What distinguishes histopathology from cytology?

Histopathology is primarily concerned with the study of tissues and their cellular composition, as well as how cells interact with their neighboring cells within a tissue context. This examination allows pathologists to assess the architecture of tissues, identify any abnormalities within the tissue structure, and understand how different cell types are organized and function in relation to one another.

In contrast, cytology is focused on the study of individual cells or groups of cells, often obtained from bodily fluids or smears. While cytology can provide important insights into cellular characteristics and abnormalities, it does not generally involve the evaluation of how those cells work together within the structural framework of a larger tissue.

This distinction is crucial in diagnostic processes, as the understanding of cell relationships within tissues (histopathology) can sometimes reveal information about disease processes that individual cell assessments (cytology) may not uncover.