Histology Specimens

simple squamous epithelium

single layer of flattened cells

simple cuboidal epithelium

single layer of cube shaped cells

simple columnar epithelium

A single layer of tall, rectangular cells that fit closely together to form a lining, mainly for absorption and secretion.

pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium

A single layer of tall cells that looks like many layers because their nuclei are at different levels; it has tiny hair-like cilia on top that help move mucus.

stratified squamous epithelium

multiple layers of flat cells stacked closely together, providing strong protection against friction and wear.

transitional epithelium

Layers of cells that stretch and change shape, found in organs like the bladder that expand and contract.

areolar connective tissue

Composes basement membranes; a soft packaging tissue with a jellylike matrix and loosely arranged fibers.

reticular connective tissue

A loose tissue made of thin, branching reticular fibers that form a web-like network, giving soft organs (like the spleen and lymph nodes) a supportive framework.

adipose connective tissue

Tissue made of large, round fat cells that look like empty spaces under a microscope, closely packed together to store fat, insulate, and cushion the body.

Dense irregular connective tissue

Tissue that looks like a messy, crisscross network of thick collagen fibers, arranged in many directions, making it strong and able to resist pulling forces from different angles.

Dense regular connective tissue

Tissue that looks like tightly packed, parallel bundles of collagen fibers running in the same direction, creating a smooth, wavy pattern well-suited for strength in one direction.

dense elastic tissue

Tissue that looks like bundles of dark, wavy elastic fibers packed closely together, giving it a stretchy, rubber band-like appearance that lets organs and ligaments expand and recoil.

Fibrocartilage

A tough cartilage that looks like a dense, wavy network of collagen fibers with scattered cells (chondrocytes) in between, giving it a strong, shock-absorbing structure.

hyaline cartilage

Cartilage that looks smooth and shiny under a microscope, with cells (chondrocytes) sitting in small spaces called lacunae, giving it a glass-like, uniform appearance.

Elastic cartilage connective tissue

Cartilage that looks like a dense network of dark, wavy elastic fibers with cells (chondrocytes) in small spaces (lacunae), giving it a flexible, springy appearance.

Blood smear

Where red blood cells appear as small, round, pale-pink discs, white blood cells are larger with dark-stained nuclei, and platelets are tiny fragments scattered throughout.