American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What is the study of cells, including their formation, structure, and function, called?

1. Anatomy

2. Pathology

3. Cytology

4. Histology

The correct answer is: Cytology

Cytology is the study of cells, which encompasses their formation, structure, and function. This branch of biology focuses on understanding individual cells, their physiological properties, their interactions with other cells, and their roles in various biological processes. By examining both healthy and diseased cells, cytology plays a crucial role in medical diagnostics, particularly in identifying conditions such as cancer through various sampling methods such as pap smears or fine-needle aspirations. Anatomy, on the other hand, pertains to the structure of living organisms and how those structures are organized in relation to each other, covering a broader spectrum than just cells. Pathology examines the causes and effects of diseases, focusing more on tissues and organs rather than the cellular level itself. Histology involves the study of tissues, specifically the microscopic structure of tissues within organs, which, while related, is distinct from the primary focus of cytology on individual cells.