[Modelling of the 3-dimensional structure of the epithelia, constructed of bi-, tri and tetracellular modules]

A new approach for studying 3-dimensional histoarchitectonics of cellular layers is suggested. It is based on (1) development of theoretical concepts on module structure of tissues; (2) working out topological and geometrical models of tissue structure and; (3) their experimental testing using this approach. Spatial organization of certain stratified and pseudostratified epithelia was analysed and it was shown that their topology may be principally calculated. Such previously unknown characteristics of epithelia as translation symmetry and structure stoichiometry were described. This approach was shown to add to concept system of histology, reveal regularities of tissue spatial organisation and prognostic factors for their developmental changes. Cellular layers were shown to consist of a relatively small number of standard fragments (slices)--alone and arranged in different combinations thus providing a certain quantity of types of spatial organisations that is amenable to calculation.