Which process best describes histopathology?

• A. Gross organ weighing
• B. Describing gross lesions
• C. Serology for infections
• D. Thin slices of tissue fixed, stained, and examined under the microscope

Answer: (D)

Histopathology is the microscopic examination of tissue to study disease. It involves taking tissue, fixing it to preserve structure, cutting it into thin sections, staining them to differentiate cells and tissues, and examining these slides under a microscope to observe architecture and cellular changes. This microscopic view reveals details of disease processes—such as inflammation, necrosis, dysplasia, or neoplasia—that aren’t visible on gross inspection. The other options are macroscopic or non-tissue-based: weighing organs or describing gross lesions relies on external features, and serology detects antibodies or antigens rather than tissue architecture.