Frequently Asked Questions - Histology 101

What techniques are commonly used in histology to examine tissues?

Histologists employ various staining techniques to highlight different cell types and structures. Microscopy, including light and electron microscopy, is also fundamental for visualizing small-scale anatomical details.


How can I access introductory notes and resources for learning histology?

For those new to histology, resources such as comprehensive histology guides offer a starting point for understanding basic concepts and can include images, diagrams, and slide presentations.


How does histology fit into the overall study of anatomy?

Histology is a branch of microscopic anatomy, complementing gross anatomy by providing detailed insights into tissues that can only be seen with the aid of microscopes, thereby enhancing understanding of structure-function relationships at the cellular level.


What are the primary types of tissues analyzed in histology?

Histologists study four basic types of tissues: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues. Each category has unique functions and characteristics, integral to an organism's overall physiology.


What is the process involved in preparing a histopathological sample?

Preparing a histopathological sample typically involves sectioning, where tissues are sliced into thin layers, followed by mounting on slides, and application of specific stains to enhance contrast for microscope examination.


Could you explain the field of histology in simple terms for a non-expert?

Histology is the scientific field focused on the detailed analysis of biological tissues under the microscope, crucial for medical diagnoses and educational purposes in understanding how human and animal bodies function at a micro-level.

Why building a liver is like solving a 3D puzzle—and how MTM Laboratory researchers are finally cracking the code

November 27, 2025
Recent advances in biofabrication are revolutionizing liver tissue engineering by enabling precise spatial patterning of liver cells to mimic the organ’s complex architecture. Techniques like 3D bioprinting, microfluidics, and self-assembled cell aggregates help recreate critical features such as metabolic zones, cell polarity, and vascular networks. These engineered liver models improve drug testing, disease research, and hold promise for regenerative therapies. Despite challenges in scaling and standardization, integrating multiple fabrication methods and emerging technologies like machine learning are driving progress. Ultimately, these innovations bring us closer to creating functional liver tissues for clinical and pharmaceutical applications. See full article here.

October 18, 2025
𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆: This study explores how we can improve lab-grown liver cells for medical research and drug testing. The MTMLab team works with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) - special cells that can be transformed into liver-like cells - because real human liver cells are hard to obtain. However, these lab-grown liver cells don't function as well as mature adult liver cells. The research team discovered that the surface environment where these cells grow is crucial for their development. We created tiny fiber scaffolds made from different materials like collagen, decellularized livers, and chitosan that mimic the natural structure around liver cells. When liver cells were grown on these specially designed nanofibers for three weeks, they displayed higher function compared to cells grown on standard surfaces. Our key finding was that both the material composition and the nanoscale fiber structure were important - stiffer synthetic fibers or softer materials without the appropriate topography or composition prevented proper cell maturation. This research helps create better lab models of human liver tissue that can be used for testing new drugs and studying liver diseases more effectively.

2025 BMES Annual Meeting - MTMLab Member Presentations!

October 7, 2025
Owen Lally Modeling the synergistic effects of alcohol and fats on liver disease via engineered cocultures In Vitro Liver Toxicology Testing of Rat and Dog Hepatocytes to Reduce In Vivo Regulatory Requirements Nathan Shelton Enhancing the Functions and Hepatitis B Virus Infectability of Primary Human Hepatocytes Protein Microarrays to Probe Synergistic Effects of Extracellular Matrix Composition and Stiffness on Liver Macrophages Lesly Villarreal Engineering a 3D Placental Trophoblast Invasion Platform Via Droplet Microfluidics Gas-permeable Plates to Model Synergetic Effects of Oxygen and Endothelial Factors on Liver Zonation Emanuele Spanghero Modeling the Interplay Between Liver and Heart Diseases via a Human Dual-Organ Platform Engineering High Cell Density Beating Cords of Cardiomyocytes and Fibroblasts via Photopatterned Alginate