Organabschnitten

Organabschnitte are cross‑sectional or longitudinal divisions of a biological organ that are examined to reveal its internal structure, function, and pathological changes. In anatomy and histology, the term refers to specimens that have been sliced, typically with a microtome or a cryostat, to a thickness suitable for microscopic analysis. Such sections enable detailed observation of tissue layers, cellular organization, and vascular networks, providing essential information for both basic research and clinical diagnostics.

The practice dates back to the early nineteenth century, when advances in microscopy and fixation techniques allowed scientists to prepare thin slices of animal and plant organs. Pioneering work by figures such as Rudolf Virchow and Camillo Golgi established systematic methods for embedding, sectioning, and staining, laying the foundation for modern histopathology. Today, digital imaging and three‑dimensional reconstruction complement traditional organ sections, allowing virtual navigation through complex structures.

Techniques for preparing organabschnitte vary according to the material and intended analysis. Formalin‑fixed paraffin embedding (FFPE) remains common for preserving morphology, while frozen sections are used when rapid diagnosis is required, such as intra‑operative consultations. Special stains, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization can be applied to highlight specific proteins, nucleic acids, or extracellular components within the sections.

Organabschnitte are critical in diagnosing diseases, including cancer, inflammatory disorders, and degenerative conditions. They also serve as reference material in medical education, enabling students to correlate macroscopic anatomy with microscopic detail. In research, systematic sampling of organ sections supports quantitative morphometry, gene expression profiling, and the assessment of therapeutic interventions, thereby contributing to a comprehensive understanding of organ physiology and pathology.