium )GIT

Simple Columnar Epithelium Duodenal area of the small intestine. H&E stain

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium .Trachea. H&E stain

Transitional Epithelium .Urinary bladder. H&E stain

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium .Duct of a sweat gland. H&E stain

Nonkeratinized Stratified Squamous EpitheliumEsophagus. H&E stain

Keratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium.Thin skin. H&E stain

Skeletal muscle
Study the striations of skeletal muscle. Locate a site where muscle fibers are clearly longitudinally sectioned. Note the location and content of A bands , I bands , and Z lines in this slide. H bands and M lines are better observed in the electron micrographs. In the cross-sectioned skeletal muscle of the slide, locate a group of cells )a fascicle) and look for nuclei near the edge )sarcolemmal region) of the muscle fibers )cells). Identify endomysium , perimysium , and epimysium .

Cardiac muscle
Note the acidophilic fibers that change direction frequently. Observes the striations present in cardiac muscle. Also observe fiber bundles which are cut in longitudinal , oblique and transverse section. Observe the centrally located nuclei of cardiac muscle. Locate a large area of longitudinally sectioned fibers and note: 1. The walls of individual fibers are parallel for short distances only. 2. The variation in width is produced by frequent branching and anastomosing of adjacent fibers. 3. The branches arising from individual fibers are variable in diameter. Because of its fibrous appearance, cardiac muscle bears a superficial resemblance to skeletal muscle and dense connective tissue )regular and irregular). In longitudinal section, the regular branching and anastomosing pattern is the most distinctive and characteristic feature of cardiac muscle. Higher magnification will be required to confirm the presence or absence of myofibrils and cross striations . Observe an appropriate branching area and examine the fibers carefully and note: 1. Careful examination of the fibers and branches reveals the presence of myofibrils and cross striations. 2. The presence of intercalated disks . 3. The nuclei frequently appear to be located in a mid-fiber position. The presence of myofibrils and cross striations in branching fibers indicates the contractile nature of this tissue and confirms the diagnosis of cardiac muscle

Loose connective tissue

Note the fusiform )spindle-shaped) morphology of the fibroblasts and the interlacing collagen fiber bundles of varying sizes.

)Dense regular connective tissue )tendon

Dense regular connective tissue has collagen fibers arranged in a definite pattern according to the direction of stress. The tendon clearly shows this arrangement.

Adipose connective tissue

Adipose tissue's major functional component is the fat cell )lipocyte). Fat cells are closely packed and are supported by fine collagen and reticular cells as well as heavier septa of collagen fibers. In this section, as well as those following, solvents during the preparation of the slide removed the lipid material in the fat cells.

)Mucous connective tissue )umbilical cord

Mucus connective tissue has an abundance of ground substance. In the fresh state, the tissue has an amorphous jelly-like quality often referred to as "Wharton's jelly." Sections show a pale amorphous ground substance, a meshwork of thin collagenic fibers and scattered stellate or fusiform fibroblasts.

)Reticular fibers )silver stain

Skin
EPIDERMIS . Observe the layers of the epidermis : the stratum corneum )outermost), stratum lucidum )limited to thick skin), stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale. Recall that the cells of the stratum spinosum are mechanically attached by desmosomes. Keratohyaline granules give the stratum granulosum its dark appearance. The stratum basale is the germinal layer of the epidermis and often shows mitotic figures. DERMIS . The dermis is composed of two layers: the papillary layer and reticular layer . The papillary layer is closest to the epidermis. Connective tissue here is less dense than in the reticular layer. There are numerous sections of blood vessels )arterioles, venules, and capillaries) in the dermis. ECCRINE SWEAT GLANDS . Look in the deeper part of the dermis for these glands. Observe the simple cuboidal or columnar cells of the secretory portion lying on a distinct basement membrane. Find a myoepithelial cell )with elongated nuclei, located between the basement membrane and the base of the secretory cells). Secretory portions usually stain lighter than ducts in H&E preparations. Ducts are made of stratified cuboidal epithelium . The ducts project through the dermis to enter the epidermis and open to the surface.

