Histology and Cell Biology: An Introduction to Pathology 4th Edition

Book Preface

The fourth edition of Histology and Cell Biology: An Introduction to Pathology contains revisions and additions that strengthen the visual approach to learning histology within the context of cell biology and pathology introduced in the previous editions. New in the fourth edition are a greater emphasis on pathology topics and the online audiovisual version of the histology-oriented Concept Mappings. The combined histology–cell biology–pathology approach intends to prepare medical students for the forthcoming learning of pathophysiology and clinical medicine. The practice of medicine changes relentlessly as new knowledge becomes known. Future physicians can find in this book the basis for continuing education to better help their patients by constantly integrating basic and clinical sciences. The visual approach presented in this book emerged from many years of practicing pathology and teaching cell biology, histology, and pathology to medical students. Through the years, it became clear the need to communicate and reinforce relevant concepts of histology and pathology to be mastered under increasing time constraints resulting from changes in the basic science curriculum in most medical schools. The focal point of the teaching approach is to provide medical students with an integrated method wherein the learning of normal structure and pathologic conditions can reinforce each other. The cell biology and pathology components, although not complete, provide the necessary foundation for further learning and integration with medical sciences. Pathology students and residents may find this book useful for refreshing basic concepts of histology and cell biology. Histology and pathology are visually oriented sciences, and the visual cues included in this book can facilitate interpretation opportunities in clinical practice.

Similar to the previous editions, the fourth edition consists of six parts. Part I brings together histology, cell biology, and general pathology within the context of the basic tissues. Chapter 3, Cell Signaling, is an uncommon section in a histology book. It serves to unify the concept that the study of tissues and organs cannot be separated from molecular biology and general pathology. Parts II through VI present several organ systems grouped by their most relevant function for the purpose of integration. Instructors and students may find the grouping of organs useful for teaching and learning. Teachers may find the material beneficial for delivering a lecture using the same or a different presentation sequence. In Part VI, Organ Systems: The Reproductive System, the chapter headings depart from the traditional designation to emphasize prominent functions. All the information is presented in a clear, concise, and student-friendly manner using color graphics and photographs that are meant to be studied. In some cases the graphics reiterate the concise text; in others they add new information complementing or extending the text. Several boxes dispersed in most of the chapters introduce students to clinical and pathologic conditions based on recent and evolving molecular and biochemical knowledge.

Most chapters include one or more Concept Mappings. Each Concept Mapping provides a basic framework of interconnected concepts arranged in a hierarchical form leading to integration and critical thinking. Concept Mapping and Essential Concepts highlight key issues to remember, correlate, and extend in forthcoming courses during medical education. Students may find the new online audiovisual version of Concept Mappings convenient for reviewing and integrating the material when the time of in-course and board examinations arrives.

There are many people to be acknowledged and thanked. We are grateful for the numerous suggestions, comments, and encouragements from faculty and students. All of them provided valuable feedback to make the message clearer and more consistent. We also thank publishers who made available to students the Chinese, French, Greek, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Turkish editions. Our special appreciation goes to the production team of Elsevier in the Philadelphia and St. Louis offices for their magnificent effort in making sure that the fourth edition met high publishing standards.

Abraham L. Kierszenbaum and Laura L. Tres