What is the study of the cells and tissues of plants and animals?

The story behind the answer

Histology is the microscopic study of tissues and their cells in both plants and animals, revealing how structure supports function. It’s often called “microscopic anatomy” because it looks beyond what the naked eye can see to the organization of epithelial, muscular, nervous, and connective tissues, as well as plant tissues like xylem and phloem.

Histology relies on staining (e.g., H&E) and microscopy, and it’s essential in pathology for diagnosing diseases such as cancer. Etymology helps: “histo-” means tissue and “-logy” means study—think “Histo = tissue.” By contrast, anatomy focuses on gross structures, microbiology studies microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi), and biochemistry examines the chemical processes of life. Remember: histology bridges cell structure and tissue function across the living world.