 Also observe hair follicles and hair shafts with associated sebaceous glands . The hair follicle )an invagination of the epidermis) has a terminal dilation, the hair bulb , composed of matrix cells and the dermal papilla. The outermost layer of the follicle is composed of a connective tissue sheath with the underlying external root sheath The external root sheath is continuous with the epithelium. Inside the external root sheath is the internal root sheath which is composed of Henle's layer , Huxley's layer , and a cuticle . Each hair shaft is composed of a cuticle , cortex , and medulla . Find the arrector pili muscle , smooth muscle that attaches to the connective tissue sheath of the hair follicle and erects the hair upon contraction

Intervertebral disc
At low magnification, is a panoramic view of fibrocartilage of the intervertebral disc. Note the abundance and regular arrangement of the collagen fiber bundles. Note the scattered chondrocytes residing within their lacunae and the abundance of collagen fiber bundles that occupy the interterritorial matrix

Endochondral bone formation

A panoramic view of the phenomenon of endochondral bone formation. Note the active replacement of the cartilaginous model by the developing bone. This image shows the area of the cartilaginous model that is termed the reserve zone or the quiescent zones indicated by the letter "R." It is an area of typical juvenile hyaline cartilage

 Moving toward the diaphyseal region, the image shows the zone of proliferation marked with the letter "P." This is a zone of active cellular division, resulting in an increase in the number of chondrocytes and growth of the cartilaginous model. The deepest portion of the zone of proliferation shows alignment of some of the chondrocytes into irregular rows of cells. Moving further into the developing diaphyseal region, the image shows the zone of maturations indicated by the letter "M." In this area the chondrocytes hypertrophy, and mitotic division no longer occurs

 Moving again in the direction of the diaphysis this image shows the zone of calcification, indicated by the letter "C." In the zone of calcification there has been a gradual deposition of mineral salts into the intercellular cartilage matrix. This may be reflected in a slightly more basophilic staining quality to the mineralized matrix. The next area in succession is the zone of erosion, also known as the zone of retrogression. This area is labeled with the letter "E." As the terms signify, this is an area where there is erosion of the mineralizing cartilage matrix and necrosis of the chondrocytes

 This frame, indicated by the letter "O," is the zone of ossification or zone of osteogenesis. In this region note the minute spicules composed of mineralized cartilage matrix upon which osteoblasts deposit osteoid material. This region is vascularized by thin walled blood channels.

)Bone )ground specimen

Observe the Haversian sytems )or osteons) of compact bone in this slide. The lamellae are concentrically located around a central canal ) haversian canal) which contained blood vessels, nerves, and loose connective tissue. Volkmann's canals may be seen connecting haversian canals. The other lamellae of compact bone are organized into inner circumferential, outer circumferential, and interstitial lamellae. Only interstitial lamellae are seen in this slide. Also in this section, note the empty lacunae and canaliculi that housed the osteocyte and its cell processes, respectively.

Spongy bone
In this photomicrograph, note a trabeculus or beam of cancellous bone running diagonally across the frame. The letter "T" indicates this structure. Flanking the trabeculae are marrow cavities, one of which is labeled with the letter "M." These form the red bone marrow, active in the formation of blood cells )hemopoiesis). In the trabeculus, one can clearly see the bone cells )osteocytes) residing within lacunae, and the irregular cement lines that separate the layers of lamellae of bone. Along the periphery of the trabeculus are bone forming cells known as osteoblasts.

Lymph node
Lymph nodes are more organized organs than are nodules. They have a capsule , subcapsular sinus , hilus , supporting connective tissue trabeculae , and trabecular sinuses . Arteries, veins, and efferent lymphatics are all located at the hilus. Afferent lymphatics enter the capsule. Lymph nodes often appear "airy" because of their system of lymph spaces or sinuses. Note the outer cortex containing lymph nodules and its transition to the inner medulla . In the medulla, the lymphoid tissue is organized as irregular cords of cells, medullary cords , surrounded by medullary sinuses . Note the ingrowth of trabeculae from the capsule into the node. The node is composed of many free cells , mostly lymphocytes and plasma cells. Also note the distribution and density of reticular cells in the lymph node.

Spleen
Note the dense connective tissue capsule covered with mesothelium )peritoneum). Heavy connective tissue trabeculae extend into the organ from the capsule to provide support. The trabeculae also serve to carry blood vessels to/from the vascular spaces in the spleen. Examine the two major components of the spleen the white pulp and red pulp . The white pulp can be organized as splenic )lymph) nodules with the characteristic central artery )arteriole) in each nodule. The germinal centers of the nodules are mainly B cells. In addition, the lymphatic tissue not organized as nodules can be seen as the periarterial lymphatic sheath )a thin cuff of tissue made up of T lymphocytes that surrounds the central arteries). Both red and white pulp are supported by reticular fibers that form a supporting framework of the spleen.

