9. Histologic features in detail. (Capsule, surface, parenchyma, stroma, vessels, etc.)
10. General and localized pathologic conditions.
For the hollow viscera and body-cavities the following points should be systematically noted in addition:
1. Size and shape of cavity.
2. Free gas or air?
3. Fluid or solid contents? (Amount, odor, color, cloudiness, consistency, precipitation or separation on standing, presence of blood, fibrin, pus, parasites, etc.)
4. Condition of wall of cavity (serosa or mucosa).
1. Location and Relation. The organs and parts should be located according to the landmarks of regional anatomy. Brain-lesions may be charted upon the printed outline sheets of the different parts of the brain. Similar outline sheets may also be used for other parts of the body.
2. Size and Weight. The exact weights and measurements should be given in the metric terms. Organs should be weighed and measured after the removal of other tissue in which they may be imbedded (fatty capsule of kidney, etc.) or to which they are attached (diaphragm from liver, blood-vessels from heart, etc.). The volume of the organ may be estimated by putting it into a graduated vessel containing water and noting the amount of displacement. In the absence of facilities or the time necessary to take weights and measurements an approximate estimate of size and bulk may be given by comparisons with well-known objects, such as peas, mustard-seed, pepper-corns, walnuts, apple, hen’s egg, etc., but such terms are only relative and not accurate, and their use should be avoided as much as possible. That the weight and measurements of any given organ fall within normal limits cannot be taken as evidence that the organ is normal. The judgment as to the size and weight of the organ must always be controlled by a consideration of the pathologic conditions present as to the exact factor in the increase or the loss of size or weight.
3. Shape. The organs should be removed with the least possible disturbance of shape. If it is not possible to do this, the shape of the organ should be noted as it lies within the body. A knowledge of the normal form of the organs must serve as the basis for judgment. Comparison of pathologic alterations in form with the shape of some familiar object is permissible (horse-shoe, hour-glass, shagreen, cauliflower, mushroom, coral, polypoid, hog-backed, etc.) Borders, contours, edges, external surfaces, etc., are rounded, sharp, flatter, thinner, saccular, lobulated, smooth, wrinkled, folded, villous, polypoid, granular, nodular, fissured, etc. All possible anomalies of form exist from the very slightest deviations up to the most marked distortions.