Histology and Cell Biology: An Introduction to Pathology 5th Edition

Book Preface

The fifth edition of Histology and Cell Biology: An Introduction to Pathology contains substantial revisions and additions. They strengthen the visual approach to learning histology within the context of cell biology and pathology introduced in the previous editions. New in the fifth edition are a number of Primers included in most chapters. Each Primer transmits information about a specific topic in a concise and visual format to transcend concepts and stimulate further exploration. The convergence of histology–cell biology–pathology intends to prepare medical students for the forthcoming learning of pathophysiology and clinical medicine. The practice of medicine changes relentlessly as new knowledge emerges. 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. The convergence of histology, cell biology and pathology promotes unity in diversity. Diversity leads to the transforming power of new knowledge. 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 fifth edition consists of six parts, bringing together histology, cell biology and general pathology within the context of the basic tissues and organ systems. Chapter 3, Cell Signaling | Cell Biology | Pathology, 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 the increasing impact of molecular biology in the practice of medicine.

New in this edition is the use of a light green background to identify in each chapter sections presenting essential concepts of histology. A number of teachers may find this offering useful as a starting point for further learning. The expectation is that the additional material could stir curiosity to unfold the indispensable complement of fragmented knowledge. 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 succinct text; in others they add new information complementing or extending the text. Several boxes dispersed in all chapters introduce students to clinical and pathological conditions and to 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 review and integrate when the time of in-course and board examinations arrives. Students may find the online animation version of Concept Mappings convenient for group interaction, transforming the passivity of learning into a dynamic and collective activity. Activity inspired by a new mode of communication, depending not only on content but also the integrative vision and shared values of the information.

There are many people to be acknowledged and thanked. We are grateful for the numerous suggestions, comments and encouragements from faculty and students. We thank publishers who made available to faculty and students the Chinese, French, Greek, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish editions. We thank the British Medical Association for awarding the First Prize in Basic and Medical Sciences to the second edition. Our special appreciation goes to Alexandra Mortimer, Ann Ruzycka Anderson and Daniel Fitzgerald in London, New York and St. Louis offices for their magnificent effort in making sure that the fifth edition met high publishing standards.

Abraham L. Kierszenbaum | Laura L. Tres