Thymus
Note that the thymus consists of an outer capsule , a darker stained cortex , and a lighter central medulla . The cortex is darker because of the high concentration of small lymphocytes. Interlobular septa extend from the capsule into the cortex. Within the medulla are conspicuous eosinophilic, whorled structures called Hassall's corpuscles composed of a concentric mass of epithelioreticular cells joined together by many desmosomes. These are diagnostic of the thymus. Among the numerous small lymphocytes are many thymic reticular cells )epithelial origin). Note particularly that the thymus lacks lymph nodules and sinuses. Recall that after puberty the thymus undergoes involution and is infiltrated by fat as lymphocytes degenerate )the organ is, however, still functional)

Esophagus
Rely on the type of muscle in the muscularis externa to determine what region )upper, middle, lower) of the esophagus is represented on this slide. Identify the mucosa )epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosa), submucosa , esophageal glands , muscularis externa and adventitia . Note the presence of small arteries and veins in the adventitia on this slide. The larger of the veins are known as esophageal veins. Observe the presence of the myenteric )Auerbach's plexus) in between the inner circular and outer longitudinal layers of the muscularis externa.

Jejunum
Notice the folding of the submucosa and the mucosa. The folds, containing a core of submucosa, are the plicae circulares )valves of Kerckring) which can be observed with your naked eye by holding the slide up to the light. The plicae circulares are most prominent in the distal duodenum and jejunum. Observe the layers of the wall of the jejunum . Note the absence of glands in the submucosa, which is a characteristic feature of the jejunum. Observe the crypts of Lieberkuhn . Paneth cells are found at the base of the crypt and are identified by their eosinophilic granules. Examine the villi on this slide with the core of lamina propria containing a lacteal . Observe the goblet cells and notice the muscularis externa and serosa .

Colon
There are no villi or plicae circularis in the large intestine. The simple columnar epithelium has abundant goblet cells interspersed with absorptive cells . The crypts of Lieberkuhn are larger than in the small intestine. Note the absence any glands in the submucosa . Examine the muscularis mucosae and the muscularis externa . Next, observe the serosa . Find Auerbach's plexi )between the layers of the muscularis externa) and Meissner's plexi )beneath the muscularis mucosae within the submucosa).

Liver
The principal parenchymal cell is the hepatocyte which all look very similar with H & E staining. Some hepatocytes are binucleate . The connective tissue present is mostly seen at the border regions between classic liver lobules . Note the connective tissue covering the uncut surfaces of this section. This is Glisson's capsule . Observe how the connective tissue septae dividing the lobules are continuous with the capsule You can easily observe the components of the classic lobule on this slide. Find central veins and identify the plates )or cords) of hepatic cells that radiate out from the central vein. These cords of hepatic cells are separated by sinusoids . At the 6 apices of the classic lobule, observe the portal triads made up of hepatic )portal) artery, portal vein, bile duct, and lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic vessels are not visible in this preparation. Also locate sublobular veins which are found separate from the hepatic )portal) artery, portal vein, and bile duct. Sublobular veins coalesce into the hepatic vein which carries blood from the liver to the vena cava. In addition to the classic liver lobule you should also envision the portal lobule and the liver acinus .

Pancreas
The exocrine component of the pancreas is a compound tubuloacinar gland with a complex series of ducts that convey the exocrine secretion of the pancreas to the duodenum. Observe the serous acini of the pancreas. Each acinus is composed of acinar cells . Note the intense basophilia in the basal portion of the acinar cells and eosinophilia of the apical portion. Some acini reveal the centrally located centroacinar cells . These cells are the beginning of intercalated ducts lined with a simple low columnar or cuboidal epithelium. The intercalated ducts empty into the intralobular ducts which have a cuboidal epithelium. These ducts empty into the interlobular ducts which run within the connective tissue septa dividing the pancreas into lobules. The interlobular ducts coalesce to form the pancreatic duct which empties into the duodenum. The endocrine portion of the pancreas, the islets of Langerhans , are seen as islands of pale staining cells spread through the organ.

Theislets of Langerhans
Within the parenchyma of the pancreas you will note small islets or clusters of lighter staining cells - these are the islets of Langerhans )endocrine part of the pancreas). Note the number of islets on your sections and the variation in their size. The islets are composed of three cell types: alpha cells, beta cells, and delta cells. These cells cannot be readily distinguished without special stains. Alpha cells )15-20%) are found at the periphery and secrete glucagon. Beta cells )70%) are found more centrally and secrete insulin. Delta cells )5-10%) are found throughout the islet and secrete somatostatin

