No, histology is not a biopsy; it is the study of the tissue sample obtained from a biopsy.
Histology and biopsy are related but distinct concepts. To clarify the difference, let's look at their definitions and relationship:
Biopsy vs. Histology
| Feature | Biopsy | Histology |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A procedure to remove a tissue sample from the body. | The study of tissues and cells under a microscope. |
| Purpose | To gather tissue for examination, often to detect diseases or abnormalities. | To analyze the tissue sample to identify cell structures, abnormalities, and diseases. |
| Process | Involves physical removal of tissue (e.g., surgical, needle biopsy). | Involves preparing, staining, and examining the tissue sample under a microscope. |
| Relationship | Provides the sample that is then studied in histology. | Analyzes the sample obtained through a biopsy. |
According to the reference, a biopsy is a procedure for gathering tissues, while histopathology (a branch of histology) is the study of the sample itself. Essentially, you need a biopsy to provide the material that is then analyzed using histological techniques.
