Microscopy and Cytology
Cytology = study of cells
- Cell = basic – functional and unit
- Tissues = all made of cells – extracellular matrix = elaborated by cells
- Most mammalian cells = mircoscopic
- Microscopy = use of microscope
Microscope = optical equipment for viewing samples/cells – magnified
- Visualize cells, organelles, cell cultures
4 types = Light (simple), fluorescence, confocal and Electron
- Light = for unstained cells
- Others need stains
Light microscope = several part
Light = from source – to objective lens
- Light = through condenser – focuses light on sample (gives max. brightness)
- Light goes through sample
- Light through objective lense – magnifies image – passes through eyepiece (X10)
magnification
For unstained living cells – 2 types
- Phase Contrast microscopy (thin layers of cells – not thick tissues)
- Differential Interference contrast (very small/thick details)
Flourescence microscopy:
- For specific cellular molecules
- ‘glow’ against dark background
- Cells = fixed/living
- Flurochromes = dyes (directly/indirecly associated with cellular molecule)
- Multiple flurochromes may be used
Hystology = study of tissue
Several samples used in cytology:
- Fluids
- CSF
- Nipple discharge
- Gastric/urine
- Secretions (cervical/smear)
3 catagories of cytology samples
- Exfoliative
Cytology = study of cells
- Cell = basic – functional and unit
- Tissues = all made of cells – extracellular matrix = elaborated by cells
- Most mammalian cells = mircoscopic
- Microscopy = use of microscope
Microscope = optical equipment for viewing samples/cells – magnified
- Visualize cells, organelles, cell cultures
4 types = Light (simple), fluorescence, confocal and Electron
- Light = for unstained cells
- Others need stains
Light microscope = several part
Light = from source – to objective lens
- Light = through condenser – focuses light on sample (gives max. brightness)
- Light goes through sample
- Light through objective lense – magnifies image – passes through eyepiece (X10)
magnification
For unstained living cells – 2 types
- Phase Contrast microscopy (thin layers of cells – not thick tissues)
- Differential Interference contrast (very small/thick details)
Flourescence microscopy:
- For specific cellular molecules
- ‘glow’ against dark background
- Cells = fixed/living
- Flurochromes = dyes (directly/indirecly associated with cellular molecule)
- Multiple flurochromes may be used
Hystology = study of tissue
Several samples used in cytology:
- Fluids
- CSF
- Nipple discharge
- Gastric/urine
- Secretions (cervical/smear)
3 catagories of cytology samples
- Exfoliative