Thyroid
The thyroid follicle forms the parenchymal unit of the thyroid gland. Each follicle consists of follicular epithelium ) simple cuboidal) and a central mass, the colloid . Active follicles generally have "high" epithelium. Each follicle is surrounded by a delicate layer of loose connective tissue , containing a capillary network. Thus, the follicle cells are bounded by colloid on one side, and are in association with capillaries on the other. Try to identify parafollicular cells or C cells which are located within the confines of the follicular basement lamina yet excluded from the follicle lumen by follicular epithelium cells. These cells secrete calcitonin and may be difficult to identify. They are somewhat larger and lighter staining than follicular cells

Trachea
The trachea is a membranous tube with walls that are supported by incomplete cartilaginous rings . Note that these rings open toward the esophagus. Observe the mucous membrane of ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells. This epithelium has an unusually well defined basement membrane . The wall of the trachea is composed of a mucosa, submucosa, cartilaginous layer, and adventitia. The lamina propria of the mucosa contains many elastic fibers, lymphoid tissue in diffuse patches, and occasional small nodules. In addition, mucous glands with serous demilunes are present in the submucosa. Follow the cartilage rings around to the free ends and observe the trachealis muscle . This muscle is smooth muscle and attaches to the free ends of the cartilage rings.

Lung
AIRWAYS First identify a bronchus . The trachea first branches into two primary bronchi and then each bronchus branches several times. The characteristic feature of the bronchus is the presence of plates of hyaline cartilage . Smooth muscle and mucus secreting cells )Goblet cells) are also present. The bronchus is lined by ciliated pseoudostratified columnar epithelium . Next find a terminal bronchiole . These air passages are characterized by the absence of alveoli and the presence of cartilage and goblet cells. Smooth muscle is still evident within the muscularis mucosae . Now observe a respiratory bronchiole , this is the first structure where gas exchange occurs. Look for the presence of alveoli , and recall the presence of just one alveolus is enough to classify a respiratory bronchiole. The wall of a respiratory bronchiole may be cuboidal epithelium . Next, locate an alveolar duct which are seen as elongate air spaces with almost no walls. An alveolar sac is composed of clusters of alveoli. Finally, the alveolus is a single sac-like air space

bronchus

Kidney
Observe the cortex , medulla , and delicate connective tissue capsule . Note the relatively large arteries and veins between the cortex and medulla. These are the arcuate arteries and veins . Recall that arcuate arteries give rise to interlobular arteries which run through the cortex. From the interlobular arteries, the afferent arterioles branch off to supply the kidney glomeruli. Renal corpuscles )glomerulus + Bowman's capsule) as well as the proximal and distal convoluted tubules are found in the cortex. One can distinguish proximal convoluted tubules from distal convoluted tubules by these characteristics:
1) Staining - proximal tubules are more eosinophilic than the distal. 2) Nuclei - proximal tubule cells have more heterochromatic nuclei than those of distal tubule cells; and there are more nuclei per unit area in the distal tubule than there are in the proximal tubule. 3) Cytoplasm - the distal tubule cells appear with less cytoplasm. 4) Microvillus "brush" border - in the proximal convoluted tubules the brush border has sloughed and can be seen in the lumen; thus, the lumen appears partially filled.

Observe the medullary rays and identify collecting tubules within the rays. Identify the vascular and urinary poles of the renal corpuscles. Also observe the parietal layer of Bowman's capsule , the urinary space , and podocytes . Find the macula densa of the distal convoluted tubule. Carefully study the medullary region and note the vasa recta , thin and thick limbs of the loop of Henle , and collecting ducts . Collecting ducts in the medulla are distinguished by the clarity with which the borders of adjacent lining cells stand out

Urinary bladder
Note the mucosa , submucosa , muscularis , and the serosa or peritoneal surface of the bladder. Observe the inner longitudinal, middle circular and outer longitudinal bands of smooth muscle in the muscularis. Examine the transitional epithelium with its characteristic dome shaped surface cells. Observe any nerves or autonomic ganglion cells in the bladder wall.

Ureter
Observe the transitional epithelium . Examine the layers of smooth muscle . Inner longitudinal and outer circular layers are distinguishable in this slide. Note the lamina propria .

)Mammary gland )inactive

Mammary gland )inactive): composed mostly of pale, wide, connective tissue interlobular septa with scattered lobules containing small dark cross-cuts of many intralobular ducts. There are very few, if any, alveoli in the inactive gland. Much of the interlobular tissue is adipose tissue.

