The Histology Department at the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office prepares stained slides of tissue samples taken from the decedents during autopsy. Histology is the study of tissues.

This field of study is a diagnostic tool for Pathologists to help determine the cause of death. Approximately 20,000 to 25,000 slides are prepared annually.

Histology is the study of tissues. Tissues are a group of cells that perform a specific function. Cells are the smallest unit of life and are the building blocks of all living things. Normal cells have definite character and reproduce themselves in an orderly way. The structural and functional changes in cells, tissues, and organs can lead to disease or disease can cause mutation of cells or abnormal cell growth (tumors).

Sometimes the cause of death is determined only by a microscopic review of the autopsy tissues. Therefore, histology plays a crucial role to help diagnose the diseased tissue. Other industries that utilize histology are health care and research laboratories.