Introduction

The human body is composed of many trillions of cells, representing hundreds of different histologic cell types: eg., intestinal epithelial cells, pancreatic islet cells, neurons, fibroblasts, chondrocytes and polymorphonuclar leukocytes. This remarkable collection of differentiated cells is organized structurally and functionally during embryonic development.

Throughout life, cells experience changes in their environment that cause stress. When environmental changes are mild, cells adapt. However, when environmental changes are severe, cells undergo coagulative necrosis.

Cellular adaptation and necrosis can be observed under the microscope, and numerous examples are provided in your textbook and online. In order for you to fully appreciate these pathologic changes, it is essential that you have some basic familiarity with normal microscopic anatomy.

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