Introduction

Cytology, the study of cells as fundamental

units of living things. The earliest phase of
cytology began with the English scientist Robert
Hookes microscopic investigations of cork in
1665. He observed dead cork cells and
introduced the term cell to describe them. In
the 19th century two Germans, the
botanist Matthias Schleiden (in 1838) and the
biologist Theodor Schwann (in 1839), were
among the first to clearly state that cells are the
fundamental particles of both plants and
animals.
This pronouncementthe cell theorywas amply
confirmed and elaborated by a series of
discoveries and interpretations. In 1892 the
German embryologist and anatomist Oscar
Hertwig suggested that organismic processes
are reflections of cellular processes; he thus
established cytology as a separate branch of
biology.
 Cytology
Introduction

Cytology : study of the structure and

function of cells.

Cytoplasm : area of space outside the

nucleus; contains the organelles & cytosol.

Organelles are tiny structures in the

cytoplasm which perform various jobs for
the cell.
Cytosol is the fluid part of the cytoplasm.
Prokaryotic Cells
They lack a nuclear
membrane as well any
other membrane
covered organelles in
their cytoplasm.

Considered to be
Primitive Cells

Example : Bacteria &

Blue-Green Algae
Eukaryotic Cells
They possess a
nuclear membrane
as well as
membrane bound
organelles in their
cytoplasm.

Example : Plant &

Animal Cells
 The Nucleus
is the computer or control center of the
cell.
discovered by James Watson, Francis
Crick, & Rosalind Franklin (1953).
contains the genetic material of life
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid).
a DNA molecule consists of
nucleotides connected together.
 Nucleotide
A nucleotide consists of a :
1. Phosphate group
2. Deoxyribose sugar
3. Nitrogen base: 4 types
Adenine (A)
Thymine (T)
Cytosine (C)
Guanine (G)

DNA consists of two nucleotide

chains connected together.

A & T always pair up, while

C & G do the same.
 Nucleolus / Nucleoli (plural) : a dark
spherical structure that is the site of
ribosome formation.

Ribosomes and other important

chemical messages leave the nucleus
through the Nuclear Pores. The
membrane around the nucleus is called
the Nuclear Membrane or Envelope.
 Mitochondrion
Mitochondria (plural) : is a membrane
bound oval shaped organelle that
function as the cells power plant.
Creates the energy rich molecule called
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).
ATP is created through a process
called Cellular Respiration which
requires oxygen and therefore is an
Aerobic process
 Animal Cell
Smooth endoplasmic
Nucleolus reticulum
Nucleus

Ribosome (free)
Nuclear envelope

Cell membrane
Rough
endoplasmic
reticulum
Ribosome
(attached)

Centrioles Golgi
apparatus

Mitochondrion
 Whats The Difference?
Animal Cell Plant Cell
Possess a cell wall
Do not have a cell wall
made of cellulose
Do not have plastids Possess plastids like
like chloroplasts chloroplasts
Possess centrioles No centrioles but can
used in cell division still do cell division
Possess small Possess large vacuole
vacuoles 90% of cells volume
Round to irregular in Rectangular in shape
shape due to cell wall
 Health safety SPECIMEN TRANSPORT
All unfixed Cytology cell samples will begin to
degenerate from the moment of collection, thereby
rendering them difficult to interpret and potentially
unsuitable for diagnostic purposes. In the interests of
the patient, it is advisable that they be transported to
the laboratory for processing as soon as is possible to
minimise autolysis and promote accurate and timely
reporting. To facilitate this, specimens must arrive in the
laboratory correctly labelled and packaged and
accompanied by an appropriate request form completed
with the minimum data set and all relevant patient and
clinical details.
Ensure high risk samples are clearly labelled with bio-
hazard warning stickers.
All samples sent to the laboratory should be packed so as to comply
with the Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Classification, Packaging and
Labelling) Regulations 1996 General Guidance
Use containers provided by Laboratory Medicine. These are designed
to be robust and avoid leakage with normal use.Ensure that the
container is appropriate for the purpose, is tightly closed prior to
transport and not contaminated on the outside. After labelling, the
samples should be placed in individual plastic transport bags. They
must be sealed securely using the zip fastener without the use of
clips or staples.
Place the corresponding sample request form in the integral side
pocket of the transport bag, thereby keeping it separate from the
sample to avoid the potential for contamination in the event of the
sample leaking during transport.
Samples may be sent to the Laboratory in the following ways:
 ON-SITE TRANSPORT
Specifically designed, fit-for-purpose, specimen transport boxes are
used to transport samples within the Trust, by an on-site portering
service to Laboratory Medicine Central Reception and from there they
are delivered to Cytology by Laboratory Medicine Reception staff.
If a spillage occurs and is not contained within the specimen transport
carrier please ring Pathology Reception using the number provided on
the side of the box (0121 424 2252) and assistance will be provided. Do
not leave a spill unattended.
 OFF-SITE ARRANGEMENTS
There is a daily courier pick-up system, provided by the Trust for
General Practitioners (UK Mail couriers Tel: 0121 335 1169)
Assistance for dealing with spillage can be obtained by phoning the
numbers on the transport carriers 0121 424 2252
There is a Hospital transport system linking the laboratory to other
hospitals and clinics Trust wide.
Specimens from Solihull Hospital (SOL) or Good Hope Hospital (GHH)
wards and departments must be sent to their respective Pathology
Reception for transportation to the Birmingham Heartlands Hospital
(BHH) site.
Transport between SOL, BHH and GHH is provided by a regular inter-
site shuttle service with the support of a hospital courier van to
provide additional backup and increased transport capacity as and
when the need arises. The shuttle bus timetable is available on the
Trust intranet using the alphabetical search facility.