)Mammary gland )lactating

Uterus
The endometrium )mucosa of the uterus) consists of simple columnar epithelium and lamina propria. Note also the thick myometrium composed of interconnecting bundles of smooth muscle arranged in four ill-defined layers. The uterus is covered by a serosa or adventitia. The slides represent different phases of the endometrial cycle. Compare the thickness of the mucosa and the shapes of the uterine glands. Slide 19 Uterus, proliferative stage uterine endometrium. Slide 20 Uterus, early secretory stage uterine endometrium. Slide 96 Uterus, menstrual stage uterine endometrium.

Cervix

Note that the cervical glands are wide, numerous, and branching. The glands are lined by simple columnar epithelium. The cervical canal is lined also by simple columnar epithelium. This epithelium abruptly changes to nonkeratinized stratified squamous epith near the external os.

Vagina
Note the thick, nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium, muscle layer, and numerous veins in the wall.

)Fallopian tube )oviduct

The epithelium has ciliated columnar cells or nonciliated columnar cells )also called Peg cells). Glands are absent from the uterine tube. External to the mucosa and muscularis is the serosa )visceral peritoneum)

ovary
The ovary has a cortex-medullary organization and is surrounded by a thick connective tissue capsule, the tunica albuginea. The surface of the tunica albuginea is covered with a cuboidal, germinal epithelium.

Cortex
Within the cortex, the primordial follicles are identified via the single layer of squamous epithelial cells surrounding the oocyte. Note that the oocyte is a large cell with a large nucleus containing a prominent nucleolus. Primary unilaminar follicles consist of an oocyte surrounded by a single layer of cuboidal follicular epithelial cells. Next, the primary multilaminar follicles are distinguished by more than one layer of cuboidal follicular )granulosa) epithelial cells surrounding the oocyte. The zona pellucida can be seen between the oocyte and the follicular cells. Finally, secondary )antral) follicles have an oocyte surrounded by multiple layers of follicular )granulosa) cells in which an antrum can be seen. The antrum is a fluid-filled space )fluid = liquor folliculi) that develops among the follicle cells; it starts as multiple small spaces that eventually coalesce into a single large antrum. At the primary follicle stage, the connective tissue around the follicle becomes organized into the theca interna )endocrine-like and produces hormones) and the theca externa )like connective tissue). The theca interna and theca externa are best demonstrated in the secondary follicle.

Mature follicle
Be sure to identify the following structures in maturing and mature follicles:
1. Zona pellucida. Surrounds the oocyte and located between the oocyte and the follicular cells. 2. Corona radiata. The first layer of follicular )granulosa) cells outside the zona pellucida. 3. Cumulus oophorus )"egg-bearing heap"). A thickened mound of granulosa cells that surround the oocyte and projects into the antrum of secondary follicles. 4. Oocyte. Observe the nucleus and nucleolus )not always visible). 5. Antrum. The fluid filled space )liquor folliculi) of a secondary follicle. 6. Membrana granulosa. The layer of granulosa cells )follicular cells) bordering the antrum. 7. Theca interna. These cells are endocrine-like and border the membrana granulosa. They function in the production of estrogen. 8. Theca externa. Fibroblast-resembling cells just outside the theca interna. The exterior limits of the theca externa are not discernible because it blends and merges with other cells of the ovarian stroma; the beginning of this layer can be identified, however, by its proximity to the theca interna. Graafian )mature) follicles occupy the full thickness of the cortex and bulge from the surface of ovary when near their full size

Testis
Note the highly coiled structure of the seminiferous tubules seen in cross section. The cell-type population varies from tubule to tubule depending in the stage of the spermatogenic cycle. The endocrine testis consists of the Leydig cells which are found in clusters within the interstitial tissue between seminiferous tubules. The exocrine testis consists of two cell types: the Sertoli cell and the germ cells. Identify the following germ cell types within the seminiferous tubules: 1. Spermatogonia )most numerous cell type, adjacent to the basement membrane) 2. Spermatocyte )twice the size of the spermatogonia, in two rows above spermatogonia) 3. Spermatid )small cells adjoining the lumen, can be early or late) Examine the rete testis in the mediastinum. The rete are communicating channels between the straight tubules and efferent tubules )ductules). They are lined by simple cuboidal epithelium . No smooth muscle is present in this region.

EPIDIDYMIS
The epididymal epithelium )pseudostratified columnar with stereocilia) is regular in height so that the luminal margin is even. Remember, this is a single tortuous duct. It has a thin layer of smooth muscle surrounding it

.Vas deferens
The vas deferens )ductas deferens) has a thick muscular wall and a narrow star-shaped lumen. You should note that the smooth muscle is arranged in 3 layers ; inner and outer longitudinal and middle circular. The lining epithelium is pseudostratified columnar epithelium